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Independent review

Uplands Review

Uplands Review: a report on upland communities in England
Completed
Dr Hilary Cottam · Published 9 April 2026 · Commissioned by Defra Employment & Work

Index summary

An independent participatory review by Dr Hilary Cottam into what it would mean for England's uplands to flourish. Phase 1 sets out 19 insights and a proposal for a long-term collaboration between upland communities and government. Defra states the report's views are not Defra policy. The review makes no formal numbered recommendations.

Original evidence

Government Response

No formal government response document; Defra states the report's views are not Defra policy. In her Oxford Farming Conference address, Environment Secretary Emma Reynolds announces a long-term Defra partnership with Dartmoor then Cumbria, building on Dr Cottam's insights, plus a GBP 30m Farmer Collaboration Fund. Review contains insights, not formal recommendations.

8 January 2026

Recommendations

No recommendations are indexed for this review yet. Read the available report to check its findings.

No recommendations with this response.