Bowden Village

Responsibilities, Aims and Objectives

The role of the Trustees is primarily to manage the Trust fund set up to ensure, in part, the future of the 26 acres of Bowden Common, entrusted to the village once the Feuar’s decided to abolish the system of Feu Duty.

One main aim of the Trust is to ensure the future of the Common Lands and that they be maintained for the benefit of the whole village.

In fulfilling their responsibilities, the Trustees consider the following objectives as meeting the main aim:

• By effective management of Trust funds, to ensure best value for the Common land
• By managing and maintaining the Common, in terms of planting, cutting, repairs to structure, maintenance of Rights of Way
• By maintaining access to Common land
• To ensure management is within “best practice” guidance
• To secure additional funding where appropriate to complete specific projects
• To encourage a wide variety of path users to contribute to the management of the paths network
• To promote the flora and fauna of the natural surroundings
• To plant accordingly to address loss of trees etc
• To improve the surroundings and encourage wildlife by effective and sympathetic planting
• To consult with “experts” where necessary to effectively manage the common lands
• To provide ways for villagers to learn about and contribute to the natural surroundings of the village.
• To secure the future of the Common land by planning effective management over a five year period.
• To encourage contributions to resource intensive projects in the form of volunteers/work parties.
• To consult with villagers re changes in guidance, law, and offer assistance with any queries
• To promote the rarity of the Common grasslands, and manage appropriately

Trustees of Bowden Common - 2004