A place to be proud of

Gelligaer and Merthyr Common is an upland landscape in South East Wales, divided between the county boroughs of Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly. Predominantly comprising the ridges of Cefn Merthyr, Cefn Gelligaer, Cefn y Brithdir and an area north of the Heads of the Valleys road.

A place to be proud of

Gelligaer and Merthyr Common is an upland landscape in South East Wales, divided between the county boroughs of Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly. Predominantly comprising the ridges of Cefn Merthyr, Cefn Gelligaer, Cefn y Brithdir and an area north of the Heads of the Valleys road.

A place to be proud of

Gelligaer and Merthyr Common is an upland landscape in South East Wales, divided between the county boroughs of Merthyr Tydfil and Caerphilly. Predominantly comprising the ridges of Cefn Merthyr, Cefn Gelligaer, Cefn y Brithdir and an area north of the Heads of the Valleys road.

The Common is a living and working landscape, steeped in history but sadly we often take this for granted. It is a designated Cadw Historic Landscape due to evidence of continued land use and activity from prehistory to the recent past.

It is a landscape that links the communities who live around it, our Common is a vital green lung of the valleys. At 3,000ha this great expanse of land plays its part in the water and carbon cycles, which shape and support our everyday lives locally, nationally and internationally.

The Common means so much to so many people. For some it is an area to graze animals, to others an open space for health and wellbeing. Some enjoy the rich biodiversity and historical assets, while others may just enjoy it as scenic route to work.

Whatever your passion there is a common thread, it is the landscape that binds the local area together.

While the Common may be rooted in centuries of history the Common is just as relevant to many of our 21st Century challenges –rural economic sustainability, food quality and security, physical and mental wellbeing, flood management, biodiversity and climate change.

 

Gelligaer and Merthyr Common Map
Common Land

COMMON LAND

We’re all very proud of Gelligaer and Merthyr Common, whether as residents, businesses or public bodies. However, there are rules and rights associated with common land that not everyone is aware of.

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Explore

Explore this website to learn more about the common and its history as well as the different ways for you to enjoy it responsibly and how to get involved with the land and our work.

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Latest Photos

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Notes From The Common: January 2025

January is the mis dig du - the dark angry month - according to the Welsh 12th Century poet Dafydd ap Gwilym. But the days are getting lighter one crow’s foot at a time and by the end of the month there will be a sense that change is on the horizon. ...

Notes From The Common: December 2024

It is December and for many people the next few weeks will be a busy season of concerts, parties and preparations! But if you are looking for a more meditative time, why not take a winter’s pilgrimage on the Common to a place of Christmas past.. Hunting the wren...

Notes from the Common

November 2023 In Welsh, the first of November is known as Calan Gaeaf. It is the first day of winter for the Celtic nations of Britain and Ireland. Throughout these lands many neolithic cairns were placed in such a way that they were directly hit by the light of dawn...