A series of workshops were held throughout the consultation period. The aim of these workshops was to engage with the local community in a way that would increase levels of awareness of the issues and values that stakeholders possess in relation to Southborough Common, and consider the range of possible solutions that tackle the one whilst respecting the other.

The consultation began on 11 January 2012. The agenda, presentation, and a note of points raised during the meeting are available from our 'Download' section.

Workshop 1: The Landscape of Southborough Common
25 January 2012, 7pm to 9pm, St. Thomas Church Southborough, Pennington Road, Southborough TN4 0SH
The subject of the first workshop will be the changing landscape of Southborough Common. We will consider the evolving role of the common in local life, from one of agriculture and recreation, to that of purely recreation by the end of the 20th century. How has this shaped the landscape? And what influence has a growing population had on Southborough Common? Finally we will consider the degree to which the future management of the common should change the landscape as it is today. A summary report of the findings from this workshop is available to download here.

Workshop 2: Accessing Southborough Common
8 February 2012, 7pm to 9pm, St. Thomas Church Southborough, Pennington Road, Southborough TN4 0SH
Our second workshop will consider the accessibility of Southborough Common. This will include discussion of physical access by footpath, bridleway and road. We will also consider visual access: what are the important views across the common? Are entranceways accessible and welcoming? What obstructions exist to access? Access to information about Southborough Common will be another talking point. How can we better educate people about the history and important characteristics of the common? A summary report of the findings from this workshop is available to download here.

Workshop 3: Wildlife and Nature Conservation
29 February 2012, 7pm to 9pm - The Ark, Gallards Close (opposite Southborough Library), London Road, Southborough TN4 0NB
The third workshop will be on the important species and habitats of Southborough Common, and how they have evolved to be present at Southborough due to the site's historic management. We will consider how the common links to the wider countryside, and the 'ecosystem services' that it provides to the local community. Finally we will consider both the benefits, and the conflicts that can arise from wildlife management in relation to access and the landscape. A summary report of the findings from this workshop is available to download here.

Final Workshop: Managing Southborough Common
10 March 2012, 10.30am to 3.30pm, St. Thomas Church Southborough, Pennington Road, Southborough TN4 0SH
The final workshops in the Southborough Common consultation will be an opportunity to review the results of the consultation to date, and identify the emerging issues and values for the local community. We will consider the legislation that has a bearing on what management may take place in the future. We will then move on to considering the management options that will tackle the issues identified during the consultation, whilst respecting the values of the local community and other stakeholders. A summary report of the findings from this workshop is available to download here.