Common land represents an extremely useful resource in terms of wildlife and biodiversity value. Restrictive laws which prevent unsuitable development afford common land a degree of protection which is rarely seen in other forms of land use. It is not surprising therefore more than three-quarters of the national parks and areas of outstanding natural beauty in England and Wales also contain areas of common land.

In cases where owners of common land can not be traced the local registration authority has power prevent unlawful activity (e.g. building, fencing, etc.). However current legislation places no duty on a local authority to positively manage the land and as a result many ownerless commons in Carmarthenshire have suffered due to lack proper management. The Carmarthenshire commons project aims to change all that!!!

The authority is currently undertaking a review of all ownerless commons in Carmarthenshire, the aim of the project is to identify those commons which would most benefit form positive management and then work to ensure suitable management actually takes place.

The starting point for the project is Mynydd Crugmelyn common which is one of only a handful of raised peat bogs in Carmarthenshire. Although the vegetation structure has been greatly affected by burning and most of the mire surface is currently very dry, happily there are some good patches of bog vegetation which should spread with the correct management. The authority is currently hoping to raise the water level by blocking the main outfall ditch and then subsequently assess the need for further damming work. Also it is hoped to negotiate a suitable summer grazing programme on the site.

The programme is still very much in its infancy however we shall keep you updated on any future developments so watch this space!!