3 May 2006
A Vision for the future of Dartmoor’s moorland unveiled
On 8 May 2006 the results of a unique project, initiated by Dartmoor National Park Authority, will be unveiled. The Vision for moorland Dartmoor looks forward to the year 2030, and is the result of collaboration between farmers, commoners and statutory agencies. This alliance has articulated a single, clear vision which all these organisations will use as a framework for action required on the ground to manage the Dartmoor landscape.
The Vision is of an open landscape containing a mosaic of different types of vegetation and habitats, with archaeological features protected, vegetation cover managed by the grazing of livestock and Dartmoor’s core of blanket bog managed to ensure it is robust against climate change, thereby protecting natural resources such as water quality and quantity.
Over the past 3 years the innovative alliance that has agreed the Vision has been co-ordinated by an independent facilitator - John Waldon - and is part of the Moor Futures Project. It brings together all the key stakeholders responsible for the management of upland Dartmoor. The Vision also identifies where the priorities are, allowing the partners to more clearly plan future actions.
Nick Atkinson, Chief Executive (National Park Officer) Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:
‘The Vision sets out the aims for the management of what is the largest area of open land in southern England. It emphasises the belief, of all the partners involved, of the continuing importance of farming to maintain the National Park landscape and provides a unique platform from which to outline the needs of Dartmoor to Defra and the EU.’
‘It also identifies the importance of archaeology in the Dartmoor landscape and the map details areas of such high significance for archaeology that they require different management from those managed for nature conservation reasons.’
Ends
For Further Information from Dartmoor National Park Authority
Sue Eberle, Head of Land Management
John Weir, Head of Communications
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: 01626 832093
For Further Information from…
English Nature: Simon Bates
Tel: 07771 838522
English Heritiage: Helen Nesbitt or Debbie Holden
Tel: 0207 973 3000
Rural Development Agency: Wailim Wong
Tel: 01752 635053
Notes for Editors
The launch of the Vision for moorland Dartmoor takes place on Monday 8 May, 11am at Merrivale near Princetown. An opportunity to learn more about this exciting initiative will be provided. Media representatives wishing to attend should contact Sue Eberle on (01626) 832093.
No media interviews will be given until 8 May 2006.
At the launch, John Waldon, Facilitator of the Vision for moorland Dartmoor will explain how the alliance between farmers and agency staff enabled this novel approach to succeed. Light refreshments will be available afterwards in Princetown. Copies of the Vision map will be made available at the launch.
The partners involved in the Vision for moorland Dartmoor are: English Nature, English Heritage, the Rural Development Service, the Environment Agency, Defence Estates, Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Dartmoor Commoners Council.
The Vision identifies areas of blanket bog, heather moorland, western heath, mires, naturally regenerated woodland, the ice age geological landscape of Merrivale and Premier Archaeological Landscapes (areas identified to be the best and most important archaeological landscapes on Dartmoor).
Work on the Vision started three years ago, financed by Dartmoor National Park Authority, and English Nature. Following the success in securing agreement on what Dartmoor should look like in 25 years time a second phase has begun. This will investigate any barriers to delivering the Vision and offer solutions.
The work of the Vision for moorland Dartmoor has been praised in Defra’s Natural Environment and Rural Communities Bill Policy Statement.
The second (implementation) phase is financed by and guided by the relevant organisations.
Copies of the Moorland Vision map are being made available to all the local Commoners Associations and other land managers to enable work towards achieving this vision throughout moorland Dartmoor. It can also be viewed online.
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site .
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority .
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,400 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
Return to General Interest News Releases
This page last updated 3 May 2006
© Copyright Dartmoor National Park Authority
Send comments, enquiries, etc. to communications@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Page updated 2 May 2006