New group calls for radical action to revive Dartmoor’s damaged landscapes

A new group on Dartmoor is calling for major changes to how the moor is managed, saying wildlife and habitats are in serious decline.

The Dartmoor Nature Alliance (DNA), made up of a network of conservationists, farmers and residents, has today (13 November) published a document called Bringing Dartmoor Back to Life. 

It sets out the changes the group believes are needed to improve the condition of rivers, peatlands and wildlife across the National Park.

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Harry Barton, chair of the Alliance, said much of Dartmoor’s natural environment has become “severely depleted”.

“Dartmoor could be one of the most impressive places for wildlife in Europe,” he said. “The good news is that, with a genuine commitment to restoring nature, supported by local communities and Government, this much-loved national park can become a vibrant landscape that is an inspiration for everyone.”

He added that change will need “courage and positive action from everyone, including farmers, politicians and government bodies”.

What the Alliance is calling for

The document lists several key changes the group wants to see over the next decade, some of the points made include:

• Large-scale investment to repair Dartmoor’s peatlands as protection against climate change
• Ending winter sheep grazing on the commons to allow heathland to recover
• Increasing broadleaved woodland so it covers twice the current area by 2042
• Cleaning up all 23 of Dartmoor’s rivers, including tackling pollution from sewage and agriculture
• Ending all burning on peat
• Restoring and reintroducing wildlife such as curlew, lapwing, beaver, wildcat and white-tailed eagle

The Alliance says it has spent the past year holding workshops and interviews across the moor, supported by the Devon Environment Foundation, to understand what residents believe needs to change. Its conclusion is that “Dartmoor deserves better, and it can be better.”

ABOVE: Group members say healthy rivers, peatland and wildlife should be at the heart of communities (Credit: Jamie Townsend)

Changes to law and funding

As well as environmental measures, the group wants reforms to how Dartmoor is governed, some of the requests include:

• Changes to commons grazing legislation
• Stronger legal duties on public bodies to protect nature
• Better funding for the National Park Authority
• Support for Natural England and Environment Agency to enforce environmental rules
• Public money only for farming practices that benefit nature, with clear results shown for taxpayers

The Alliance also wants more people from different backgrounds to be involved in decisions about how the moor is managed.

‘A living Dartmoor’

Lisa Schneidau, a core member of the group, said the aim is a moor where nature and local livelihoods can support each other.

“Our vision is simple,” she said. “A living Dartmoor where healthy rivers, restored peatlands, and thriving wildlife sit at the heart of community life and rural livelihoods, this is a moment for courage and collaboration.”