The Apportionment of Agri-Environment Schemes Monies on Common Land in England

Common land presents unique governance and ecological challenges due to its shared usage by multiple stakeholders, including landowners, graziers, and local communities. AES agreements have become an essential mechanism for managing these lands sustainably, delivering public goods such as biodiversity conservation, carbon storage, and cultural heritage preservation.

This report investigates, through a comprehensive survey of 250 commons, how AES payments are distributed among stakeholders, the effectiveness of current governance frameworks, and the degree to which these agreements reward active management contributions.

Findings highlight significant regional and local variations, providing insights into the complexities of balancing stakeholder interests while maximising environmental and social benefits. It also underscores the need for transparent governance and offers recommendations for enhancing policy frameworks, including lessons from comparative schemes in Wales.

Author(s): Christopher Short and John Waldon (2013)