Common land - Revision history

Designing Buildings at 06:59, 28 January 2025

2025-01-28T06:59:04Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:59, 28 January 2025
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	The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.		The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.

−	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the ~~[https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents)~~ Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.	+	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.

	The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.		The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.

Designing Buildings at 06:58, 28 January 2025

2025-01-28T06:58:26Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 06:58, 28 January 2025
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	The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.		The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.

−	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 ~~(up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 January 2025~~]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.	+	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.

	The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.		The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.

Editor at 21:42, 27 January 2025

2025-01-27T21:42:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:42, 27 January 2025
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−	[[File:Meadow-~~5648849 100~~.jpg]]	+	[[File:Meadow-5648849_100.jpg\|link=File:Meadow-5648849_100.jpg]]

	The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.		The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.

	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 January 2025]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.		Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 January 2025]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.
−
−	Commons pre-date parliament, or even the monarchy, and are a legacy from times when land was mainly 'wild' and owner-less. The manorial system appointed owners but the peasantry kept their customary rights. The Commons Act of 1285, also known as 'the statute of Westminster the second', confirmed landowners' right to 'approve' common land - that is, to fence off surplus common land beyond what was required to meet the commoners' needs and turn it to more profitable agricultural use.

	The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.		The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.

	Variations include that they could live on the land for one year and that they could claim land around the one night house to the equivalent distance that they could throw an axe. The term originates from a time when there was increasing pressure on land from land enclosure, ownership and taxation coupled with rural housing shortages. Sometimes called keyhole tenure, the folklore persisted up to the 20th century and to stop such unlawful squatting on common land, the Erection of Cottages Act 1588 was introduced. For further information see the article Ty unnos		Variations include that they could live on the land for one year and that they could claim land around the one night house to the equivalent distance that they could throw an axe. The term originates from a time when there was increasing pressure on land from land enclosure, ownership and taxation coupled with rural housing shortages. Sometimes called keyhole tenure, the folklore persisted up to the 20th century and to stop such unlawful squatting on common land, the Erection of Cottages Act 1588 was introduced. For further information see the article Ty unnos
		+
		+	Commons pre-date parliament, or even the monarchy, and are a legacy from times when land was mainly 'wild' and owner-less. The manorial system appointed owners but the peasantry kept their customary rights. The Commons Act of 1285, also known as 'the statute of Westminster the second', confirmed landowners' right to 'approve' common land - that is, to fence off surplus common land beyond what was required to meet the commoners' needs and turn it to more profitable agricultural use.

	This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.		This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.
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	There are 396,800 hectares of common land in England and 175,000 hectares in Wales contained in around 8,675 separate commons. Common land represents 3% of England's area, and 12% of Wales.		There are 396,800 hectares of common land in England and 175,000 hectares in Wales contained in around 8,675 separate commons. Common land represents 3% of England's area, and 12% of Wales.

−	Common land is an important nature conservation asset. Almost all the commons in England and Wales support semi-natural vegetation. Much of this is of high nature conservation value reflected in the proportion of commons designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and under EU Directives. Around 55% of common land in England was (~~as of~~ 2006) designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and only 63% of this land was in favourable or recovering condition - much lower than the 73% average for all SSSI land in England.	+	Common land is an important nature conservation asset. Almost all the commons in England and Wales support semi-natural vegetation. Much of this is of high nature conservation value reflected in the proportion of commons designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and under EU Directives. Around 55% of common land in England was (in 2006) designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and only 63% of this land was in favourable or recovering condition - much lower than the 73% average for all SSSI land in England.

	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

Editor at 21:37, 27 January 2025

2025-01-27T21:37:30Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:37, 27 January 2025
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		+	[[File:Meadow-5648849 100.jpg]]
		+
	The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.		The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.

