What has already been decided
The waypoints the Consortium has already passed on the way to the 30 April 2026 workshop. Decided and not for re-opening on the day.
The has been working on the Ure Dales scheme for nearly twelve months. By the time the 30 April workshop happens, a substantial amount has already been agreed. The workshop is one step in a longer arc, not the start of the conversation. This page sets out what has been settled along the way and what is still genuinely open on the day.
Items in the “already settled” section are not for re-opening on 30 April. The workshop covers the six decisions in the second section. If something on the settled list does need to be revisited, raise it with the Consortium facilitator before the workshop — not on the day.
Already settled
1 June 2025
First governance structure meeting with the Consortium of Landowners
The conversation that began the 11-month process the workshop concludes.
Mid-2025
Adoption of the 4 Returns framework
The Consortium adopted ’s 4 Returns framework as the way the scheme talks about success — financial, natural, social, and inspiration returns measured at landscape and holding scale.
Late 2025
tier framework
Three-tier (Bronze, Silver, Gold) producer assurance attached to the . The framework is set; the audit model and tier criteria are still being refined.
Late 2025
Governance options shortlist (down to four)
From a wider initial set of legal forms, four shortlisted options moved into detailed analysis: charity-led, wholly-owned subsidiary, independent , and subsidiary CIC. The choice between these four is the workshop decision on 30 April.
Late 2025
Round 2 application made; project moved into
The Ure Dales project secured a place in DEFRA’s Landscape Recovery scheme via the Round 2 application process. The project is currently in the development phase, working towards a long-term implementation agreement.
Early 2026
14-day model
Workshop decisions are not final on the day. A 14-day ratification window follows, ending 14 May 2026. Silence within the window is treated as “not yet”, not as agreement by default.
Early 2026
Six-plan structure for development-phase deliverables
Land Management, Project Management and Governance, , Monitoring and Evaluation, Stakeholder Engagement, and Site Access plans. The structure is set; the detailed content of each plan continues to develop.
Early 2026
— proposed
Proposed framework for distributing income from environmental credits generated within the scheme: 87% to the originating landowner, 3% to the , 10% shared among scheme partners weighted by trustmark score. Proposed; not yet adopted by the Consortium.
Early 2026
Asset-locked SLE shortlist
All four shortlisted governance options carry an asset-lock. A private company was excluded because it has no asset-lock. See the asset-lock page.
Open on 30 April
30 April 2026
Single Legal Entity choice
Decision 1. The Consortium chooses between Options 1, 2, 3, and 4. The single largest decision on the day.
30 April 2026
distribution model
Decision 2. The Consortium chooses between Models A, B, C, D, and E. Drives how scheme surplus would flow to producers, the scheme, and the wider community.
30 April 2026
Trustmark participation framework
Decision 3. Confirmation of the Bronze/Silver/Gold pathway and what each tier carries.
30 April 2026
Audit model
Decision 4. The pooled, scheme-employed audit model with an independent , vs each holding contracting its own auditor.
30 April 2026
Timeline confirmation
Decision 5. Confirmation of the 20-year, five-phase pathway and the review windows at Years 5, 10–12, and 15.
30 April 2026
4 Returns framing confirmation
Decision 6. Confirmation of the 4 Returns framework as the scheme’s success-measurement language.
What this means for your holding
The 14-day ratification window after 30 April is part of the agreed shape of the workshop — not an exception to it. No permanent decision lands on the day. If your honest answer at the workshop is “not yet”, the ratification window holds that as a real position.
Where this connects on the site
- Decisions hub— the live list of decisions reached and decisions in development.
- Open questions— what is still being confirmed with DEFRA and others.
- The workshop— what happens on 30 April 2026.
- Ratification— how the 14-day window works.
Question about anything on this page? Email the Consortium facilitator directly at contact form or use the contact page. We usually reply within one working day.