Dartmoor: Government endorses land management overhaul

Dartmoor National Park Authority said it had embraced the government's swift action following the review

A new body aimed at transforming the management of Dartmoor will be created, the government has said.

It follows an independent review of the Devon moorland which the government responded to.

The response backed a recommendation to create a Land Use Management Group (LUMG) to support the long-term governance of Dartmoor.

Dartmoor National Park Authority said it had embraced the government's swift action following the review.

The government said the plan encouraged collaborative relationships between Natural England and commoners

The government said its response set out "a number of priorities to ensure farmers on Dartmoor are supported to produce food sustainably and run viable businesses while protecting important habitats and species across Dartmoor".

These included boosting farmers' confidence in Environmental Land Management schemes, including those transitioning from Higher Level Stewardship agreements, officials said.

The government also said it encouraged "collaborative relationships between Natural England and commoners" and backed a "robust strategy and long-term governance for Dartmoor".

Environment Secretary Steve Barclay said: "I've heard first-hand 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."

Review leader said those responsible for the future of Dartmoor need to come together

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) confirmed the LUMG would be set up later this year and run for two years.

Marian Spain, chief executive of Natural England, said the review "sets out a clear and positive vision for the future of Dartmoor and will help bring together all of the people who have a role to play in making its unique wildlife, landscapes and farming sustainable".

David Fursdon, chairman 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."

Kevin Bishop, chief executive for Dartmoor National Park Authority said: "We welcome the government's response to the independent review into protected site management on Dartmoor.

"We see the establishment of the LUMG as an important opportunity and commit to supporting the work of the group.

"We are delighted the government has endorsed the vision in the Dartmoor Partnership Plan to make Dartmoor better for future generations.

"A key part of that vision is the need for farming systems that can deliver a high-quality environment and food production. We firmly believe that you can farm for food and the environment but recognise the need for change from all involved if we are to move forward.

"We owe it to future generations to take this opportunity and make a success of it.

"We need to do more for nature, the wider environment and for our farm businesses and this needs to be done through collaboration and engagement."