Julia Aglionby has stepped down as Executive Director of the Foundation for Common Land (FCL), and will now take her common land and upland farming expertise to the House of Lords. FCL will see in its next chapter by continuing its vital #IncludeCommons campaign for fair access to Environmental Land Management schemes (ELMs).
Julia Aglionby has been appointed to the House of Lords in recognition of her longstanding contribution to common land, upland farming and wider social issues. She stepped down as Executive Director of the Foundation for Common Land (FCL) on 16 October, ahead of taking up her seat in early November as Baroness Aglionby.
A founder member of FCL and Executive Director since 2014, Julia has spent decades championing the public goods delivered by common land and the people, landscapes, wildlife and heritage that shape them. Under Julia’s leadership, FCL has supported commoners, landowners and professionals - including Defra staff working on common land - through training, advocacy and practical projects.
Julia’s appointment comes at a critical time for England's common land, which often find’s itself in Defra’s ‘too complex box’. Common land has the potential to deliver for nature recovery, cultural heritage and public access; yet the commoners and landowners who manage it continue to face significant barriers to accessing funding through Government funded ELMs. Which accounts for 60% of an average hill farm business income, barriers to accessing these schemes will leave many common land businesses in an unviable position.
Julia Aglionby reflects: “As I come to the end of 14 years at FCL my profound feeling is one of thankfulness. What a privilege to have worked alongside brilliant trustees, staff and partners seeking to address the challenges commons face. Commons are the most iconic pf places cared for by extraordinary people who deliver outcomes for the benefit of all of us.
Every day at FCL I learnt new things; often the circumstances we operated in were frustrating but collectively FCL keeps going. Our tenacity and willingness to speak truth to power may not always make us popular but I hope has built respect.
As my interest in commons will continue both through my land agency and on the red benches, I look forward to keenly following FCL’s progress and contributing to our common endeavour – Better outcomes for common land.”
Tracy May, Chair of Dartmoor Commons Council said: “Thanks to Julia, Dartmoor’s commons have greatly benefited from the different projects they have been included in, such as Our Upland Commons and the Defra Test and Trials. Julia has also lobbied tirelessly to improve the government’s understanding of commons and the special issues they face and the need for bespoke solutions.”
FCL's #IncludeCommons campaign highlights the consequences of underfunding the businesses that offer critical services on common land; for nature recovery, upland farming, livelihoods, rural communities and the delivery of public benefits across some of England's most iconic landscapes.
The #IncludeCommons Campaign will continue to argue for:
1. Fair and equal access to government finance schemes (ELMs) for those who own and manage common land
2. Increased capacity across all relevant government bodies (including the Rural Payments Agency (RPA), Natural England (NE) and the Planning Inspectorate (PINs) to process Common Land ELMs applications.
And, if these goals aren’t met in a timely manner that the government agrees to;
3. An extension to existing agreements to enable the continued delivery of public goods on common land until government agencies have the capacity to transition commons to new schemes
Chris Short, FCL Chair, said of the appointment: “This accolade is a worthy recognition of Julia’s huge commitment to the active management of common land and the livelihoods of upland farmers and managers across England. The most recent example is the #IncludeCommons campaign, which focused attention on the inability of those managing common land to enter into Countryside Stewardship Higher Tier schemes because the ‘computer said no’. That commons will soon be able to apply for CSHT schemes is down to the persistence of Julia in making and presenting the evidence of the impact this was having on some of our most iconic landscapes and those who manage them. That Natural England and the planning inspectorate don’t have the resources to process the large number applications will be the focus of our campaign in the coming months. ”
Lyndsey Stride, FCL Training and Knowledge Exchange Co-ordinator said: “Common land is often contested and despite its significance in our national identity is in a fragile position, with the right support governance and vison, commons have the potential to deliver for people, nature and the climate. We have an incredible team of staff and trustees at FCL and we will continue to champion common land and support those with the responsibility of managing it for the future. At FCL we have a deep belief in the power of collaboration and facilitation. ”
Julia's move to the Lords marks a new chapter for her, while FCL's staff and trustees remain committed to building on her legacy and working with commoners, landowners, government and partners to secure a sustainable future for common land.
Tenant Farmers Association Chief Executive George Dunn said: "I have always enjoyed working with Julia on issues impacting common land, particularly when there are crossovers with agricultural tenancies. Julia has an enviable mix of expertise, passion, empathy and determination which has enabled her to be hugely effective in promoting the needs and aspirations of common rights holders and ensuring that their concerns are front and centre in the minds of Ministers, civil servants, regulatory bodies and all those involved in rural land and estates management. I am sure that in her elevation to the House of Lords that the same heady mix of attributes will drive her to serve well in her new role and I very much look forward to engaging with her as she gets down to work on those red benches".
Dr Rose O’Niell, Campaign for National Parks relected: “Julia has been a huge inspiration to me. She is deeply knowledgeable about the commons that make up so much of our National Parks, and she has been incredibly generous, sharing her time, expertise and passion. This understanding has been a tremendous help to our work at Campaign for National Parks. I know she will bring that same knowledge, commitment and energy to the House of Lords, where, no doubt, she will be continue to be a courageous champion for these landscapes.”