In its long-term vision paper, 2020, British Waterways identifies the opportunity provided by its potential transition into the third sector. In previous posts we have discussed the role that communities can play within this process and their importance to satisfying BW’s overall vision. But one must not ignore the financial realities of BWs position,...
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In a previous blog I suggested that the name of the new organisation would reflect its cultural bias, its approach to community development. Here I highlight the importance of cultural perspective on the fulfilment of the localist agenda. The inclusion of A Community Right to Manage within the governance documents of the new waterways...
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In his comment piece in this Sunday’s Observer, Andy Wightman asks us to “Imagine a Britain of small-scale forestry, of farm forestry, of small- scale rural businesses, of community forests”. Will the Public Bodies Bill and the threat of a “shallow and nihilistic land grab”, make this vision implausible? If the Public Bodies Bill...
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The public consultation on the future of the UK’s forests is launched today. The government’s proposals to sell off large sections of the forest estate to the private sector have come up against significant opposition. Despite assurances, many are worried that left in the hands of land grabbing timber companies, forests will become disconnected...
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