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Henfield is fortunate to have nearly 50 acres of ancient commons (Broadmere, Henfield and Oreham) all of which are registered as sites of Nature Conservation Importance. They comprise a mixture of grassland, wetland, reedbed, woodland and ponds, supporting a wide variety of plants and wildlife. Fairs have been held on Henfield Common as far back as 1647 and continue in one form or another; in 2003 a fair to mark the Golden Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II was held. Broadmere Common, at the foot of Barrow Hill, has many ponds and is noted for its nightingales and roe deer. Near Woods Mill is Oreham Common which straddles the ancient Roman road. In days gone by the commons would have seen cattle, pigs and sheep grazing, with clay for bricks being extracted from Broadmere. Eighty years ago there were very few trees on Henfield Common.

The commons are owned by Horsham District Council and are managed by a joint Commons Committee of District and Parish Councillors and members of the public. They work to Management Plans, and liaise closely with the Sussex Wildlife Trust. Work on the commons is greatly assisted by local conservationists, who are always looking for volunteers. In 1993 the Tanyard Field was donated to Horsham District Council and this is now also under the management of the Commons Committee. Maintenance continues as it is important to stop woodland encroaching onto the grassland and reed bed, to restore ponds, and to keep the woodland paths open. They are there for all to enjoy, whether for their beauty, their flora and fauna, to have a picnic, or just to relax and watch cricket or football.