Harpenden Common is one of the town’s defining features: 94 hectares (233 acres) of open grassland, heathland, woodland, meadows and ponds stretching along the south side of Harpenden. It is managed by Harpenden Town Council, has held a Green Flag Award since 2007 and is designated a County Wildlife Site.
A living landscape
Like most English commons, it has medieval roots as land owned by the lord of the manor but used by local people to graze animals and gather firewood. Its boundary today is very similar to the one mapped in 1838. The Common was later held by the Lawes family, and in the 1930s Harpenden Urban District Council acquired large parts of it for the town.
More than 400 species of plants and animals have been recorded here. The acid grassland and heathland are carefully managed to keep their special character, much of the woodland is oak, and Southdown Ponds provide a refuge for waterfowl, amphibians and nesting birds.
Things to do
- Walking, with enough paths to fill two to three hours
- Cycling and horse riding on designated routes
- Picnics, football and cricket
- Harpenden Common Golf Club at the southern end
- Annual events, including Classics on the Common and Carols on the Common
There is a car park on the Common, and it is within walking distance of the town centre and Harpenden station. Check the Town Council’s Common byelaws for rules on activities.
