Gnome Man’s Land: Dobson v Unsted

In this Newsflash episode, Lizzie and Richard explore Dobson & Anor v Unsted & Anor [2026] a case from the Upper Tribunal that has been making headlines. At the centre of the dispute is eight feet of lawn and a garden gnome that helped spark a neighbourly conflict.The case turns on the doctrine of adverse possession, which allows someone to claim ownership of land if they have possessed and treated it as their own for a set period of time.Richard analyses how much use is enough, does mowing and maintaining a strip of grass amount to possession and what is the significance of planting clover?Join us as we unpack the facts, the law, and what this surprisingly dramatic dispute over a small patch of grass tells us about adverse possession, particularly when it comes to unregistered land.Other cases mentioned:Clapham v Narga [2024]Thorpe v Frank & Anor [2019] Kirkman v Bradshaw Pub Company [2025]Get in touch! Training & Free Webinars for Property Professionals:Would you like to keep up to date with the latest in real estate law? Davitt Jones Bould offers legal training tailored to your organisation’s needs, delivered in person across the UK or remotely. We also run free monthly webinars through for surveyors, solicitors, and property professionals across sectors. To sign up or learn more, visit our events page here or email [email protected] for information and booking.  This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to provide legal or professional advice. No liability is accepted by Davitt Jones Bould for any reliance placed on its content. Get in touch!