On the 12th of June the Duchy of Cornwall publicly launched their vision for Dartmoor, offering a 20 year ‘road map’ for the future. The DPA were consulted during the planning stages and we’re pleased to have brought our expertise and knowledge of Dartmoor to the project. We were one of 22 consultees in the development phase who contributed to the work of Digg and Co, the landscape architects that put the vision together. We were consulted as landowners in the Central Dartmoor Farm Cluster and Common Landowner on the Forest of Dartmoor, which is Duchy owned.
Our CEO, Tom Usher, says, ‘We are pleased to have contributed to this important piece of work. The suite of options the vision lays out for each of the 3 main landscape types adds important detail to plans already in existence and, most crucially; provides a unifying, coherent and well-consulted image of what we can all achieve for nature, farming and the National Park.’
Writing in the foreword, the Duke of Cornwall says:
‘Dartmoor is a magnificent and complex ecosystem – the balance between nature and people has evolved for thousands of years to shape the landscape we recognise today. To keep Dartmoor special, we must respond to the twin challenges of global warming and the requirement to restore nature, while ensuring the communities on Dartmoor can thrive. The Dartmoor Vision shows us what might be possible and how that might be achieved. It is bold and ambitious and something that I hope, by working together, can be delivered for not just the current generation but for generations to come.’
The DPA see the vision as a a good thing for Dartmoor. The overarching plan for Dartmoor comes from the DNPA Partnership Plan, but the vision nests underneath it and colours in the detail for the largest single landowner. Acting as a reference document, ‘the Vision outlines a set of guiding principles to inform the future environmental management of the Duchy’s Dartmoor estate.’ Whilst having been created specifically for Dartmoor, the vision also has further potential ramifications, as it lays a potential foundation for other UK wide environmental management plans.
‘All the aspirations in the vision require delivery, often by those who manage, live and work on the land. The collaborative approach that has begun with this vision must be maintained through the delivery phases and we are very pleased that the Central Dartmoor Farm Cluster has been at the heart of the vision making’, says Tom Usher. As landowners in the cluster, the DPA hope to continue supporting all their fellow consultees as the vision informs action in the landscape. Considering the diverse habitats and landscapes which make up the tapestry of Dartmoor National Park, it is positive to see that the Vision offers tailored approaches for the high moor, enclosed uplands and valleys & foothills.
We have long seen biodiversity and healthy habitat going hand in hand with sustainable and successful farming on Dartmoor and the DPA commend the Duchy for taking this step to align the interests of vibrant nature and sustainable farming businesses. Tom Usher goes on to state: ‘We should not forget that this vision covers the DoC land only and there are swathes of Dartmoor National Park that would benefit from the same approach; to provide additional detail to nest under the DNPA Partnership Plan’. The detailed nature of the Vision provides an inspiring visual representation of the good that can be achieved for the Dartmoor landscape, which requires ‘key stakeholders, including fire services, the military, commoners, and conservationists, to tackle issues such as wildfire risk and vegetation uniformly.’
Looking ahead, we will be actively collaborating with neighboring land owners and other local groups, as appropriate, to ensure that we deliver our responsibilities within the Vision.