Commons are places where people traditionally had rights of pasture (herbage), peat digging (turbary), firewood gathering (estovers) and other activities essential to their way of life, and in many cases rights of access for relaxation and enjoyment.

Contrary to their name, they are often owned by one or more private individuals.  All commons listed here are places where you can wander freely.

Heath Common

A beautiful old Common near the Georgian village of Heath.

The village is designated a conservation area of outstanding architectural and historic interest.

The Common was saved from enclosure in the 1840s by the famous naturalist Charles Waterton, who wrote, "It is beautiful in nature's wildest charms". Today it is leased to Wakefield Council by the Heath Estate.

Horse Grazing Licenses

Only horse owners who hold licences, issued by the Council, will be granted approval for grazing on Council managed land. This is due to unacceptable increase in horse numbers overgrazing our Commons. Owners will be required to apply to Wakefield Council for a formal licence on an annual basis.   

• For more information about Horse Grazing Licences see 'Related Links'

Sharlston Common

The Common, near the village of Sharlston, belongs to the owners of Sharlston Hall, but is managed by the Countryside Service for the public to enjoy.

Now covered by wild grasses and gorse, it was once mined for coal out of small bell pits during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. Evidence of these early mine workings can be seen as mounds and hillocks and were given protection as a Scheduled Ancient Monument in 1998.

There is a small pond on the Common.

South Hiendley Common

Most of South Hiendley Common is not registered common land but is owned by the District Council, who allow open access.

This area is covered in wild grasses and gorse with some patches of heather. There is a small pond and bridge which was once part of an old pack horse route.

Other Commons

Other Commons managed by the Service include Kirkthorpe, Warmfield and Goosehill.

Stocksmoor Common is managed by the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust.