The Shade common once consisting of 79 acres was taken over in World War II by the War Agricultural Executive Committee and ploughed up, only 4.9 acres to the east side of the Soham to Ely road were left. No grazing now takes place on this area so that there is no danger of obstruction of the busy main road, because of traffic it would be impracticable to use the area for further grazing of untethered animals. there has in the past and is still happening, reports of encroachments for the purpose of extending private gardens and large driveways, which are gradually reducing its size. Encroachments have also been made on all other Soham Commons. On East Fen, houses have been built both in the centre and along the edges of the Common land. Many of the properties surrounding Qua Fen are part of the original Common and even today gardens are being slowly and unobtrusively extended through lack of sufficient vigilance. Please report any occurrences to the Parish Council at the Pavilion on the Recreation ground, to help save our commons.