Throughout 2006 and the early part of 2007 South West Forest has been piloting development of a "Local Land Management Framework" (LLMF) in the Culm Joint Character Area 149 for Natural England.

This LLMF is the first of its kind in England and is subject to further review and development. The aim of a LLMF is to provide a decision making aid for farmers, landowners, land managers and their advisers. Members of the local community, interest groups and those managing or developing (rural) projects that may impact upon land use, will also be able to benefit from opportunities and challenges identified by the framework.

The project has involved:

1. Engagement with stakeholders in the Culm through stakeholder dialogue and “Land Management Aspiration” (LMA) mapping process with parish councils.
2. Looking at the strategic landscape for the area, identifying key strategy and policy documents which may have a bearing on land-use in the Culm, to help inform the land use decision making process.
3. Development of a GIS based LLMF which allows easy access for public and professionals to see the LMA’s mapped out.
4. Testing the guidelines for production of a LLMF for the Culm and offering guidance on how future LLMFs might best be facilitated.

There is no statutory obligation to implement this LLMF or the LMAs therein and no land owner, public or private, is compelled to act upon the opportunities identified. They are intended as an aid for land managers contemplating changes in land use and management by mapping out where such opportunities exist. In so doing the LMAs may not only offer an alternative, sustainable source of income for farmers having to diversify but also offer an indication of where there is real community need and potential to deliver public benefit.

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