Government outlines plans to support Dartmoor farmers and environment

The government has responded to the Independent Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor, outlining key priorities to support farmers while safeguarding the region's habitats and species.

Published yesterday (April 10), the response focuses on enhancing farmers' confidence in Environmental Land Management schemes, fostering collaboration between Natural England and commoners, and establishing a robust long-term strategy for Dartmoor.

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: "I’ve heard firsthand the challenges faced by all those who live and work on Dartmoor, and our response sets out how we will ensure that farmers remain central to ensuring that we have healthy and varied habitats on Dartmoor which work in harmony with food production."

A significant recommendation from the review is the establishment of a Land Use Management Group (LUMG) to develop a comprehensive land use framework for Dartmoor. Defra confirmed that the LUMG will be formed later this year, with an independent chair supported by Dartmoor National Park Authority.

Marian Spain, Chief Executive of Natural England, welcomed the review's vision for Dartmoor's sustainability and pledged support for farmers in aligning farm businesses with nature conservation goals. 

She said: "Natural England has a statutory duty to protect sites containing the nation’s most precious examples of wildlife and biodiversity, and we recognise that farming will remain integral to how we achieve this."

David Fursdon, Chair of the Review said: "Those responsible for the future of Dartmoor and its special features need to come together now in an open and transparent way to discuss the practical steps necessary to restore and enhance this special place. This will require careful management, properly funded. This is their chance. They may not get another."

Defra has already taken steps to address review recommendations, including improvements to the moorland offer under the Sustainable Farming Incentive (SFI) scheme and providing clarity to Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreement holders.