Life in Common
New Forest Landscape Partnership
Statement from the Project Development Officer
January 2008:
The Life in Common Board is disappointed to learn that the Committee of the Commoners’ Defence Association has decided to withdraw from the New Forest Landscape Partnership. The Board understand that the CDA feels unable to stay involved in the project for a number of reasons, including external issues, despite the Boards’ best efforts to address these during the process of developing a bid.
Following discussion, it was agreed that without the support of the commoners a landscape partnership bid would not be the appropriate mechanism by which to fund many of the projects proposed under the scheme.
The hard work of partners and stakeholders has, however, not been wasted. A series of very exciting projects has already been developed through the project and the National Park Authority will now work to repackage these ideas and identify other alternative sources of funding, wherever possible, to make them a reality.
The New Forest National Park Authority remains committed to finding ways of implementing some of the very important recommendations that came out of the Commoning Review, many of which might have been addressed in the landscape partnership project. The Authority would welcome the involvement of commoners, the CDA or any other potential partners in future projects, if they feel able to participate.
We remain open and committed to giving all potential partners the opportunity to get involved in forthcoming bids and projects and look forward to ensuring that as many projects as possible are implemented for the benefit of the New Forest and all who enjoy this very special place.
Libby Holmes
Project Development Officer
Libby.holmes@newforestnpa.gov.uk
