Although owned and managed by people or organisations, they were traditionally used by others, known as ‘commoners’, with certain rights of access for activities like grazing sheep, or collecting firewood or minerals like chalk and clay.
Lambeth’s commons still have protected legal status but there are no longer any ‘rights of common’ attached to them. They are now managed for public recreation and enjoyment, such as sports, play and relaxation.
Metropolitan commons
Lambeth contains three areas of land designated as ‘Metropolitan Commons’ under various Acts of Parliament, including the Metropolitan Commons Act 1866. These are protected from inappropriate development, enclosure or certain changes of uses, and must be maintained as public open land for free access and enjoyment.
- Clapham Common – a very large common in the west of Lambeth. Although it straddles both the London Boroughs of Lambeth and Wandsworth, Lambeth Council owns and manages it. More information can be found at Clapham Common
- Streatham Common – a large common in the south of Lambeth, between Streatham, Crystal Palace and Norbury, which is owned by Lambeth Council. More information can be found at Streatham Common
- Tooting Common – a large area of open land mostly within the London Borough of Wandsworth, although some sections are found in Lambeth. More information can be found at Tooting Common
Rush Common
Rush Common is a designation attached to a number of areas of open land in Lambeth running between Brixton and Streatham. It has its own special Act of Parliament, and isn’t designated as a Metropolitan Common. More information can be found at Rush Common
Register of commons
Under the Commons Act 2006, Lambeth Council is required to keep a ‘register of commons’ which records any areas of common land within the borough. This includes Clapham and Streatham Commons, with further information to be provided for Tooting Common. There isn’t a register for Rush Common, as this is not covered by the Commons Act 2006.
Lambeth must allow members of the public to inspect and make copies of the commons register, and any records that relate to applications to change them. We can also provide official copies of the registers and certify them as true copies.
Although we can’t charge for inspections of the commons registers, we may charge for providing official copies. You can find out about these charges when you make an enquiry.
Contact Details for Further Enquiries
To enquire about Lambeth’s commons registers by email or post, including to inspect them or obtain copies, please contact us using the details below, using the heading ‘Common land’ in any messages or letters.
Lambeth's Commons Register Enquiry Form
To enquire about Lambeth’s commons registers by post, including to inspect them or obtain copies, please contact us using the details below, using the heading ‘Common land’ in any messages or letters.
Please make sure you provide a contact name, email address, telephone contact number and postal address, and any additional details as to your request, e.g. to inspect, or obtain copies of, the commons registers, etc.
Email: parks@lambeth.gov.uk
Post: Lambeth Parks & Open Spaces, London Borough of Lambeth, PO Box 80771,London, SW2 9QQ