The Foundation for Common Land and partners have enhanced and protected upland commons in the National Parks of Dartmoor, Yorkshire Dales, Lake District and the Shropshire Hills National Landscape, where hill farming commoners have grazed animals on the land for centuries.

Commons provide important habitats for species and store carbon to help mitigate the effects of climate change while uplands provide 70% of our water. They are brimming with wildlife, often feature ancient monuments, and all have public access.

However, these precious landscapes are under threat due to changes in farming systems, economics and the climate. Reduced opportunities for people to connect with the countryside has also put commons at risk.

This large-scale, transformational project brought together partners including the Wildlife Trusts, Natural England, National Trust, RSPB, the National Farmers’ Union, Commoners Federations and Council, Open Spaces Society, Duchy of Cornwall, South West Water and the National Parks and National Landscapes. 

What the project has achieved

All the organisations worked together to empower hill farmers and owners of commons to better manage the land for the general public. Engagement activities encouraged more diverse communities to enjoy nature.

The organisations and land owners built management skills, undertook conservation and trained volunteers to survey the wildlife of commons.

Training and apprenticeship opportunities enabled young people to gain the skills necessary to be the next generation of commoners.

To find out more about the project, visit the Foundation for Common Land website.