New Start Magazine - Community rights and land

[Darren]

http://newstartmag.co.uk/back-issues/communityrightsandland/

Community rights and land

June 6, 2013

woodlandISSUE 512, JUNE 2013

*SPECIAL FOCUS ON COMMUNITY RIGHTS*

PUBLIC LAND: LIABILITY OR ASSET?
As councils come under pressure to divest their woodlands, parks and 
green spaces, we need a radical rethink of how we manage land, argues 
Mark Walton. Assessing the potential of emerging collaborative and 
enterprising models for land-based assets, he calls for the creation of 
a 21st century commons.

Q & A WITH MARTIN LARGE, DEVELOPING EXEMPLAR MODELS FOR CREATING COMMON 
WEALTH
Martin Large’s aim is to ‘reclaim our common wealth’ and his work has 
enabled the development of community-owned land and housing. Here he 
talks through the emerging models and argues for tri-sectoral 
partnerships to preserve and steward our commons.

PORTLAND WORKS: COMMUNITY SHARES IN ACTION
Portland Works, a workspace and building of industrial heritage in 
Sheffield, was due to be redeveloped as flats. Steve Connelly reports on 
how issuing community shares to buy the building is helping to forge a 
new kind of local economy.

IDEAS FOR CHANGE: LESSONS FROM THE PIONEERS IN COMMUNITY RIGHTS
An incredible 300 assets have been listed since the Right to Bid 
legislation came into force. This is the vital first step in protecting 
buildings and land. Here are some of the pioneering organisations and 
groups.

COMMUNITY-OWNED WOODLANDS: A ROLE FOR SOCIAL ENTERPRISE
The Woodlands Social Enterprise Network is a new body to promote and 
support communities involved in woodland management. Mike Perry assesses 
the opportunity for an entrepreneurial approach to reconnecting people 
with their local woods.

HOW TO… ENCOURAGE COMMUNITY MANAGEMENT OF COASTAL AREAS
The Crown Estate is responsible for the management of much of the UK’s 
coastline. In recent years it has taken steps to allow the local 
community to play a more active role through the introduction of local 
management agreements.