The Open Spaces Society is the guardian of all commons in England and Wales.
We're here for all commons and for the people like you who want to enjoy them.
Saving our commons
Such is the recognition of our role, we are notified of all applications for works on, and exchanges of, common land.
One of the most famous commons we've ever saved is Wimbledon Common, but we're here for all commons and for the people like you who want to enjoy them.
The public has the right to walk on all registered commons, subject to certain restrictions, and on many commons there is also a right to ride.
Help us save our Common Land
Does your local common need protection?
Commons are very special because the land is unique. It is historical land, which has remained largely undisturbed through the centuries, a remnant of medieval times when people relied on commons for their survival.
It is land where the owners of nearby properties have rights to graze animals, collect wood and bracken or dig peat, for example. Those rights still exist, although are not exercised as they were in the past.
There are 1.3 million acres of common land in England and Wales, registered in over 9,000 separate units covering all types of landscape and habitat. A staggering 88 per cent of all commons in England have a national or international designation – for wildlife, landscape or archaeology.
How can you protect your local commons?
An effective way to protect a common that matters to you is to join the Open Spaces Society. Here are some examples of cases where we have given guidance to individual, group and local authority members.
As a charity, we depend on public donations to fund our vital campaigning and legal work.
As a member, you can count on the support of our expert team based at our head office in Henley-on-Thames.
Depending on where you live, you may also have a local Open Spaces Society correspondent (our name for volunteer) who may be able to help you.
Our latest posts about commons
Urban commons – Brighton conference update
Nicola Hodgson, will be speaking tomorrow at Brighton University at a one day conference on "methodologies for engagement and four urban commons". The day will bring together representatives, stakeholders and users of urban commons with experts in open space management and methods of public engagement. It is part of the " Wastes and Strays project" …
Blackbushe airport ruling could put many commons under threat
We are dismayed that a planning inspector has ruled that part of Yateley Common in Hampshire should lose its common-land status. Mr Alan Beckett was the inspector at the public inquiry in April into Blackbushe Airport Ltd's application to deregister nearly half a square kilometre of common land covering the airport. He has said that…
Consent refused for iron railings on Nottinghamshire common
We are delighted that the environment secretary has rejected a retrospective application for fencing on Hanging Hill Lane common, Normanton-on-Trent. The common is a long strip, consisting of Hanging Hill Lane and a broad verge on either side. The verge is used by walkers and for access to adjoining fields. The one-metre-high iron railings…
Land for the Many Report
The society welcomes the publication today of Land for the Many, a report commissioned by the Labour Party. The party will consider the proposals as part of its policy development ahead of the next general election. The report places land at the heart of political debate and discussion, and it proposes significant changes to land…
Further resources about Commons
Commons Act
The Commons Act 2006 is arranged in five parts: registration, management, works, miscellaneous, finally supplementary and general.
Common land training course
Our full-day training course will provides an introduction to commons and why they are important, including relevant legislation...
How to take action against unlawful encroachments and works
This information sheet tells you how to protect your common from unlawful encroachments and works in England.
Works on common land in Wales
A practical guide for those wishing to carry out a lawful operation on a common and those who want to defend a common against unlawful or undesirable operations in Wales.
A Common Purpose Guide
Download the Foundation for Common Land guidance on how to engage with local communities for those contemplating management on common land.
A commons' conference companion
The Countryside and Community Research Institute of Gloucester University (CCRI) has published a Commons e-book
DIY guide to registering lost commons
The Commons Act 2006 provides a new, time-limited, opportunity for you to rescue some of those commons which failed to be registered under the Commons
Works on common land in England
A practical guide for those wishing to carry out a lawful operation on a common and those who want to defend a common against unlawful or undesirable operations.
Commons Act 2006 Part 1 Implementation
A pioneer implementation of Part 1 of the Commons Act 2006 commenced in seven registration authorities in England on 1 October 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions: Commons
Frequently asked questions about commons
Unclaimed land and adverse possession
Unclaimed land and adverse possession: protecting commons and other open spaces with no known owner
Finding common ground
Integrating local and national interests on commons: guidance for assessing the community value of common land