What is Common Land?

There are around 550,000 hectares of registered common land in England and Wales – 4% of the total land area in England and Wales. For more details click on the following external links to the Defra website:

- Definition
- Facts and figures
- Research projects on Common Land   

Commons Act 2006

The Commons Act 2006 will protect our common land for current and future generations, and deliver real benefits in terms of sustainable farming, public access and biodiversity.  Click here to view further information on Defra’s website on the Commons Act.

- Commons Act

Management of Common Land

Many commons are still important for agriculture and serve the economic interest of farming communities. At present there is a lack of effective mechanisms for managing agricultural activity, in particular grazing, on commons. This can sometimes lead to severe over-grazing and consequent damage to the soil, vegetation and biodiversity. For further information on the management of common land click on the following Defra weblinks:

- Management of Common Land