Trends in Pastoral Commoning

“The task to ‘paint a picture’ of pastoral commoning in England has identified a diversity of immense complexity in physical, social, cultural and economic terms. At one extreme are robust and stable pastoral commons and at the other are clear examples of fragile and disappearing communal systems showing evidence of a complex of vulnerabilities. 

“The nature of the research and the complexity of the situation determine that the findings are to be interpreted within the limitations that are self evident. However, key trends and processes of change and use have been identified. Arising from this are areas of concern and possible opportunity.

“Pastoral Commons in the twenty-first century will continue to evolve though at a pace that may be revolutionary especially in the area of public goods and under the influence of global climatic changes. The process of adjustment can be significantly enhanced through collaboration and mutual understanding. The evidence from the research suggests a fund of willingness to make the commons work. Some of the findings of this study offer opportunities for immediate response whilst there are others that suggest lines of further research.”

Andrew Humphries MBE

Author(s): The Pastoral Commoning Partnership with H&H Bowe Limited (2009)