More Dartmoor land restored as common 

Another piece of the Dartmoor National Park in Devon has been registered as common land.  Planning Inspector Nigel Farthing has granted the society’s application to register as common about 82.25 hectares of part of Ditsworthy Warren.  The land, which is about 2.5 kilometres east of Sheepstor, is grazed and uncultivated. In 1968, a tract of…

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We call on Plymouth Council to reject development on unique Wilmot Gardens 

We are deeply concerned that on 24 July Plymouth City Councillors are being recommended to approve the development of Wilmot Gardens, Crownhill.  The case officer, Mr Macauley Potter, is recommending approval with conditions of five houses on Wilmot Gardens, a 0.3-acre much-loved open space.  The 32-page report is here.  There are 49 objections. The council’s…

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Senedd saves unrecorded public paths 

We are delighted that the Senedd has repealed the 2026 cut-off date for public rights of way in Wales[1].  The Legislation (Procedure, Publication and Repeals) (Wales) Act 2025, which contains this provision[2], won royal assent on 10 July.    The Welsh Government had included these repeal provisions in a consultation draft of the Bill in 2022,…

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We mark our 160th anniversary 

On 19 July 1865, 160 years ago today, we were launched as the Commons Preservation Society.  Since then, we have saved countless commons, green spaces, and public paths for all to enjoy.  Our founders went on to form the National Trust in 1895, believing that the most effective way to save land was to own…

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Greta Wood in North Yorkshire restored as common land 

We are delighted that Greta Wood, which is situated immediately to the south-west of Burton in Lonsdale, has been registered as common land.  Planning inspector Claire Tregembo has granted the society’s application to register as common about 5.7 hectares of land known as Greta Wood.  The site is mainly wooded and is uncultivated.  In 1968…

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We celebrate Brent River Park on fiftieth anniversary

‘The Open Spaces Society warmly salutes the visionaries who founded the Brent River Park, and all who have made it the lovely space it is today.’  So said Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary, at the event, organised by the Brent River and Canal Society (BRCS), to mark the fiftieth anniversary of the Brent River Park’s…

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