Community rights and land

ISSUE 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.