Prince William backs new Dartmoor landscape vision

The Prince of Wales visited Princetown yesterday (12 June) to launch a 20-year plan aimed at restoring and protecting Dartmoor’s natural landscape in the face of climate change.

The Landscape Vision for Dartmoor, developed by the Duchy of Cornwall and the Central Dartmoor Landscape Recovery Project, sets out guiding principles for future land management. 

It focuses on nature restoration, sustainable farming and stronger collaboration between those who live and work on the moor.

Spanning 22,000 hectares, the project is the largest of its kind in the UK.

ABOVE: The Prince of Wales views Dartmoor’s upland habitats central to the climate resilience plans. Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

Writing in the foreword of the vision document, Prince William, who holds the title Duke of Cornwall, said: “Dartmoor is a magnificent and complex ecosystem - the balance between nature and people has evolved for thousands of years to shape the landscape we recognise today. To keep Dartmoor special, we must respond to the twin challenges of global warming and the requirement to restore nature, while ensuring the communities on Dartmoor can thrive.

“The Dartmoor Vision shows us what might be possible and how that might be achieved. It is bold and ambitious and something that I hope, by working together, can be delivered for not just the current generation but for generations to come.”

The plan was shaped through input from graziers, ecologists, farmers, foresters, peatland restorers, water companies, fire services, and conservationists. 

It outlines a roadmap for adapting to climate change, which scientists say will bring longer droughts, fewer frost days, and more extreme rainfall to the area.

Climate modelling in the report suggests Dartmoor could see average frost days halve over the next 40 years. 

A 2°C rise in temperature may also render the area unsuitable for its signature blanket peatlands, threatening biodiversity and carbon storage.

The Duchy has identified three priority areas:

• stronger partnerships between landowners, farmers and wildlife teams,
• major investment in restoring peatland and upland habitats, and
• new agri-environment schemes to improve soil, water and grazing practices at catchment scale.

Matthew Morris, Rural Director at the Duchy of Cornwall, said: “This ground-breaking Landscape Vision aims to establish a shared and multifunctional approach to the way the land is farmed, managed, and used, and in doing so create a more resilient Dartmoor environment. With the Dartmoor landscape increasingly vulnerable to climate change, the need to build resilience is clearer than ever. The level of collaboration behind this vision has been remarkable, enabling us to develop a clear path to protect, restore and heal the land, grounded in the knowledge of those who know Dartmoor best.”

Claire Hyne, Project Manager at the Central Dartmoor Landscape Recovery Project, added:

“The Central Dartmoor Landscape Recovery Project plans to continue to work alongside the Duchy, farmers and commoners to co-create integrated land management plans whilst identifying opportunities for green finance and funding to help sustain farm businesses, test new ideas and deliver positive environmental outcomes.”

Dartmoor is home to 35,000 residents and receives over two million visitors each year. 

ABOVE: Prince William greets project leaders working to create a more resilient and nature-rich Dartmoor. Picture by Andrew Parsons / Kensington Palace

It is a source of clean water and timber, and its extensive peatlands act as a major carbon sink.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said the initiative could help revitalise the moor’s ecosystems if common ground is found among stakeholders. 

“The historic and beautiful landscapes of Dartmoor can once again be vibrant with characteristic wildlife, if common cause can be forged among those who work in and enjoy this wonderful place. I commend the inclusive approach taken by the Duchy of Cornwall and Central Dartmoor Landscape Recovery Project in shaping this vision for Dartmoor.”