It is said to have remained largely unchanged for 800 years, and was the subject of a dispute when in 1597 the neighboring parish of Carleton Rode claimed part of the common which led to a map which records the settlement.

Much of the north side is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) with rare plants including green-winged orchids.

The Common Rights entitle their owners to graze 'a horse, mare or neat beast' (an animal of cloven hoof such as cattle).

Cattle became an important aspect of the region's farming economy after the decline of the wool and sheep trade in the 18th century.

By the mid 1960s the demand had fallen; the rightholders formed a group and have continued to let the rights privately to a grazier direct.