United Kingdom: Young commoners – reviving traditions, building networks for the future – European Commons and OECMs Article by Diana Neacsu in dialogue with Chris Short
Photo: Welsh mountain ponies on Longmynd ©Foundation for Common Land
Why Young Commoners Matter
Young commoners are custodians of a centuries-old tradition, often passed down through families who have farmed the same land for generations. These individuals manage communal land resources, which not only provide grazing for livestock but also contribute to biodiversity, soil health, and the cultural identity of rural areas. However, with societal changes and evolving environmental policies, the future of commoning is at risk. As older generations retire, younger commoners face the challenge of balancing traditional methods with the demands of the 21st century.
This project was created to foster connections between these young commoners. By sharing ideas, they can explore ways to modernize their practices without losing the deep-rooted customs that define them. Once traditions and knowledge are lost, they can be hard to recover. Thus, creating and maintaining these networks is essential to sustaining these farming systems and the communities built around them.
Photo: Tom Lloyd – Longmynd commoner, farmer and Secretary of the Longmynd Commoners Association ©Foundation for Common Land
Building Networks Across the UK
The project has focused on organizing meetings and forming groups in regions where common land plays an important role. These regional groups help young commoners from different areas—such as the New Forest, Dartmoor, and Cumbria—meet, learn from one another, and voice their shared concerns.
The New Forest Young Commoners Network
The New Forest stands out for its well-established young commoners network, open to individuals aged 16 to 35. The group is affiliated with the New Forest Commoners Defence Association, which advocates for the rights of all commoners in the area. They also have a Colts Council for those under 16, modeled after a school council, encouraging the next generation to get involved early.
One of the group’s interests has been expanding their horizons by connecting with other young commoners across England. In September 2013, a group from the New Forest visited Dartmoor, where they took part in the Merrivale pony drift—a traditional livestock gathering event. This visit fostered a sense of camaraderie and inspired further exchanges between commoners from different regions.
Dartmoor: Sparking New Interest
Dartmoor’s young commoners have only recently begun forming their own network. The process of gathering interested individuals took time, but with help from the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, a core group emerged. In September 2013, 19 young commoners attended their first meeting, with others expressing interest in future involvement.
During the discussions, many young commoners voiced their concerns about the perceived disconnect between their experiences and environmental authorities like Natural England. They saw value in meeting these officials and learning more about their roles, which led to a second meeting in November. At this gathering, Natural England staff explained how agri-environment schemes worked, fostering a greater understanding between the two groups. By the end of the meeting, the Dartmoor young commoners had set up a Facebook page, inspired by the New Forest group, to keep everyone connected and informed.
Cumbria: Taking Action
In Cumbria, the Federation of Cumbria Commoners identified a few young people interested in starting their own network. Their first meeting in January 2014 attracted 25 attendees, who were eager to address issues relevant to their region.
The group discussed several pressing matters, including the lack of financial support for young farmers and the negative portrayal of upland farming by environmentalists like George Monbiot, who called for rewilding large parts of the Cumbrian uplands. The young commoners felt this undermined their way of life, and they expressed a desire to engage with policymakers, local MPs, and organizations like Natural England to make their voices heard.
Like their peers in other regions, the Cumbria group set up a Facebook page to help organize future activities and discussions. They also expressed a strong interest in visiting other commons around the country, hoping to exchange ideas and strategies for the future.
Clip: Will Dawson (Bleak Bank Farm – Ingleborough Common): Shearing sheep © Bleak Bank Farm
Lessons Learned and Future Goals
As this initiative progresses, several key takeaways have emerged. First, identifying and bringing together young commoners can be a slow process, particularly in remote, sparsely populated areas. Personal connections and local knowledge have proven invaluable in reaching out to these individuals, often through their families.
Second, there’s a general lack of understanding among younger generations about the governance of commons and how they function. Even those from commoning families were sometimes unaware of how their parents participated in local councils and associations. This highlights the need for more education on commoning rights, land management, and local governance structures.
Third, while young commoners are active members of Young Farmers Clubs, they clearly feel the need for a dedicated commoners group. Social media, particularly Facebook, has emerged as the preferred means of communication among them, as traditional methods like formal meetings and newsletters are less appealing.
Finally, young commoners are eager to influence policies affecting common land, especially to ensure that their farming practices are valued equally alongside conservation efforts. They also see great benefit in regular meet-ups to exchange ideas, gain new knowledge, and simply enjoy each other’s company over a casual meal.
Photo: Looking down over Church Stretton from the Longmynd ©Foundation for Common Land
The Road Ahead
The Young Commoners project is still evolving, but its impact is already clear. By fostering connections and dialogue among young commoners, it is laying the foundation for a stronger, more resilient future for commoning in the UK. These networks not only help preserve traditional farming practices but also ensure that the voices of the next generation are heard in conversations about land use and conservation.
As they look ahead, these young custodians are eager to visit more commons across the country, with some even suggesting international trips to learn from commoners abroad. With passion, persistence, and the support of their communities, the future of commoning is in good hands.
Read more about young commoners here.