In all cases dogs should be kept under close control to avoid disturbance to ground nesting birds and grazing animals, especially sheep during lambing time. A. Bikes can only be ridden where public bridlepaths cross a common or elsewhere in agreement with the owner. Horse riding may be legal on some commons where there is right of access for the public. Use by local riders may occur by custom in other cases. However, on most. commons there is no legal right particularly for commercial use by trekking establishments or riding schools - and the owner is entitled to enter into a licence to regulate use.
Uncontrolled riding can cause damage by eroding vegetation and creating a multitude of paths.
This is particularly damaging to the heathland habitat which is very fragile. It can also be detrimental to wildlife, especially ground nesting birds. Unfortunately not, as at the time of registration after 1965, a lot of land was not registered, even if it had been used as common land for centuries. The consequence of not registering the land was that it ceased to have the legal status of common land. A. Yes, but only if the owner is willing to grant new rights and under present law a right of public access and protection from fencing and other works is not automatic.