	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 January 2025]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.		Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 January 2025]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.
		+
		+	Commons pre-date parliament, or even the monarchy, and are a legacy from times when land was mainly 'wild' and owner-less. The manorial system appointed owners but the peasantry kept their customary rights. The Commons Act of 1285, also known as 'the statute of Westminster the second', confirmed landowners' right to 'approve' common land - that is, to fence off surplus common land beyond what was required to meet the commoners' needs and turn it to more profitable agricultural use.

	The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.		The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.

	Variations include that they could live on the land for one year and that they could claim land around the one night house to the equivalent distance that they could throw an axe. The term originates from a time when there was increasing pressure on land from land enclosure, ownership and taxation coupled with rural housing shortages. Sometimes called keyhole tenure, the folklore persisted up to the 20th century and to stop such unlawful squatting on common land, the Erection of Cottages Act 1588 was introduced. For further information see the article Ty unnos		Variations include that they could live on the land for one year and that they could claim land around the one night house to the equivalent distance that they could throw an axe. The term originates from a time when there was increasing pressure on land from land enclosure, ownership and taxation coupled with rural housing shortages. Sometimes called keyhole tenure, the folklore persisted up to the 20th century and to stop such unlawful squatting on common land, the Erection of Cottages Act 1588 was introduced. For further information see the article Ty unnos
−
−	Commons pre-date parliament, or even the monarchy, and are a legacy from times when land was mainly 'wild' and owner-less. The manorial system appointed owners but the peasantry kept their customary rights. The Commons Act of 1285, also known as 'the statute of Westminster the second', confirmed landowners' right to 'approve' common land - that is, to fence off surplus common land beyond what was required to meet the commoners' needs and turn it to more profitable agricultural use.

	This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.		This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.

Editor at 21:32, 27 January 2025

2025-01-27T21:32:20Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:32, 27 January 2025
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	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 January 2025]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.		Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 January 2025]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.

−	The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on. Variations include that they could live on the land for one year and that they could claim land around the one night house to the equivalent distance that they could throw an axe. The term originates from a time when there was increasing pressure on land from land enclosure, ownership and taxation coupled with rural housing shortages. Sometimes called keyhole tenure, the folklore persisted up to the 20th century and to stop such unlawful squatting on common land, the Erection of Cottages Act 1588 was introduced. For further information see the article Ty unnos	+	The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on.
		+
		+	Variations include that they could live on the land for one year and that they could claim land around the one night house to the equivalent distance that they could throw an axe. The term originates from a time when there was increasing pressure on land from land enclosure, ownership and taxation coupled with rural housing shortages. Sometimes called keyhole tenure, the folklore persisted up to the 20th century and to stop such unlawful squatting on common land, the Erection of Cottages Act 1588 was introduced. For further information see the article Ty unnos

	Commons pre-date parliament, or even the monarchy, and are a legacy from times when land was mainly 'wild' and owner-less. The manorial system appointed owners but the peasantry kept their customary rights. The Commons Act of 1285, also known as 'the statute of Westminster the second', confirmed landowners' right to 'approve' common land - that is, to fence off surplus common land beyond what was required to meet the commoners' needs and turn it to more profitable agricultural use.		Commons pre-date parliament, or even the monarchy, and are a legacy from times when land was mainly 'wild' and owner-less. The manorial system appointed owners but the peasantry kept their customary rights. The Commons Act of 1285, also known as 'the statute of Westminster the second', confirmed landowners' right to 'approve' common land - that is, to fence off surplus common land beyond what was required to meet the commoners' needs and turn it to more profitable agricultural use.
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	* Right of way.		* Right of way.
	* Right to access land.		* Right to access land.
		+	* Ty unnos.
	* Types of land.		* Types of land.
	* Village green registration.		* Village green registration.

Editor at 21:30, 27 January 2025

2025-01-27T21:30:54Z

Editor at 18:42, 19 March 2021

2021-03-19T18:42:53Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 18:42, 19 March 2021
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	= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =		= Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki =

		+	* Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992.
	* Brownfield land.		* Brownfield land.
	* Brownfield registers.		* Brownfield registers.

