Nettlebed Common is registered as covering 162 hectares and this includes Lower Common Wood and Highmoor Common to the south of the village. This page looks at the traditional Nettlebed Common which is one of the six commons managed by the Nettlebed and District Commons Conservators. The 55 hectare common is located immediately to the north of Nettlebed village and as such is a popular site for dog walking, sports such as cricket and other forms of recreation.
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| Enjoying: |
As with other Nettlebed and District commons, the mix of terrain and a good public path network make the common a great place for walkers. Paths to the woods south and east of the village will be particularly worth exploring. There is a cricket pitch on the common and other open, grassy areas lend themselves well to a range of activities. Horse riders can enjoy the common by using the bridleways that cross it.
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| Features: |
The Nettlebed commons are protected by their own Act of Parliament from 1906 and this was the time that saw local brick making start to decline. The clay and sand deposits on the common made this an important brick and tile making location for many centuries. Records show tiles being supplied to Wallingford Castle in 1365 and in the 19th century, dozens of people were employed in brickmaking on the common. Production ceased in 1927 but pits and a surviving kiln remind us of the historic value of Nettlebed. As with many other commons, Nettlebed was also used for grazing and wood collection and it was this activity which helped improve its wildlife value.
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| Map: |
download nettlebed common map |
| Access information: |
Easy parking and close proximity to a main road make this an easy common to find and there are nearby pubs and a café / restaurant for refreshment. Some of the trails and paths can be used by people with mobility restrictions as can the open grassy areas. This is particularly true of the drier months when underfoot conditions are better. Contact the BBOWT office at Warburg reserve for further information.
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The Nettlebed and District Commons Conservators are planning a new project which will affect all of the local commons including Nettlebed. This project could bring new money to manage and improve the common and more information will be posted as it develops.
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