Ownership and Management Agreements

Many land based social enterprises are not interested in the costs or liabilities associated with owning land, whilst others see ownership as an important part of their work. The case studies below showcase the way different ownership arrangements, including leases, planning limitations and management agreements can work.

Broadclyst Community Farm

Leasing a site owned by the National Trust, the members of Broadclyst are growing crops, feeding local people and improving the land.

Chiltern Rangers

Spinning out from the local authority Woodlands Service, Chiltern Rangers now manage a portfolio of 14 woodlands as a social enterprise.

East Reservoir Community Garden

Working on Thames Water land at peppercorn rent, the Garden are improving the integrity of the water basin, increasing biodiversity and educating local people about waterways.

Neroche Woodlanders

Improving the quality of the forest by providing social and health benefits to local people, Neroche Woodlander’s story demonstrates the benefits of not taking on ownership, and their vision for the future.

Knoydart Forest Trust

The remote community of Knoydart have owned and managed the Knoydart forest since the 1990s. Lorna tells us their story, covering the pros and cons of community ownership, and some clever ways to generate income as a community organisation.