Cumbria common graziers to unite?

25 January 2002




Cumbria common graziers to unite?

COMMON land graziers in Cumbria could gain a new, united voice if a proposal to establish a county federation of commoners wins widespread support.

The Federation of Cumbria Commoners has been proposed by rural business support group Voluntary Action Cumbria to help its commoners, who farm one-third of the 400,000ha (1m acres) of common land in England.

Agricultural consultant Andrew Humphries, who works with the support group, said the federation would help graziers deal with the practicalities of conventional farming and agri-environment schemes.

A part-time secretariat would provide the day-to-day running of the federation and the idea has already sparked interest from other regions where commons are an integral part of hill farming.

"I hope that when the government finalises common land legislation – the result of the Common Land Management Consultation begun in 2000 – a framework will be created for a more sustainable management of common grazings," said Mr Humphries.

"Commoners need to put themselves in a position to influence any new legislation which emerges and to operate their historical grazing rights more effectively.

"By bringing commoners together through a federation we can start to provide them with much-needed support and advice. Commoners are being held accountable for the management of commons and are responsible for meeting the environmental requirements of these areas."

Over 25% of commons in Cumbria are sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) and over 50% are Special Areas of Conservation.

"But how, for instance, do commoners embrace stewardship on a common? Where do they go for advice on these issues? And what happens when a commoner wants to sell his rights? There is no framework in place to deal with these matters."

Most commons are run very loosely with committees that meet infrequently. &#42


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