Designing Buildings at 11:09, 15 February 2021

2021-02-15T11:09:33Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 11:09, 15 February 2021
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	--[[User:Matthew_Chatfield\|Matthew_Chatfield]]		--[[User:Matthew_Chatfield\|Matthew_Chatfield]]

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:Other_legislation]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:Surrey_Hills_AONB]] [[Category:Other_legislation]]

63.245.58.133 at 23:45, 23 October 2020

2020-10-23T23:45:54Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:45, 23 October 2020
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	This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.		This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.

−	The Commons Act 2006 made some changes to the registration and management of commons ~~and niggers~~.	+	The Commons Act 2006 made some changes to the registration and management of commons.

	Common land is subject to 'rights of common', for example, the right to graze certain stock or the right to collect wood or turf. These rights belong to individuals (the 'commoners'), not to everyone. These individuals are often defined as living in certain properties, or in a certain area, e.g. a village or parish. Often the rights have died out, and a common has no commoners; or if the commoners exist they no longer exercise their rights. This does not stop the land from being a common.		Common land is subject to 'rights of common', for example, the right to graze certain stock or the right to collect wood or turf. These rights belong to individuals (the 'commoners'), not to everyone. These individuals are often defined as living in certain properties, or in a certain area, e.g. a village or parish. Often the rights have died out, and a common has no commoners; or if the commoners exist they no longer exercise their rights. This does not stop the land from being a common.

63.245.58.133 at 23:45, 23 October 2020

2020-10-23T23:45:12Z

← Older revision		Revision as of 23:45, 23 October 2020
Line 7:		Line 7:
	This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.		This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.

−	The Commons Act 2006 made some changes to the registration and management of commons.	+	The Commons Act 2006 made some changes to the registration and management of commons and niggers.

	Common land is subject to 'rights of common', for example, the right to graze certain stock or the right to collect wood or turf. These rights belong to individuals (the 'commoners'), not to everyone. These individuals are often defined as living in certain properties, or in a certain area, e.g. a village or parish. Often the rights have died out, and a common has no commoners; or if the commoners exist they no longer exercise their rights. This does not stop the land from being a common.		Common land is subject to 'rights of common', for example, the right to graze certain stock or the right to collect wood or turf. These rights belong to individuals (the 'commoners'), not to everyone. These individuals are often defined as living in certain properties, or in a certain area, e.g. a village or parish. Often the rights have died out, and a common has no commoners; or if the commoners exist they no longer exercise their rights. This does not stop the land from being a common.

← Older revision		Revision as of 21:30, 27 January 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.		The term 'common land' is sometimes used to refer to land in public ownership or to which everyone has access. However, this is incorrect. Land must be legally registered as a common to have such status.

−	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case (there is ~~now~~ a public right of access to nearly all common land under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000~~), it is not automatically so~~. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.	+	Another popular misconception is that any person has a right to enter common land. Although this is usually the case, it is not automatically so, though there is a public right of access to nearly all common land under the [https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2000/37/contents) Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (up to date with all changes known to be in force on or before 27 January 2025]. The laws as applied to common land are often the same as for any other piece of private land, other than for certain people who possess commoners’ rights. This is a complex and very locally-variable part of the law, and local advice should be sought about the exact status of the land and its users before using what might be common land.
		+
		+	The term common land is sometimes associated with the phrase Ty unnos or house in one-night. This refers to folklore, with some evidence of practice around the 1600's in Wales, as well as in England and other countries of rights associated with the construction of a house between sunset and sunrise on common land. It was believed that, if a person could build a house in one single night on common land, have the hearth fire lit in the morning, with smoke coming from the chimney, that they could claim the freehold of that land to live on. Variations include that they could live on the land for one year and that they could claim land around the one night house to the equivalent distance that they could throw an axe. The term originates from a time when there was increasing pressure on land from land enclosure, ownership and taxation coupled with rural housing shortages. Sometimes called keyhole tenure, the folklore persisted up to the 20th century and to stop such unlawful squatting on common land, the Erection of Cottages Act 1588 was introduced. For further information see the article Ty unnos

