Bowden Common dates back to the 12th century when the monks of Selkirk and later
Kelso owned the land in and around the village. The Common was used for grazing by the
equivalent of smallholders of their time, each entitled to a proportion of grazing linked to the
remainder of land they rented from the church.
The Trustees of Bowden Common are now the registered owners of the Common and manage the 26 acres of unimproved grassland on behalf of the village.
The Trustees aim to maintain and protect biodiversity for future generations. They also aim to increase community understanding and valuing of the biodiversity of the Common.
The Trustees work in partnership with many organisations to further these aims. There are many opportunities for learning about, and improving, biodiversity through volunteer work parties, surveys, walks etc. To find out more please visit https://www.facebook.com/bowdenvillagecommittee or contact bowdenvc@hotmail.com