Shropshire Hills alive with the sound of grant cash

Our Common Cause: Our Upland Commons Project, has been formed to improve and protect commons in the National Parks of Dartmoor, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and the Shropshire Hills AONB, where hill farming commoners have grazed the land for centuries.

Commons make up only three per cent of English land, but provide 70 per cent of our water.

Brimming with wildlife and ancient monuments, and all with public access, the project says the benefits of these areas is under threat from changes in farming, economics and climate.

This project seeks to address these challenges, by building management skills, undertaking conservation and training volunteers to survey the wildlife and plants of commons.

This project brought together by the Foundation for Common Land will involve the National Trust, Commoners Federations and Councils, Duchy of Cornwall, National Farmers’ Union, Natural England, Open Spaces Society, RSPB, South West Water, Wildlife Trusts and our National Parks and AONBs to empower hill farmers and the owners of commons to better manage the land for the general public while producing good quality local produce. Also, young people from nearby areas will take part in learning and conservation through the John Muir Award.

Training and apprenticeship opportunities will also be developed to enable young people to gain the skills necessary to be the next generation of commoners, while events and activities will reach a wider range of young people through schools and community workshops.

The project aims to conserve and protect common land by preserving key wildlife, habitats and architectural features, as well as supporting commoners to continue to manage the land.

The project has initially been given round one development funding of £409,200 by the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF), allowing it to progress with its plans.

Julia Aglionby, executive director of the Foundation for Common Land said: “We’re delighted that we’ve received this support thanks to National Lottery players. Upland Commons welcome millions of visitors each year and with this funding we will be able to ensure the pleasure commons give and the benefits they provide are secured and improved for the future.”

Ros Kerslake, Chief Executive of the Heritage Lottery Fund said: “The centuries-old heritage of commoning is little-known, but contributes to the upkeep and enjoyment of some of England’s most valued landscapes.

“We’re pleased to be able to support the Foundation for Common Land and its partners with this National Lottery funding and in so doing ensure this part of our heritage is maintained and cared for by generations to come.”