The Common is owned and managed by the Monken Hadley Common Trust, which is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation registered by the Charity Commission on 31 May 2022 under number 119 9156. It became the owner on 2022 which was the day appointed by the Churchwardens pursuant to section 13 of the 2022 Act. All the other assets and liabilities of the Churchwardens in their role as a statutory corporation under the 1777 Act were also transferred to the Trust.
A fundamental objective of the legal changes is to preserve the Common from development. The primary objects of the Trust under section 3 of the 2022 Act and its constitution are (a) the preservation of the Common as a place for peaceful open air public recreation and enjoyment; and (b) the conservation, protection and improvement of the physical and natural environment of the Common for the benefit of the public, having regard to the requirements of good forestry and the desirability of conserving flora and fauna.
The constitution of the Trust is attached (here) and it is a membership charity open to all on payment of an annual fee. If you would like to join as a member, please visit the membership page. The Trust has seven trustees, who constitute the Board, and there are provisions for the retirement and appointment of trustees by the members. Annual returns are made to the Charity Commission and it is subject to all the legal provisions relating to charities. Once a year, usually in September or October, the members of the Trust hold their AGM at which they receive the accounts, the curators’ report & elect officers & new trustees.
The Trust has power to make regulations to govern the use of the Common and these must be approved by the Secretary of State under section 11 of the 2022 Act – please see the Regulation of the Common page. These regulations make provision that a person contravening the regulations is liable on summary conviction to payment of a fine so they must be observed. Commercial activities, including commercial dog walking, will require the written permission of the Trust. Careful thought has been given to these regulations with the objective that the Common is preserved and used for the benefit of the public in accordance with its objects.
Day to day management
The Trust appoints officers to undertake the management. The Curators are responsible for the day-to-day supervision and control, producing a management plan every five years. They supervise the group of volunteers who substantially undertake the maintenance of the Common.
The Secretary looks after legal and secretarial matters such as taking minutes of meetings, dealing with correspondence, fixing meetings and issues such as encroachments and unlawful disposal of waste on the Common. The Treasurer is responsible for financial matters and the Membership Secretary, in conjunction with the Secretary, is responsible for dealing with applications for membership, publicity and related matters.
For more information please contact us.
Volunteers
Anyone who wants to join us is more than welcome – we are actively looking for new recruits as there’s always plenty to do! By becoming part of the Monken Hadley Common Conservation Volunteers, you’ll play a key role in preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of this cherished local space. From maintaining pathways to managing woodlands, our volunteers ensure the common remains a vibrant haven for both wildlife and the community.
Our group has proudly taken over the vital conservation work previously undertaken by the Friends of Hadley Common. Building on their legacy, we continue to protect and enhance this much-loved area, ensuring it thrives for generations to come. This transition allows us to focus on practical tasks while maintaining the community spirit fostered by the Friends.
To join, you need to be “reasonably fit,” over 18, and live locally, ideally in areas like Hadley Wood, Cockfosters, East, New, or High Barnet. It’s a wonderful way to meet like-minded people, enjoy the outdoors, and make a tangible difference. Affiliated with The Conservation Volunteers (previously the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers), we connect with a wider network of conservation resources and expertise. For further information or to sign up, please visit the Volunteers page, or contact curator Roger De La Mare on 07484 844432 or at RogerDeLaMare@mhctrust.org.uk. Let’s work together to protect and enhance this beautiful common!
