The commons of Cookham Dean consist of various road verges, village greens, small parcels of woodland and a disused quarry. Made up of Cookham Dean Common, the Cricket Common, Bigfrith, Hardings Green and Tugwood Commons, collectively the commons of Cookham Dean do much to maintain the open aspect of the community.
The commons were originally part of the Royal Manor of Cookham, but these were sold off by the Crown in 1818 and passed into private ownership. In the 1920s, for fear that the common land would be enclosed, the Maidenhead and Cookham Commons Conservation Committee was established. This raised £2800 to buy the land, which was donated to the National Trust in 1934.
Cookham Dean Common
Cookham Dean Common is the largest continuous expanse of grassland within the commons of Cookham Dean. It is a public amenity and a sanctuary for people, animals and plants.
The principal car park for the commons of Cookham Dean is located here. Two alternative routes of the Cookham Bridleway Circuit also pass through the site, making Cookham Dean Common an excellent place from which to explore all of the nearby commons.