Commons Registration
Hampshire County Council is the Commons Registration Authority for the county of Hampshire. This function will be undertaken by the Countryside Service with effect from 1 June 2008.
We compile, maintain and, if appropriate, amend the registers of commons and town and village greens.
We do not normally become involved in the management of commons or the enforcement or protection of rights of common, unless we happen also to be the owners of those commons, or manage them by agreement.
Until we are able to present the information online, the only way to check whether land is registered as a common or town or village green is to inspect the original registers held at Mottisfont Court, Winchester.
A question about commons is included in Part II of Form Con 29 which can be used if you are buying land. Alternatively you can use our search service. Our administration costs are £42.50 for a search taking up to an hour to complete. Include a map showing the area of land in which you are interested and a cheque payable to 'Hampshire County Council'.
Please apply to
Commons Registration Team
Second Floor, Mottisfont Court,
High Street, Winchester SO23 8ZF
Completed applications should be sent to
Commons Registration Team
Second Floor, Mottisfont Court,
High Street, Winchester SO23 8ZF
Public access to registered commons
Contrary to popular belief, there was no historic public right of access to common land. However, the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 now allows a public right of access on foot over most registered commons. More information about access to open country.
Commons enquiries
Commons owned or managed by Hampshire County Council
Hampshire County Council has no obligation to enforce the proper management of commons or become involved in disputes concerning them.
However, the following commons (or parts of them) are owned or managed by us. Any queries about management of these commons may be directed to
- Bramshill Common, Broxhead Common, Shortheath Common, Yateley Common
tel 01256 840483 - Hyde, Gorley, Rockford and Ibsley Commons, Martin Down
tel 01590 674656 - Rye and Hillside Commons tel 01256 840483
- Silchester Common tel 01962 846587
Commons in the New Forest
- Managed by the Verderers.
Archives | Arts | Community | Countryside | Cycling | Discover Hampshire | Hampshire Learning | Libraries | Museums | Outdoor Centres | River Hamble | Sport | Walking