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Current support for hill farming is inadequate to sustain these assets. New funding mechanisms are required as part of the reform of the Common Agricultural Policy from 2013. These would reward farmers for managing national assets in harmony with developing businesses. A new approach is needed which would balance the needs of the environment with maximising the economic potential of the uplands. But supporting farmers is not sufficient on its own: the communities in which they are embedded must also be enabled to thrive if these assets are to be sustained.

These are the main findings of the inquiry into the future of upland communities by the Commission for Rural Communities (CRC) being released today (Tuesday, 15 June).

The inquiry recognised that while farming is essential to maintaining the landscape and managing natural resources, the future sustainability of the upland areas also depends on a thriving business sector. New initiatives are needed to bring together the public and private sectors to create markets for the uplands’ natural resources, like carbon and water, for the benefit of local communities.

It also calls for a new integrated approach to maximising the potential of these unique and diverse natural assets. At present, the inquiry found a lack of joined-up thinking, with too many of the well-intentioned initiatives having unintended negative consequences for communities, farmers and land owners alike. To remedy this, the CRC recommends the appointment of a single individual who would be responsible for this new uplands strategy.

Dr Stuart Burgess Chairman of the CRC and the Government’s Rural Advocate said: “Our inquiry has focused on the uplands’ potential as well as the challenges needing to be tackled. People are essential to the identity and future of the uplands. We have recognised that farmers and land managers play vital roles in looking after these assets, and that many more people enable them to do so as part of the wider uplands’ economy and society.

“There needs to be a fundamental shift in the way the uplands are viewed. Rather than be seen as areas of disadvantage, they should be considered for their high potential to offer significant public benefits.  The continued availability of these benefits is, however, bound up with the wider future of the uplands, and this now needs to be properly recognised.

“We found much evidence of initiative and enterprise in the uplands. However, there are threats to this strong sense of community and to the future for the uplands. The recommendations set out in our report can help upland communities to realise their full potential and continue to contribute to national prosperity and quality of life. The scale and range of benefits provided by these areas is significant. With the right support they can deliver even more, and be a model of how government supports community solutions for wider benefit in the future.”

Download ‘High ground, high potential – a future for England’s upland communities: Summary report’

Read the ‘Securing a positive future for England’s upland communities’ press release

See our Upland Communities project page