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Uplands Report: Empower Local Voices, Transform Landscapes
17 Apr
Summary
- New report calls for local decision-making in England's uplands.
- It suggests 19 insights to balance farming, nature, and communities.
- The review involved extensive local consultation across England.

England's elevated, rugged uplands, spanning moorlands to mountains above 300 metres, are the focus of a significant new report. "Towards a Flourishing Uplands: Phase 1" champions a shift from top-down directives to greater local decision-making. Dr. Hilary Cottam led this independent review, unveiling 19 key insights.
These insights aim to harmonize the needs of land-based farming, environmental conservation, and community well-being. Dr. Cottam gathered perspectives by traveling through upland areas from Devon to North Yorkshire, understanding local visions and concerns for the future.
The report's findings arrive as discussions around National Parks, like the 75-year-old Peak District, gain traction. The article highlights the historical importance of local involvement, exemplified by the mass trespass on Kinder Scout, and its continued role in conservation efforts.