An independent review of commoning in Wales is being undertaken by the Foundation for Common Land (FCL) in partnership with the National Farmers Union Cymru (NFU Cymru) the European Forum for Nature Conservation and Pastoralism (EFNCP) and the three independent LAGs (Local Action Groups), PLANED, Cadwyn Clwyd and Menter Môn.
Through conversations and discussions with commoners, the general view is that the practice of commoning within the uplands and lowlands of Wales is changing. The purpose of the study is to find out more about commoning practices today and to quantify the impact of that change; in the light of economic pressure and the recognition of the importance of commons in providing public goods and services, be that food production, water quality or carbon storage.
This study presents an opportunity for graziers to set out how they see the future of commoning and the needs and aspirations of the next generation of Welsh commoners.
A questionnaire is being circulated to key contacts and chairs of graziers groups and commoners associations. If you receive a questionnaire, we would encourage you to complete it as accurately as possible. If you know of a commoning group that has not received a questionnaire, please let us know and we can pass on a copy.
In addition to the questionnaire, the FCL team will be meeting with commoners groups to discuss thoughts, aspirations, concerns and hopes for the future. If you would like to participate within those discussions please get in touch using the contact information below.
If you would like more information please contact Gwyn 07884 116048 gwyn@foundationforcommonland.org.uk, or Siôn 07879 557740 sion@foundationforcommonland.org.uk.
This project is funded by the Foundation for Common Land www.foundationforcommonland.org.uk and the European Forum for Nature Conservation and Pastoralism EFNCP www.efncp.org with European Commission co-funding.
