Commons comprise 30% of the rough grazing in England and Wales and represent those areas which have not been legally enclosed and which have been used communally since time immemorial.

Unenclosed commons embrace some of the most beautiful and fragile elements in the uplands of England and Wales and are of paramount importance to the wider public for access, recreation, clean water, biodiversity and carbon storage amongst others. However common land is also the workplace of many hill farmers, tending their livestock through traditional husbandry practices. In turn, a traditional and naturally reared product can be provided for the consumer, a vital part of making a living under challenging conditions.

It is the obvious paradox that, to have the appearance of a wild landscape, the upland commons have been strictly regulated and farmed for over 450 years. In earlier times, the regulation of the commons was largely effected through Manorial Courts, the lowest and most devolved level of court with legal jurisdiction. The customs of the community were enforced by a jury of fellow commoners under the administration of the steward of the lord of the manor, thus providing the basis for sustainable management.