Research projects on Common Land
Defra and others have commissioned a number of lines of research from
external contractors to underpin policy formulation and development and
to improve their evidence base. 
This page provides information on current and recently completed research projects.
Contested common land
A project focusing on the local management of common land since the 16th century, tracing governance mechanisms in the light of the changing legal context and changing perceptions of the value placed on common land.
Town and Village Green Research Project - 2006
In 2004, Defra commissioned some research aimed at improving its practical
evidence base on town and village greens, to improve understanding of
day-to-day issues involving the registration and management of greens
and inform any further policy development in this area.
The work was carried out by ADAS UK Ltd. The researchers undertook a comprehensive
review of the relevant literature and existing data on greens. They investigated
the procedures for applicants and registration uthorities involved in the registration
of new greens; looked at the different activities taking place on existing greens;
and considered the problems involved in the management of greens. ADAS completed
a number of in-depth case studies and interviews with registration authorities,
parish councils, the Open Spaces Society and other interested parties across
England and Wales.
A copy of the ADAS final report has now been published. It includes a very useful list of published literature on greens, a comprehensive report of the project findings, together with conclusions and recommendations.
Town
and Village Greens - Final Report 
[2.5
MB]
Open Spaces, Green Spaces Project
Open Spaces, Green Places is a project for Cumbria being supported by Friends of the Lake District, Cumbria County Council and The Heritage Lottery Fund. It is a project of two parts: the planning year and a 3-year action phase. Through this project they hope to equip and empower communities to positively manage their open green spaces. One of the things to be brought about by this project is digital maps of Village Greens and other open green spaces. For an example, click on the Village Greens link on the Cumbria County Council website.
Agricultural management of common land: existing practice (report: 2005)
Defra commissioned Land Use Consultants to provide a more detailed picture regarding the existence of organisations managing common land. The aim of the research was to provide information on the agricultural management of common land from examination of a sample of commons across England and Wales, in particular, how existing management associations operate, who is involved, communications, administration arrangements and problems encountered. For further information, including the final report, see:
The Common Lands of England - A Biological Survey 1988 - 2000
The Common Lands of England - A Biological Survey is an extensive research project, bringing together biological data on the registered common lands of England. For further information see:
Enabling the digitisation of commons registers report 2004
Defra commissioned the Geodata Institute of the University of Southampton to research options for enabling the digitisation of registers of common land held by commons registration authorities in order to create a complete digitised record of common land and town and village greens.
Feasibility study for an association of commons registration officers 2004
Defra commissioned Land Use Consultants to research the feasibility of the establishment of an association of commons registration officers, in order to improve delivery of existing and proposed common land legislation. [More information]
Feasibility study for an association of commons registration officers
South East Commons and their Conservation Management – Research commissioned by English Nature and the Countryside Agency 2005
South East commons are of value to people in many ways. The wildlife value of these commons is recognised by the fact that some 54% of south east Sites of Special Scientific Interests (SSSIs) are registered as common land. However, 27% of these SSSI commons were considered in 2003 to be in unfavourable condition to sustain the wildlife for which they are nationally important.
Concern over this has led to English Nature and the Countryside Agency to commission a study. For a copy of the report see:
English Heritage Research Urban Commons
Commons have been an important element in the mental concept and physical layout of English towns and cities since the Middle Ages. The were intensively used for many different activities, from agriculture to military training.
English Heritage commenced research into urban commons in early 2003. The research will comprise a small number of exemplary field investigations and detailed surveys carried out by English Heritage’s Landscape Investigation Team, which will be designed to illustrate the potential archaeological interest and importance of urban commons.
For more information see:
Page last modified:14 February 2008
Page published: 5 February 2003