TFA calls for a halt to Dartmoor destocking

The Tenant Farmers Association (TFA) has called for Natural England’s livestock destocking policy on Dartmoor to be paused while a review is undertaken.

David Fursdon, Lord-Lieutenant of Devon, was appointed by Defra earlier this year to oversee a review of the management of protected sites in Dartmoor.

See also: Pressure to destock Dartmoor ongoing as review takes place

It was understood at the time that Natural England would adhere to a 12-month grace period, during which time current stocking levels would be maintained.

However, Farmers Weekly revealed in August that pressure to cut stocking levels by Natural England on Dartmoor was still ongoing, despite the review.

The TFA has now submitted written evidence to the review, calling on Natural England to have a fundamental rethink of policy towards grazing on Dartmoor.

TFA chief executive George Dunn said: “The conclusions of this review will have significant and lasting implications, not only for the management of Dartmoor, but for other commons and protected sites across both England and the devolved nations of the UK.

“Despite the failure of Natural England’s policy, it is alarming that it appears to be carrying on regardless, as if the Dartmoor review was not in existence and its homework was not being marked.

“It is continuing to use its consent process on sites of special scientific interest (SSSI) and the threat of ‘Stop Notices’ to reduce grazing further, or indeed prohibit it altogether,” said Mr Dunn. 

Until the Dartmoor review had completed its work and Defra had decided how best to respond, he said Natural England must desist from pursuing further stock reduction activities on Dartmoor.

The TFA will also be giving oral evidence to the review on Tuesday 31 October.

Dave Slater, regional director for the South West, Natural England, said: “We have a duty in law to notify and protect SSSIs which contain our most precious examples of wildlife and biodiversity, and the government’s Environmental Improvement Plan commits us to restoring 75% of our SSSIs to favourable condition by 2042.

“Our assessments found clear and extensive evidence of overgrazing across a number of commons on Dartmoor.

“But we are also committed to ensuring farmers get the support and advice they need to take forward their businesses in a nature-friendly way that will help shape the future management of Dartmoor.”