Commoners' rights
The Greenham and Crookham Commons Act 2002 gives the Commission certain duties relating to commoners' rights. These include...
- Deciding on the maximum number of animals which should be grazed on the common each year
- Drawing up a set of regulations for the exercise of rights
- Maintaining a register of commoners and their common rights
- Maintaining a register of grazing rights rented out to third parties
If you occupy, or think you might occupy, a property with common rights you can use the Register page to check the details. If you are a commoner exercising or intending to exercise your common rights, please look at the Regulations page (but note, these regulations are not yet in force, they are awaiting approval from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra)".
From time to time commoners, graziers, conservation volunteers, contractors and others may be given permission to drive motor vehicles on the common. All such permissions are granted on the understanding that drivers will adhere to the code of practice set on the Vehicles page of this website.
Elections to the Commission
Any registered commoner is entitled to stand for election to the Commission, and each household or property with registered rights may cast one vote in elections. Nomination papers and voting papers are sent by WBC to the list of registered commoners in good time for the two-yearly election process. Nominations do not require a seconder or any qualification other than being a commoner.
Commission agenda items
If you live next to the common (whether or not your property has common rights) you can ask any Commssioner to raise an item on your behalf at a Commission meeting. Alternatively, you can e-mail the Clerk to the Commission.
Fencing
The owner or occupier of any property (whether or not it has common rights) adjoining the common is responsible for maintaining their boundary fence. Owners may be liable for damage caused by grazing animals escaping from the common via their property through an inadequately maintained boundary.