Managing the Commons: A Conceptual Model for Analysis of Institutional Change and Its Application to the Management of Common Land in the New Forest (Manuscript Draft)

Abstract

"This thesis will examine the control and management of common land in England and Wales. Peculiar to most common-pool resources, common land in England is often held by a private landowner: in some cases an individual, but in most cases a private organisation. However, rights to use the land are held by 'commoners'. In this respect, the problems encountered in the management of commons in England involve all the complex issues of managing a common property resource. The thesis will address, in particular, the type of institutional arrangements which might be employed to help manage common land and will investigate the circumstances in which local, self-governing organisations might be able to ensure the long-term viability of common land. By analysing the management of common land in the New Forest, the thesis will examine the factors which affect the performance of the governing organisations and question the way in which government intervention affects the operation of these organisations."