	Commons pre-date parliament, or even the monarchy, and are a legacy from times when land was mainly 'wild' and owner-less. The manorial system appointed owners but the peasantry kept their customary rights. The Commons Act of 1285, also known as 'the statute of Westminster the second', confirmed landowners' right to 'approve' common land - that is, to fence off surplus common land beyond what was required to meet the commoners' needs and turn it to more profitable agricultural use.		Commons pre-date parliament, or even the monarchy, and are a legacy from times when land was mainly 'wild' and owner-less. The manorial system appointed owners but the peasantry kept their customary rights. The Commons Act of 1285, also known as 'the statute of Westminster the second', confirmed landowners' right to 'approve' common land - that is, to fence off surplus common land beyond what was required to meet the commoners' needs and turn it to more profitable agricultural use.
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	This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.		This was a frequent source of conflict between landowners and commoners until the practice of approvement was finally regulated under the Law of Commons Amendment Act of 1893 (now abolished). By the mid-nineteenth century many common rights had been eradicated by enclosures but some do survive. The Commons Registration Act of 1965 attempted to record all common lands, owners and rights. Unfortunately, many failed to be registered at that time and disputes have arisen as a result. Some commons have become de-registered because of loopholes in the Act.

−	The Commons Act 2006 made some changes to the registration and management of commons.	+	The Commons Act 2006 made some changes to the registration and management of commons. Common land is subject to 'rights of common', for example, the right to graze certain stock or the right to collect wood or turf. These rights belong to individuals (the 'commoners'), not to everyone. These individuals are often defined as living in certain properties, or in a certain area, e.g. a village or parish. Often the rights have died out, and a common has no commoners; or if the commoners exist they no longer exercise their rights. This does not stop the land from being a common.
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−	Common land is subject to 'rights of common', for example, the right to graze certain stock or the right to collect wood or turf. These rights belong to individuals (the 'commoners'), not to everyone. These individuals are often defined as living in certain properties, or in a certain area, e.g. a village or parish. Often the rights have died out, and a common has no commoners; or if the commoners exist they no longer exercise their rights. This does not stop the land from being a common.	+

	All commons are registered. You can see the register of commons at the local county council, London borough, metropolitan district or other unitary authority office. National park authorities may also register commons. There are plenty of areas called commons which do not have common status - the name is not a good way to identify a common.		All commons are registered. You can see the register of commons at the local county council, London borough, metropolitan district or other unitary authority office. National park authorities may also register commons. There are plenty of areas called commons which do not have common status - the name is not a good way to identify a common.
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	Common land is an important nature conservation asset. Almost all the commons in England and Wales support semi-natural vegetation. Much of this is of high nature conservation value reflected in the proportion of commons designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and under EU Directives. Around 55% of common land in England was (as of 2006) designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and only 63% of this land was in favourable or recovering condition - much lower than the 73% average for all SSSI land in England.		Common land is an important nature conservation asset. Almost all the commons in England and Wales support semi-natural vegetation. Much of this is of high nature conservation value reflected in the proportion of commons designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and under EU Directives. Around 55% of common land in England was (as of 2006) designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), and only 63% of this land was in favourable or recovering condition - much lower than the 73% average for all SSSI land in England.

−	= Related articles on Designing Buildings ~~Wiki~~ =	+	= Related articles on Designing Buildings =

	* Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992.		* Access to Neighbouring Land Act 1992.
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	--[[User:Matthew_Chatfield\|Matthew_Chatfield]]		--[[User:Matthew_Chatfield\|Matthew_Chatfield]]

−	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:~~Surrey_Hills_AONB~~]] [[Category:~~Other_legislation~~]]	+	[[Category:DCN_Definition]] [[Category:DCN_Guidance]] [[Category:DCN_Legislation]] [[Category:History]] [[Category:Other_legislation]] [[Category:Surrey_Hills_AONB]]