Southampton Common is a large open space to the north of the city centre of Southampton, England. It is bounded by the districts of Shirley, Bassett, Highfield and Portswood. The area supports a large variety of wildlife, including one of the largest populations in Britain of the nationally rare great crested newt. The Common is used for a wide variety of community events, Flower Festival, Race for life Cancer Research UK and formerly ‘Power in the Park’ hosted by Power FM.
Southampton Common currently includes 365 acres (148 ha)[3] of woodland, parkland, rough grassland, ponds, wetlands, nature trails, a children’s play area, a model yachting lake, and a fishing lake.
The Hawthorns Urban Wildlife Centre at the southern end has been built on the former site of Southampton Zoo and the comprehensive displays document the natural history of the area; with interactive resources, educational facilities and information about local wildlife and environmental management. To the west, bordering on Hill Lane, is a historic cemetery that also includes many rare flora and fauna. Cemetery Lake is popular for birds.
