Cumbrian graziers have lost the battle over plans to lease an iconic spot in Cumbria to a charitable trust.

The controversial proposal to lease Glenridding Common for three years to the John Muir Trust was agreed at a Lake District National Park Authority meeting this week.

Richard Leafe, chief executive of the LDNPA said discussions had previously been held with two commoners who grazed the land and representatives from the farming community.

A countryside charity and the Federation of Cumbrian Commoners had previously joined forces in their disapproval of the move by LDNPA to lease the common to the Trust, which owns and cares for wild places, including the summit of Ben Nevis and part of the Cuillin on Skye.

Later the Foundation for Common Land withdrew its objection, but said they would expect further consultation after the initial three-year term had ended.

In a letter to the park authority, federation leaders said they rejected the lease plan because of concerns over so-called re-wilding.

After the meeting Mr Leafe said: "We look forward to seeing how the Trust's management will enhance and improve the environmental quality of this land."

It is aimed the three-year lease will run from August this year.