Nomansland Common

Nomansland Common is a large area of open common land in Hertfordshire, England, lying south of Harpenden and south-west of Wheathampstead, within reach of St Albans. Covering roughly 52 hectares of grassland, heath and woodland, it is a popular spot for a quiet countryside walk close to the city.

What is Nomansland Common?

The common is a mosaic of open grassy areas, patches of heathland and wooded edges. It is designated a County Wildlife Site and is managed by St Albans City & District Council. Ownership is shared between the Althorp estate and Wheathampstead Parish Council, and the land straddles two parishes, which fits its unusual name and history.

Where does the name come from?

The name goes back to the Middle Ages. Two powerful religious houses, the abbeys of St Albans and Westminster, each claimed the land as part of their own parish. Because neither side clearly held it, it became a kind of "no man's land". In 1429 an arrangement gave both abbeys grazing rights on the common, ending the dispute in practice.

How old is the use of the land?

Finds of flint axes suggest that people grazed or cleared the land thousands of years ago; the oldest finds are dated to around 4000 BC. The soil is poor, which made it unsuitable for farming and helped it remain open common rather than fields.

What is the history of the common in recent centuries?

In the 18th and 19th centuries the common had a darker reputation as a haunt of highwaymen. A gibbet stood at the top of the hill towards St Albans as a warning to thieves. In the 1820s and 1830s horse races were held here.

During the Second World War the common was drawn into the war effort. Field Marshal Montgomery reviewed troops here, and prisoners of war cleared scrub from the southern half so the land could be ploughed for crops. Yields were poor, and after the war the ground was re-seeded with grass.

What wildlife can you see?

The heathland north of Ferrers Lane ranks among the best in south Hertfordshire. It supports uncommon plants such as dwarf gorse and heather, which bloom in late summer. The surrounding woodland and grassland add habitat variety, making the common a good place for botanists and anyone who enjoys nature.

What can you do here?

Nomansland Common is used mainly for informal recreation:

• walking, including dog walking
• horse riding
• picnics on the open grass
• model aircraft flying

There is plenty of space to roam, so even on a sunny weekend it rarely feels crowded. Paths cross the grassland and run along the woodland edges.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Nomansland Common? In Hertfordshire, south of Harpenden and south-west of Wheathampstead, not far from St Albans.

Why is it called Nomansland? Because the abbeys of St Albans and Westminster both claimed the land in the 15th century, and no single owner clearly held it.

Is it a protected site? Yes, it is a County Wildlife Site, valued for its heathland habitat.

Who looks after it? St Albans City & District Council manages it. The land is shared between the Althorp estate and Wheathampstead Parish Council.

Is it good for a family outing? Yes. The open grass suits picnics and walks, and the varied history gives plenty to talk about on the way.

What is the best time to visit? Late summer, when the heather is in flower, though the common is pleasant in every season.