Further information

Until about 40 years ago, this part of the Common was open grassland with a few scattered gorse bushes. There were views from all sides. Now, trees and bushes have grown to maturity, and nearly half of the site is now unavailable for walking.

The site still has a natural appeal with an interesting difference between the area of open grassland and the enclosing thickets of blackthorn. Views towards the common from all sides are attractive, especially when the blackthorn is in flower.

Faden’s ‘Map of Norfolk’ shows that, in 1797, there was an area of common at Swardeston on the site of the present Common. By 1826, Bryant’s post-enclosure map shows the boundaries of Swardeston Common as more-or-less equivalent to those of today.

The exact history of the site is unknown until the middle of the 20th Century. Cattle up until about 40 years ago grazed the Common. All the roads around the Common were gated and within this large area the livestock were free roaming. They supplied small quantities of milk to the local area.

The site is well used by the local community for walking and informal recreation. Dog-walkers with their dogs can be seen on the site at all times of the day, there is also a formal play area and cricket pitch with associated pavilion that adds to the amenity value of this Common.