The European Commission is replacing LFAs with Areas Facing Natural Constraints (ANC). This requires a mapping exercise, which Defra is leading in England and co-ordinating at UK level. They have developed an initial map for England against the draft new criteria see http://www.defra.gov.uk/consult/2013/02/01/areas-facing-natural-constraints-1302/. They are asking for views on the results and suggestions on the approach taken.
As general principles the Foundation for Common Land favours an approach that:
- Gives the most accurate definition of those areas with true natural constraint ( i.e. with fewest areas excluded because they happen to fall within Land Administration Units where most land does not have such constraints).
- Minimises those areas erroneously shown as having natural constraints (i.e. because they happen to fall within larger Land Administration Units where 60% of the land has such constraints).
The area of common land within the Less Favoured Areas (LFA) is significant. In England there are 372,941 ha of registered common land of which at least 87% currently lies within the LFA. Common land is particularly prevalent within England’s iconic landscapes; 48% (176,500 ha) of registered common land lies within National Parks and 30% (115,000 ha) of registered common land is within Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The current LFA encompasses land that is particularly rich in public goods and ecosystem services. The majority of farming in the LFA provides an impressive suite of public goods and services whilst facing constraints and lower farm business income imposed by a combination of factors especially those arising from poorer soils, altitude and topography.
Farming, including that on common land, that takes place in areas with significant natural constraints should be recognised and acknowledged. The designation should be robust and provide a platform for additional public support that reflects the additional public benefits found there. It is therefore relevant to our ambitions for the proposed ANC boundary to be as accurate as possible so that support for these areas can be appropriately delivered.
The Foundation's repsonse which can be downloaded here .
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