Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Common Land Owned By Anyone?

Yes - Common Land always has an owner,  in this case all of the land that forms the Nettlebed and District Commons is privately owned.  The vast majority is owned by the Nettlebed Estate, although some areas (particularly Witheridge Hill Common) are owned by private individuals.  The general public has rights to access the land in accordance with the By Laws

Can I Build a New Driveway To My House Across Common Land?

New access ways to properties on the commons can only be created if an application including a plan has been approved by the owners and conservators. Permission if granted is dealt with by the Grant of a Deed of Easement.

Who Pays For Road Repairs On The Common?

Residents who use the road must cover the cost of any repairs. The Commons Conservators are volunteers who receive no payment for the work they do.  The commons do not generate any income, and any funds the Conservators receive are raised from donations from the Friends and contributions from SODC, Parish Councils and local charities.  The Conservator’s funds are used to pay for mowing, trimming vegetation and undertaking works that would historically have been undertaken by the grazing of animals on the commons by commoners.  Any residual funds, in years where they are available, cover ecological improvement works undertaken by volunteers and our Ecological Consultant.

Reinstatement shall maintain the rural appearance of the track and be in accordance with Conservators’ specifications. Prior approval of the material to be used must be sought from the Conservators but generally tracks are resurfaced with compacted grey scalping, with an underlying layer of compacted rubble or crushed concrete where needed, for example, in the deeper potholes. Please note that tarmac, paving slabs or pea shingle/gravel dressings are not permitted, even if these have been used previously.

Can I Trim Some Trees On Common Land That Shade My Property?

The trees belong to the Owner and cannot be cut without permission.  The Bye-Laws do not permit the cutting, felling or lopping of trees on common land.

My House / A House I an Interested in Buying Borders Commons Land.  What Are The Implications?

Common Land is protected against future development by Act of Parliament and as a result provides some of the most picturesque and ecologically diverse land in the area.  The work of the Conservators and Volunteers will ensure that Common land remains a wonderful visit and a fantastic place to live.  Although Local Residents perhaps do not derive such obvious benefit as did those with Commons Rights in days gone by when grazing land was at a premium, they are still the main beneficiaries of the Commons, given their amenity value and consequent contribution to property values. They are dominated by some glorious woodland, and are of ecological importance within Oxfordshire. Peppard Common and especially Kingwood Common support rare acidic heath land habitats and Nettlebed has one of the most important wetland sites in the county.

Will the Conservators Contribute to repairing potholes on my driveway?

The Commons Conservators are volunteers who receive no payment for the work they do.  The commons do not generate any income, and any funds the Conservators receive are raised from donations from the Friends and contributions from SODC, Parish Councils and local charities.  The Conservator’s funds are used to pay for mowing, trimming vegetation and undertaking works that would historically have been undertaken by the grazing of animals on the commons by commoners.  Any residual funds, in years where they are available, cover ecological improvement works undertaken by volunteers and our Ecological Consultant, Rod D'Ayala. Local residents tend to arrange for potholes to be repaired but any works must be carried out using material approved in writing by the Conservators.

Can I Carry Out Works on Common Land Outside My Property?

The digging of ditches, the building of embankments, the erection of buildings  walls or fencing of any kind, the placement of any objects on the Commons without the approval of the Owners and Conservators is forbidden.

Driving and Parking on Common Land ?

Under the Bylaws of the 1906 Act, it is an offense to drive a vehicle onto common land without authorisation from the Conservators.

Am I Allowed To Dump Garden Waste or anything else on Common ?

Disposal of garden and builder’s waste on the Commons is prohibited and could be reported as fly-tipping.

What Do I Do If I Need Utilities Connections To My Property?

Electricity, telephone, and broadband connections to residents’ properties shall be laid underground across Commons, and overhead connections installed only where excavation is either impractical or harmful to the natural environment. In all cases, the prior approval of the Landowners and Conservators is required.

The routing and laying of underground utilities (water, drainage, sewerage, and gas connections) on the Commons shall be agreed with the Landowners and Conservators in advance of the works being carried out.

Can I Put A Temporary Structure Like A Skip On The Common?

Prior permission of the Landowners and Conservators is required for the temporary siting of skips, structures and building materials on the Commons. Once removed, Commons shall be restored to its former condition.

Can I Cut The Verge On The Common Outside Of My Property?

All Commons grassland is managed by the Conservators; however, in some cases, residents choose to maintain verges and frontages to their properties. Please note that verges and frontages forming a part of the Commons should be maintained as common land and not domestic lawn. Accordingly, the preferred policy is for one cut per season after wildflowers have set and a finished cut level of around 100mm (4”) in height. A further cut can be undertaken at the end of the summer or in early autumn if needed.

Can I Plant A Tree On The Common?

Planting trees or shrubs on any part of the Commons is not permitted.

What About Trees That Look Diseased Or Unsafe?

The Landowners have regular tree safety inspections and deal with those that are considered to pose a risk.  If you are concerned about a tree, please report it to Holly Rosier, our Clerk.

If you have any other questions please do not hesitate to contact Holly Rosier:

clerk@nettlebed-commons.org