Greenham & Crookham Common

Greenham and Crookham heaths have long been 'common land' - areas of land open to the general public on which people who have 'commoners rights' may graze their animals, take gravel, cut turf and collect firewood.

In 1941 the land was taken by the Air Ministry to become an important military base, home to British squadrons and then the American Air Force. From 1980 the site became a central focus for anti-nuclear demonstrations as cruise missiles began to be stored here. During this period there was no public access to most of the Common.

In 1997 through a partnership of the Greenham Common Community Trust and the then Newbury District Council (now West Berkshire Council) the open areas of the former Greenham Airbase was acquired for public use and enjoyment. This area, owned by the Council, is part of Greenham and Crookham Commons and is a nationally important Site of Special Scientific Interest (for more information on SSSI's select the related link on this page) containing rare and fragile heathland birds, plants and animals. After decades of military occupation the Commons were officially reopened for public use on the 8^th of April 2000.

Now, the site is once more open to the public and is managed for wildlife and people by West Berkshire Council with the cooperation and support of the Greenham and Crookham Common Commission.

The Greenham and Crookham Commons Management Plan 2009-2014 is currently in preparation.

Photography courtesy of Phil Cottrell and Adrian Wallington.

► Enjoying Greenham and Crookham Common during the Bird Nesting Season