Ground-breaking research is being carried out to understand the value of Little Asby Common.
It wants to know what people think about what is special and important to them about it.
Owned by Friends of the Lake District and managed in partnership with its common rights holders, the common, near Orton, is on one of the most important limestone landscapes in England.
It has been designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation. Research over many years by the charity has also revealed over 200 archaeological sites on the common and unrestricted open access provides a haven for walkers from near and far; the Coast to Coast walking route snakes through its spectacular limestone pavements.
But Friends of the Lake District want to know what else makes it special – and suggest things like the views, the skills of the dry stone wallers, the stockmanship of the commoners or the sense of community in the area as a starting point for people to think about.
The charity is carrying out the research on behalf of Natural England and will be the first study of its kind to place a value on every benefit that land provides us with. The results are likely to have national significance in determining how we measure the true value of our landscape and how it is managed.
Jan Darrall, land manager at Friends of the Lake District, said: “The tranquility and beauty of our landscapes can often belie their complexity. As custodians of many sites across Cumbria, we are always juggling with competing priorities in terms of their care and management and Little Asby Common is no exception. It is a site of national importance enjoyed by thousands of visitors and we have a duty to get it right.
“We are asking people to let us know what is special to them about the common by completing our online survey. It does not matter if you have never visited as you can still value the benefits it can provide for society in general. We want as many people as possible to complete it.
“The results will not only help us prioritise how we care for and manage this site in the years ahead but will be shared nationally to highlight the ‘hidden’ value of our landscapes and their importance to us all.”
You can complete the survey via Friends of the Lake District’s website at: www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/little-asby-survey
The charity will also be hosting drop-in sessions a, for local residents, businesses and visitors to have their say. They will be held at:
- Great Asby Village Hall, 3pm-6pm, Wednesday February 8
- Orton Market Hall, 6.30pm-8pm, Wednesday February 8
