Hampshire County Council is the Commons Registration Authority for the county of Hampshire.

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.

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 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

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 Castle Avenue, 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 inspect the register in person or use our search service, which costs £47 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

Countryside Service
Castle Avenue, Winchester SO23 8UL.
tel. 08456 035636
email. countryside@hants.gov.uk

Information on making an application for registration of land as a town or village green from DEFRA and Open Spaces Society.

• Village Green Applications - Getting it Right
• Guidance notes
• Application form

• Association of Commons Registration Authorities User Evidence Questionnaire

Completed applications should be sent to

Countryside Service
Castle Avenue, Winchester SO23 8UL.
tel. 08456 035636
email. countryside@hants.gov.uk

• Current application 

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