The Open Spaces Society has been defending open spaces in England and Wales since 1865. Dragon’s teeth and the prevention of vehicular access to common land and town or village greens Introduction Three types of dragon’s teeth Specification Design suggestion Consent for works and exemptions Click to find out how to print this page This…

Do you want to shape the future of paths and open spaces? We need your help to keep our technical information, analysis & advice effective and up to date – your support means we can employ expert caseworkers. Become a member today This page is a revised version of Roadside Wastes by the late W…

Prioritisation The Open Spaces Society is a small organisation and we must use our limited resources to best effect in achieving our charitable objectives. We must therefore prioritise the cases in which we become involved. In considering whether and how to give support and assistance, we shall have regard to, inter alia: • Public benefit…

The Open Spaces Society has been defending open spaces in England and Wales since 1865. Do you want to shape the future of paths and open spaces? We need your help to keep our technical information, analysis & advice effective and up to date – your support means we can employ expert caseworkers. Become a…

Landowner statements and the threat to town and village greens In this page, we’ll explore landowner statements in England and Wales. You’ll find information about challenging threats to your local open space, and staying one step ahead of plans to restrict access. (Landowners can also deposit statements and lodge declarations intended to prevent the acquisition…

Town or village green registrations The Open Spaces Society has been defending open spaces in England and Wales since 1865. A history of successful town or village green registrations 2025 2024 2023 2022 2021 2020 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 Chadderton Field, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, registered 2011 I’m delighted to report that…

Law guiding the protection of village greens Law guiding the protection of Village Greens Town and village greens (TVGs) are protected by ancient legislation.  Under section 29 of the Commons Act 1876, together with section 12 of the Inclosure Act 1857, a person who encroaches on, or encloses, a town or village green or a…

Do you have a question about town and village greens? Here are answers to FAQ about: Registration Protection Encroachment Tree planting Enjoyment Maps as part of an application Registration How can I find out if my village green is registered? The register of town and village greens is held by your registration authority. In England,…

How to prepare your town or village green application for registration Want to register land as a town or village green? First check with your registration authority (county or unitary council) to see whether it is already registered. Pioneer areas If you live in Blackburn with Darwen, Cornwall, Devon, Herefordshire, Hertfordshire, Kent Lancashire, Cumbria or…

Let your love for open spaces live on with a gift in your will Keep us fighting to protect open spaces long into the future Bennett bequest Bennett bequest: organising our archives Having existed for more than 150 years the society has a massive archive.  Some is stored in the House of Lords and some…