Dartmoor National Park Authority
15 June 2009
Moorskills needs you
Moorskills Farmers are looking for a new intake of apprentices to learn the skills associated with upland farming in Dartmoor National Park. Moorskills is an award winning farmer led project, supported and co-ordinated by Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Dartmoor Hill Farm Project , designed specifically to meet local needs and conditions.
Moorskills apprentices learn skills such as gathering stock on the hills, swaling, hedgelaying and stone-walling. The apprentices can work on a rotation between farms on a two week timetable or have a static placement on one farm only. Whilst working alongside the farmer learning the skills and traditions of Dartmoor upland farming the apprentices also undertake a National Vocational Qualification (NVQ) in livestock production, level 2 or 3, delivered by Duchy College, Stoke Climsland. Duchy College also provides an induction course, while various bespoke courses are supplied by other training providers.
If you are aged 16 or over and want a career in upland farming or if you are a Dartmoor farmer and are prepared to share your skills please contact Sandra Dodd, Dartmoor Hill Farm Project Officer on (01626) 836013 / email sdodd@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
The closing date for applications is 7 July 2009
Ends
For further information from Dartmoor National Park Authority
Sandra Dodd, Dartmoor Hill Farm Project Officer,
Tel: (01626) 836013
E mail: sdodd@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
E mail: mnendick@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
For further information from Moorskills Farmers Ltd.
Colin Abel, Director, Moorskills Farmers Ltd.
Tel: (01822) 810264
For further information from Duchy College
Mr Chris Shepherd, Training Agency Operation Manager
Tel: (01579) 372230
E mail: chris.shepherd@duchy.ac.uk
Notes for Editors
Background research into farmers needs and a feasibility study were drawn up using funding from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, Duchy of Cornwall, Dartmoor Commoners Council and Natural England. This identified that 77% of farmers were interested in some form of training related to agriculture. It is as a result of this study that the Moorskills Project was initiated.
The Moorskills Project was launched on 4 December 2006.
On 18 May 2007, at Devon County Show, Moorskills was presented with the prestigious Prince of Wales Award.
The Dartmoor Hill Farm Project.is a project to help Dartmoor farmers, through a variety of methods from focus groups to helping get collaborative work off the ground, and works towards a sustainable future for upland farming on Dartmoor.
Dartmoor National Park Authority is committed to working with and through others to ensure the conservation, sustainable development, understanding and enjoyment of the area.
Return to Dartmoor National Park Authority Partnership Project News Releases
Page updated 15 June 2009
