The Cumbria Grazing Forum established by Federation of Cumbria Commoners and Natural England held its first meeting in late November 2010. The objective of the Forum is to bring together livestock farmers and farming and environment organisations to explore issues and find solutions that balance potentially conflicting interests (i.e. economic viability and delivering ecosystems services) and deliver sustainable grazing on common land. The Forum is made up of 14 members, the majority of whom are active farmers, both commonersand non commoners and includes NFU, CLA, Natural England, United Utilities, National Trust and the Lake District National Park as members. It will meet two to three times a year.

If you have an issue/evidence that you wish to be included in a future Grazing Forum meeting, please get in touch with Dave Smith (our Chairman).

To read the minutes of the meetings click on the links below.

Note of inaugral meeting November 2010

Note of meeting June 2011

Note from stocking rate sub-group Sept 2011

Report Restoration of BAP habitats on upland commons

Note of meeting November 2011