Farming union NFU Cymru has agreed to fully fund a case being brought against one of its members, regarding the principle of common rights in Wales and England.
NFU Cymru, working in partnership with its legal panel firm, JCP Solicitors, has taken the decision to support and fully fund the legal costs of member and common rights holder Nick Tamplin, after court proceedings were issued against him by the owner of the common.
The owner is seeking the recovery of just over £11k, claiming that commoners must pay to use the rights.
NFU Cymru says this in despite the fact that those rights are properly registered, and have been exercised over many years without interference in accordance with long established legal principles.
Robustly defended
NFU Cymru Deputy President John Davies said: “We are confident that this speculative claim can be robustly defended, not just for Mr Tamplin, but also for every commoner across Wales who relies on rights of common for grazing, as well as those who have claimed support payments based on those rights.
“NFU Cymru is here to protect its members, and in this case to protect the vital rights of commoners who are a central part of the agricultural industry in Wales, an important resource for farm businesses, and indeed for the environment.
“At NFU Cymru we are committed to supporting Mr Tamplin, and many other farmers, to stop this misconceived claim in its tracks.”
