There are four Coulsdon Commons: Coulsdon, Kenley, Farthing Downs and Riddlesdown. They were bought by the City of London Corporation in 1883 and are protected against development by an Act of Parliament from 1878.

In addition to the Coulsdon Commons, there are other superb parks and commons in the area. Queens Park is an excellent municipal park with beautiful gardens and numerous sports facilities, whilst Happy Valley is a local beauty spot that's hard to beat.

Since 1995, the Corporation of London Keepers have adopted a most imaginative management programme for the Coulsdon Commons and the adjacent West Wickham Common which, in the author's opinion, has greatly improved the value and enjoyment of these areas. Full details of this programme are available from the keepers but one of the most noticable aspects is the reintroduction of grazing animals, including sheep, goats and cattle.