Dartmoor National Park Authority

Habitat and Species Management

Maintaining the right conditions for wildlife to thrive can sometimes be a challenge! External factors such as climate change and changes to farming practices mean that we must be both knowledgeable and flexible in our approach. Therefore our ecologists work with local farmers and land owners and through liaison with partners such as Natual England to look after our species and habitats.  We employ land management specialists who work closely with our ecologists to ensure that the particular requirements of habitats and species are widely known and acted upon.

Sometimes a focussed approach is used to give a real boost to species conservation, particularly if that species uses a large landscape. For example, the Action for Wildlife Partnership has worked with local land owners to provide a network of commuting, feeding and roosting areas for greater horseshoe bats in the Buckfastleigh area, part funded by Natural England.

Management of land for farming and forestry has had, and continues to have, a critical impact on Dartmoor’s wildlife. For example, of the 17 species identified as priorities for conservation action in the Dartmoor BAP, over three-quarters are dependent on grazing by farm animals to maintain their habitat.

And an exceptionally high number of rare mosses and lichens are found in Dartmoor’s ancient woodland which was formerly managed for charcoal and firewood. Partnership projects which support sustainable farming and forestry practices are thus an important way to ensure the survival of Dartmoor’s wildlife. Current examples of this work are the Dartmoor Hill Farm Project, Dartmoor Pony Scheme, the Ancient Woodland Project, the Action for Wildlife Partnership, the Two Moors Threatened Butterfly Project (external site, opens new window), and Operation Wader.

We provide information and advice on best practice and use our own land to experiment with and demonstrate new management techniques. For example, we organise Moorland Mangement Forum meetings with the Dartmoor Commoners' Council and organise a Moorland Fire Liason Group, which has produced a Swaling Checklist.

Page updated 15 October 2009