Designated for All
The concept of common land goes back centuries, it makes land free for public use and its something to be treasured. Although cattle grazing isn’t really for me I do really appreciate the freedom of walking through old woodland and exploring.
On this particular occasion the walk was through Hamble Common, it lead from woodland, down past an oil refinery right up to a wafer thin line of beach and then the sea. From there the common also covered the land right up to the river entrance and harbour and back up the river. I really recommend exploring Hamble if you live close.
07/17/2009
Areas of common lands in England and Wales are held in private ownership (individuals, National Trust, local authorities, MOD and other bodies). Many commons are subject to commoners’ rights and possibly the rights of others. The public have rights of access for recreational purposes on foot (horse riding is permitted on some commons). In most cases these rights came about since 2000 under statute. My Common Lands Handbook (IRRV) deals with access and unauthorised access.