EFFORTS to end the confusion over moving livestock on and off common land are progressing well, according to the outgoing chairman of the county’s association.

Members of the Federation of Cumbria Commoners heard the latest about discussions with Defra regarding the situation at its ‘well-attended’ annual general meeting.

Harry Hutchinson, who stood down as chairman after two years, said he believed that the problem could be solved soon.

“This is such a complex situation and will take some time to sort out but the Federation will continue to talk with DEFRA in this regard.”

Bringing stock off the hills can cause confusion, with some farmers unsure whether this counts as a movement that would trigger the six-day movement rule, an important disease control measure aimed at ensuring the movement of animals is properly monitored should a disease outbreak occur.

A spokesman for Defra said: ”Movements must not take place from any premises where one or more animals have been moved onto those premises in the six-day period prior to the movement.”

The situation hit the headlines only six weeks ago when a Welsh farmer was fined £500 for breaching the rule.

Mr Hutchinson told the meeting how the federation, which formed in 2003 to protect the rights of commons farmers, hosted a day for Natural England’s north west director Liz Newton and other employees of NE and pointed out some of the pitfalls facing commons and commoners in relation to NE guidelines.

The federation has advised NE it would be more than willing to offer training days for their employees on commons and commoning, and it is hoped that NE will take up this offer.

The meeting also heard how the federation, which has almost 600 members had been involved with the ‘Vision for the Uplands’ attending various meetings, and advising NE of the need to work in equal partnership with the people on the ground.

Dave Smith, of Dufton, who represents the Eastern Fells will be taking over the job for the next 12 months.