Village Life
Car Colston Common
Car Colston is unusual in having not one but two historic village commons, known as the Large Common and Little Common. Together they form a defining part of the village landscape and have been at the heart of village life for more than 400 years.
The Large Common covers approximately 16½ acres and is the largest area of common land in Nottinghamshire, while the Little Common covers around 5½ acres at the opposite end of the village.
The open greens, mature trees and surrounding historic buildings give Car Colston much of its distinctive rural character.
Parking in Car Colston
Visitors to Car Colston should not park or drive on the grass or grassy areas of the Common.
The designated parking area for visitors is the Royal Oak pub car park, which is available for parking in connection with visits to the Common.
Please park considerately and avoid blocking entrances, gateways or access for residents, farm vehicles and emergency services.
More than 400 years of history
The Commons date back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I.
In 1598, when the medieval fields surrounding Car Colston were enclosed, the village landowners agreed that these two areas should remain open. They were set aside so that local cottagers could continue to graze their horses, cows and geese.
Historically, gates were placed across the roads leading into the village between May and November to prevent grazing animals from wandering away.
The gates themselves have long since been removed, although posts associated with the old entrances remain as reminders of how the Commons were once managed.
Common rights today
The tradition is not simply part of Car Colston's history. Grazing rights still exist and are exercised today.
Common land is different from an ordinary public green. Certain properties have historic rights attached to them which allow their owners or occupiers to use the land in particular ways, traditionally including grazing livestock. Car Colston's Commons are registered common land and the rights associated with them continue to be managed locally.
This continuing relationship between the village, its homes and the land is one of the reasons the Commons are such an important part of Car Colston's character.
Please help us look after the Common
Car Colston Common is a beautiful and historic part of the village and is still used for grazing livestock. Visitors are very welcome to enjoy it, but we ask everyone to help protect the land, animals and surrounding homes.
Please do
Enjoy the Common on foot and explore beyond the public footpaths.
Keep dogs under close control.
Keep dogs on leads when livestock are grazing.
Pick up after your dog.
Give grazing animals plenty of space and avoid disturbing or feeding them.
Take all litter home with you.
Be considerate of residents whose homes border the Common.
Please don't
Do not park or drive vehicles on the grass or grassy areas of the Common.
Do not ride bicycles or horses across the Common unless you are using a designated bridleway.
Do not camp or stay overnight.
Do not light fires or barbecues.
Do not use metal detectors.
Do not disturb livestock, wildlife or nesting birds.
The Common is a working historic landscape as well as a place for everyone to enjoy.
Please help us keep it safe and beautiful for the village, its livestock and future generations.
A Landscape at the Centre of the Village
The Large Common creates the wide, open landscape for which Car Colston is particularly well known. From around the Commons there are views out across the surrounding Nottinghamshire countryside, including towards the Kneeton Hills and, in clear conditions, towards Belvoir Castle.
The landscape around the village also contains surviving evidence of its much older agricultural history, including areas of medieval ridge and furrow.
Car Colston itself has an exceptionally long history. Evidence of occupation extends back to the Bronze Age and remains of a Roman villa survive close to the village. The settlement was recorded as Colestone in the Domesday Book of 1086.
The two Commons have survived while the village has developed around them for more than four centuries. Today they remain both a practical piece of Car Colston's rural heritage and a beautiful shared landscape enjoyed by residents and visitors alike.
Their open character, historic grazing rights and relationship with the cottages, church and surrounding countryside are also central to Car Colston's designation as a Conservation Area.