Events on the Commons

Beating the Bounds 12th October 2025

Beating the Bounds is an ancient custom, dating back to Anglo-Saxon times. It ensured the re-affirmation of civic boundaries of parishes and boroughs, and involved walking the boundary and touching or ‘beating’ the boundary stones. Nowadays, it can be used to re-affirm the boundaries of common land or village greens.

On Sunday 12^th October, come and ‘Beat the Bounds’ on Greenham & Crookham Common. Meet at the field gate near the Control Tower, off Burys Bank Road, Thatcham RG19 8BZ (What3Words address for the entrance to the car park is roses:fancy:during ) for a 3pm start.

The walk starts on gravel paths, but there will be some walking on grass, rough scrub, and there is gorse and bramble on the Commons, which we will try to avoid. The walk is not suitable for those with mobility problems. After finishing the walk we will return to the Control Tower for refreshments. The organisers accept no liability for accidental injury, walkers taking part do so at their own risk.

Park Run

The Newbury Parkrun takes place every Saturday at 9am on Greenham Common. Its free, but you will need to register the first time you run. Please access the Parkrun website for further information.

Birdwatching

The Newbury District Ornithological Club holds regular birdwatching events on Greenham and Crookham Commons. Please access the Club website for further information.

Greenham Common Control Tower

The Control Tower opened its doors in 2018 as a visitor centre and community hub. It holds events such as talks and also hosts a cafe run by volunteers. Heritage walks are being run during June to October 2024. Please access the Control Tower Events website for more information.

Greenham Common Walks

There are a number of walking maps for walkers wanting to walk on Greenham and Crookham Commons. Have a look on the Ordnance Survey Get Outside website, the GPS walking routes website, or the Saturday Walkers Club website for some suggestions.

Permission for Events on the Commons

All events organisers MUST obtain permission to hold the event from The Berks Bucks and Oxon Wildlife Trust. The Trust will provide a licence for the event, and advise on whether a risk assessment needs to be undertaken. Production companies looking to film on the Commons should contact the Trust’s media office on media@bbowt.org.uk . You may also require permission from the Commission, Natural England and Historic England, so ensure you leave sufficient time to seek permissions when making arrangements for the event – we would strongly advise that requests to hold major events are submitted to BBOWT with at least a three month window before the intended event date.