Protecting our Commons and Village Greens

Friends of the Lake District has a long history of protecting common land and village greens and it is largely due to one of our members that many areas are registered and protected today. The law relating to common land and town and village greens is complex, and there is a general lack of understanding of the importance and value of these areas and the issues involved. This often leads to illegal or poor development on such land. Commons are largely open areas and we try and avoid them becoming fenced off [pic of armboth]. The number of people exercising their common rights (including grazing) is declining, and with no one to look after them, they are in danger of losing their special features and culture. These areas need recognition and help if they are to continue.

Raising awareness

We work with other organisations, such as the Federation of Cumbria Commoners and the Open Spaces Society, to highlight the importance of and issues on common land. We advise Defra on common land issues via their National Common Land Stakeholder Forum. Through our ownership of Little Asby Common, we try and support the commoners and ensure that the traditions of commoning continue.