The common is an area of woodland and heath, crossed by bridleways and footpaths.

[3] Archaeological excavations have revealed pieces from the late-Neolithic period[4] and ditches, pits and post holes dating back to the Bronze Age.

[2][5] The name Hayes is recorded from 1177 as hoese from the Anglo-Saxon meaning "a settlement in open land overgrown with shrubs and rough bushes".

The common was used for centuries as a place where local people could collect firewood and graze cattle, and by the early nineteenth century it was the site of the Hays Fair, a popular day out for Londoners.

[2][6] During the Second World War there were eight anti-aircraft guns fitted there, four 4.5 guns on permanent bases and four mobile 3.7 guns[7] A 2-hectare (4.9-acre) area of shrub heath south east of the junction of Croydon Road and Baston Road forms part of the Keston and Hayes Commons Site of Special Scientific Interest.