For Conservation  
For Preservation  
For another Generation  

Common Land, one the oldest institutions in England and Wales, includes some of our countryside’s finest assets. In England common land covers over 379,000 hectares, an area slightly larger than the county of Hampshire. Common land has been fundamental to traditional rural existence for centuries, and remains vital to agriculture and the rural economy of many areas. Over half of all commons are designated as Sites of Special Scientific Interest because of the many rare and unusual habitats and species they support. Common land is rich with archaeological information that has often been lost elsewhere. For many local communities access to common land has been a key part of daily life for centuries, providing fresh air, a sense of belonging and identity, and room to stretch on untamed and open land very different from the surrounding landscape. The Countryside and Rights of Way Act established for the first time a right of access on to all common land.

Ref: Christopher Short, Elizabeth Hayes, Paul Selman and Amanda Wragg A Common Purpose

Woking Borough Council do a good job managing the Lye, within budgetary constraints. There is a lot more that could be done , and we should all take part in making a contribution. That means picking up litter when you see it, picking up your dog-poo and helping in projects to improve the area. Or joining a work group and helping.

Why should we bother to preserve it ? Commons are important for their natural beauty, history, wildlife and opportunities for quiet enjoyment; they should be kept open and free from obstruction. From 31 October (05), the public gained the right to walk on every single common in England and Wales, but we can't walk where there are unlawful encroachments .
"...works on common land require the consent of the Secretary of State for Environment..." that means there is a protective mechanism in place. So if we don't want to lose part of our Village Green, our Common Land, we have to fight to retain it.