Community-led Stewardship

What is Community-led Stewardship?

Stewardship – ‘The art of taking care of or managing something.’   

Community-led stewardship puts residents at the heart of how to look after assets like green and open spaces, buildings, or shops.

More ambitious, holistic stewardship strategies are commonly implemented by resident-led Development Trusts or Community Land Trusts.

Community Benefits 

More than ever before, Community-led Stewardship is being cited as a critical component of lasting, sustainable development, and there is a growing recognition of the benefits associated with it:

• Improved health and well-being. 
• Active citizenship. 
• Hyper-local adaptation to climate change. 
• Increased volunteering and social cohesion. 

Local Authority & Developer Benefits

More practically, when stewardship conversations are facilitated transparently and equitably, this can result in less time being spent on conflict management.

As Local Plans begin to increasingly expect long-term stewardship solutions, applications incorporating stewardship principles are likely to receive greater support in the planning process. Forward-thinking developers also see the value in early engagement with stewardship, as ‘retrofitted’ stewardship solutions are often costly and can lead to conflict.

The Bigger Picture

Community Stewardship also has a crucial role to play in sustaining local responses to the climate emergency.

Many schemes involve safeguarding land and other natural assets which provide countless environmental and health benefits. These can include existing habitats such as woodland, wetland, and meadows, or new and enhanced assets like safe pedestrian routes with hedgerows and food growing areas.

Facilitating Stewardship

Communities want to see development work for residents existing and new, and many want to be actively involved in shaping the process. We think that Local Authorities and many developers and landowners share that belief too.

By bringing stakeholders together at the earliest opportunity to discuss stewardship opportunities, communities can create and deliver a collective vision that benefits people and places.

If you’re interested in discussing our stewardship services with a member of the team, get in contact with us for more information.