HOW IT WORKS

Common helps solve the challenges facing communities seeking to own and manage local wild landscapes for the benefit of nature and local people.

 

We have developed a unique approach which balances local natural heritage and skills with the support of national institutional expertise. 

 

Contact us today to discuss your community land project, or read on for more details on how we work with communities like yours.

How it works

our MODEL

Communities have historically suffered disadvantage in land acquisition. Crowdfunding, in the development of which one of our founders, Franny Armstrong, played a pioneering role, has shifted this dynamic for good. 

 

We simplify the process of crowdfunding for you. We’ll help you launch and accomplish a successful crowdfunding campaign, choose the right governance structure, and put your values and those of nature at the heart of a new community land company. 

 

For each project, we call on a network of values-aligned investors and philanthropists to complete the funding commitments needed for a successful bid. Once acquired, we work with local leadership to develop enterprise and land management plans which best serve nature and local people. 

 

Our science and research partners analyse the condition of the land and track the progress of the restoration work. Our team supports the launch of nature-positive revenue streams, which might include visitor activities, produce of the land, and carbon or biodiversity credits. The value we create is aligned with national and international commitments for nature restoration, carbon drawdown, and community resilience. 

 

As the project progresses, we work with each project to report on the improved outcomes for wildlife and people, bolstering the case for further grants or impact investment. Throughout, we serve local characteristics and aspirations, welcoming wherever required national expertise on land management and community business, to help you and your land project to succeed.

Our process

01Stakeholder Mapping

In this initial phase, key organisations and communities are engaged, and the broad contours of the project set out.

02Project Design

Partners co-create an effective process to unlock capital into the asset transfer and restoration planning.

03Feasibility Analysis

Third party analysts scrutinise and assess all aspects of the project, including risk, resources, and rewards.

04Governance Design

Lawyers work alongside key stakeholders to design a structure which can hold and balance values, assets, voices.

05Business Planning

During this stage, the enterprise structure is designed, developed, and refined.

06Landscape Restoration Planning

Co-design management plans alongside ecological, data scientists, and benchmarking organisations.

07Financial Structuring

Nature-focused finance organisations structure the financial instruments, entities, and resources for the project.

08Crowdfunding / Matchfunding

Common work with FCA-authorised platform partners to open the project to community funding. Common partners offer match funding.

09Asset Transfer / Share Issue

The ownership of Tree Ring projects are either transferred to new, purpose-designed, locally registered corporate entities, or joint ventures. Shares in the entities are issued to local and institutional investors.

10Ecological Assessments

The Tree Ring project ecosystems are baseline-assessed. Assessments continue longitudinally.

11Credit Issuance / Revenue Development

Natural capital credits (carbon and biodiversity) are validated, issued, and sold, generating revenue for local and institutional investors. Local economic development is supported.

12Long-term Stewardship

The Tree Ring project areas are now restored and in local hands, supported by an ecosystem of partners. The social, ecological, and financial performance of the projects continues to be transparently reported.

THE community TOOLKIT

The toolkit provides community project partners support that goes far beyond land ownership and acquisition. Get in touch to talk to one of the team about how we can best support you and your community land project.

HERE TO HELP

Common is building a community of fellowship, insight, resources and support, for the long-term protection of nature and communities. It’s not surprising for community groups to sometimes feel overwhelmed by the challenges of buying and managing land. Just as most of us do, when wanting to help address the global climate and nature emergencies. 

 

Common is here to help change this overwhelm into practical empowerment:  restoring your own local wild landscapes is the most direct way you can help protect nature, sequester carbon, and build local resilience. This is an investment in nature and people, as David Attenborough says, for present and future generations.