There are 180 acres of woods, grasslands, heathlands and several ponds that make up Chislehurst Commons. It is home to rare species of plants as well as birds, reptiles, amphibians and small mammals.
The land is privately owned by the Lord of the Manor and is not maintained by Bromley Council or the National Trust.
A law was passed in 1888 giving legal protection to the Commons and it has been preserved ever since for the benefit and enjoyment of the community. A Board of Trustees voluntarily manage the Commons as a registered charity.
The Lord of the Manor has no obligation to maintain the land and upkeep costs £100k a year. This must be raised through grants and charitable donations from residents. The charity supports two salaried Keepers who work full-time on maintenance of the Commons.
Volunteers give up 2,000 hours a year to assist the Keepers and the Trustees. Annual events such as the Big Draw, Chislehurst Chase and the Open Air Cinema raise much needed funds.