Defra presses on with Dartmoor Review recommendations

The Tenant Farmers Association has welcomed confirmation that Defra is pressing ahead with recommendations in the Dartmoor Review, including the establishment of a new land use management group.

The department is advertising for an independent chairperson to head up the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group (DLUMG) – one of the key recommendations in the independent Dartmoor Review, which was chaired by David Fursdon.

The DLUMG has been created and funded by Defra to deliver on the government response to the Independent review of protected site management on Dartmoor.

See also: Stocking rate questions unanswered by Dartmoor review response

Defra says the group will play a key role in delivering a Land Use Framework and land-use plan for Dartmoor, as well as the other recommendations attributed to the group in the government response. 

George Dunn, chief executive of the Tenant Farmers Association (TFA), said he was delighted that the new Labour government has picked up on the issue of resolving conflicts between Natural England and farmers concerning the management of protected sites on Dartmoor in its early days of government.

Relationships ‘toxic’

He said: “Sadly, relationships on Dartmoor between owners, graziers and public bodies have become toxic, not helped by the single focus of Natural England on reducing livestock numbers without delivering any benefits for the natural environment.

“There is a huge expectation around the establishment of the new land use management group, and we look forward to working with the new chair and the members of the group to deliver a better future for Dartmoor and all who rely upon it for their lives and livelihoods.”