English Nature has negotiated substantial stocking reductions (up to 60%) on a number of upland Sites of Special Scientific Interest in Cumbria with the objective of restoring their vegetation quality. Because concerns were raised about possible socio-economic effects of these conservation regimes English Nature asked stakeholders to set out their concerns. Consultants were then requested to review and assess these for English Nature action. This paper summarises specific aspects of the conclusions of this research and the conclusions of a workshop to whom the report was presented.