Glenridding Common - the path to our current partnership
The initial approach
Following discussions in September 2014, where the Lake District National Park Authority shared its plans to review its property holdings with a wide range of organisations and stakeholders, the Trust made an approach to discuss specific properties. This was welcomed and subsequently those discussions came to focus on Glenridding Common in the Lake District - an area of exceptional beauty and wild land qualities that includes the summit of Helvellyn, along with Striding Edge (pictured) and Swirral Edge.
Three month consultation
At the Lake District National Park’s Authority meeting on 14 December 2016, its Members considered a proposal to lease Glenridding Common to the John Muir Trust. As a result its Members agreed to an initial three-month consultation with the community, that took place in early 2017, allowing people to understand more about this proposal. This involved discussions with the two commoners who graze the land, the Parish Council and representatives from the farming community, to ensure they were updated at every stage.
Questions raised during the consultation
The Trust communicated thoughout the consultation that if it did get the opportunity to manage the special landscape of Glenridding Common, it will strive to work with all interested parties to protect and enhance the ecosystem while respecting its cultural traditions, including farming practices, recognising this is a key part of the Lake District's bid to be a World Heritage Site. Read the FAQs from the consultation process.
Agreement to lease
In a statement on 21 June 2017 the The Lake District National Park Authority agreed to lease Glenridding Common to the John Muir Trust for three years.
Glenridding Common lease signed
In late 2017 the John Muir Trust and the Lake District National Park Authority completed the formalities and signed an agreement to transfer the management of Glenridding Common – which includes England’s third highest mountain, Helvellyn – initially on a three-year lease.
Meet Pete Barron
The Trust recruited Pete to lead on this project. He has lived and worked in the Lake District for most of his life, including as a ranger with the Lake District National Park Authority for the past 23 years. His work included upland management, fell path maintenance, raptor protection and supervising volunteers. His role will see him meeting, talking with and listening to local people, groups and organisations. Pete has been supporting the Trust to develop its land management plan for Glenridding Common following the consultation period.
Use the form below to send Pete any questions you have about our proposed work at Glenridding Common.