We were asked to help three communities of the Hodder Valley in the Forest of Bowland to agree a development plan. We quickly ascertained that there was a need for better communication between land managing organisations (Forestry Commission, United Utilities, Duchy of Lancaster and RSPB) and local people and that this was constraining progress.
We developed a programme of consultation between the land managers and communities which facilitated mutual understanding and helped to formulate a development plan which was owned by all parties. This took some time and perseverance by all sides but has resulted in the current delivery of an effective plan to benefit all partners.