Today we have published a Review of the evidence for the management of Dartmoor’s Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs). As an evidence-led organisation, we use this to inform our advice to farmers and stakeholders on Dartmoor. Our job is to take the best available evidence and apply it within the local context. This is needed to provide the best possible outcome for nature and for the people who work, live and visit Dartmoor.
This blog sets out Natural England’s ambition and how we are using evidence to inform our approach to Dartmoor. This includes recommendations on short-term extensions to existing Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agreements and our advice to the newly formed Dartmoor Land Use Management Group (DLUMG).
In summary, Natural England’s advice will be based on the following principles:
- Enhancing the natural function of Dartmoor’s ecosystems to sustain wildlife and the communities who rely on them
- Long-term collaboration and strategic planning, with all interests on Dartmoor working together towards a shared vision
- Recognising that management is complex and dynamic – there are factors that we do not fully understand and further research and scaled field trials are needed to plug evidence gaps
- Viable farming businesses are key to sustainable management
- Developing a holistic landscape-scale approach to grazing management
Our recent full surveys show there is much more work to be done to improve the condition of Dartmoor’s SSSIs. All SSSIs across Dartmoor remain in unfavourable condition. For many areas grazing patterns are a factor. This includes both under grazing and over grazing. Any successful long-term plan to recover habitats will mean that grazing regimes will have to adapt. The type, numbers, timing and location of grazing animals are key. But we also know that this is very difficult to achieve in practice, given the huge extent of the unenclosed moorland commons.
Our review of the evidence concludes that causes of unfavourable condition on Dartmoor are multifaceted. Contributing factors include over and under-grazing of livestock (e.g. early summer hardy cattle), excessive burning, peat cutting and drainage. The role of external factors such as nitrogen deposition and climate change are not well evidenced on Dartmoor but should not be ignored in management decisions.
The approach to recovering Dartmoor’s SSSIs needs to take account of all these factors – focussing on one issue such as over-grazing will not work. In fact, applying strict limits to grazing across Dartmoor may jeopardise the very farming systems needed. These farming systems are part of the recovery of the mosaic habitats that make Dartmoor a special place for nature. How to control vegetation management across large, complex and unfenced areas is still poorly understood.
Trial solutions within Dartmoor’s unique characteristics are needed. We are therefore working closely with the DLUMG and other strategic initiatives to achieve the best ecological outcomes for protected sites. Trialling innovative approaches supported by robust experimental design and academic rigour will add to our future evidence base and advice.
Much of the evidence in this review is from smaller and more controllable areas than Dartmoor. Achieving a level of control on Dartmoor’s unfenced moorland for sustained improvement in condition is difficult. Even if this level of control could be achieved, we would need to account for the other factors. This all leads to our conclusions that a more holistic approach is needed. This approach must ensure we can sustain a long-term sustainable management regime – meaning it must be compatible with viable farm businesses. This of course, is in line with the aims of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group. The success of this group is vital for nature recovery on Dartmoor.
Many wider initiatives also give us huge optimism for the future health of Dartmoor’s natural environment. The Southwest Peatland Partnership has pioneered the restoration of extensive areas of peatland habitats. There are also three Landscape Recovery pilots that present an exciting opportunity to deliver the desired long-term and creative management. As well as this, the Protected Landscapes Targets and Outcomes Framework point to a step change in Government’s aspirations for our most cherished landscapes.
Natural England and Dartmoor’s stakeholders have a common goal of a wildlife-rich landscape in tune with a thriving rural community. With this in mind, we must work very closely with the DLUMG members to co-design an approach and a plan that enhances and sustains the special qualities of Dartmoor’s protected sites.
Over the coming year, we will be offering two-year extensions to HLS agreements and supporting farmers to maximise the environmental benefits of their scheme. This will prioritise the protection and enhancement of irreplaceable peatland to prevent deterioration to heathland through targeted management and more regular monitoring. This will also bridge the gap to a time when there is more clarity on Environmental Land Management Schemes (ELMS) to support farmers when making the right choice for their businesses and for nature.
This interim approach sets the direction for future management and allows time for the DLUMG to co-develop a strategy for achieving our longer-term ambitions. We hope this will pave the way towards a more sustainable and strategic management system for the future of Dartmoor.
The publication of the review follows the publication last week of three Natural England evidence reports to inform action to support the recovery of peatland landscapes: Growing the evidence base to recover England’s treasured peatland landscapes – Natural England
4 comments
Comment by Rob Yorke posted on
Whatever the empirical evidence, important as that is, skilled co-design and engagement with people holding a wide range of values and knowledge (whether 'fresh' evidence-base or 'old' anecdotal hearsay) is vital.
Here's a good example from Ireland on similar issues in the Burren project https://theconversation.com/when-farmers-and-scientists-collaborate-biodiversity-and-agriculture-can-thrive-heres-how-250333
best wishes, Rob
Comment by Richard Watson posted on
Do we (ie humans) need to 'manage' every square metre of the land surface? Are there no plans to allow nature to manage itself at a landscape scale in core areas of our national parks? Over a wide enough area ecosystems will manage themselves and should not this be a stated long-term goal?
Comment by Miles posted on
Thanks Rob.
But, as I am sure you know, the Dartmoor-wide HLS scheme was co-designed with full engagement from the Dartmoor Forest commoners.
Defra minister Caroline Spelman proudly proclaimed the Dartmoor HLS as a new and exciting future for the co-creation of agri-environment schemes.
"Secretary of State at Defra thanked everyone involved in drawing up the agreement and in particular praised the achievements of the more than 300 Dartmoor ‘commoners’ involved for their hard work and support for the project."
https://www.wired-gov.net/wg/wg-news-1.nsf/0/97C0D9655808CD1780257A02003EE5C3?OpenDocument
Comment by John Hulme posted on
I second the comment from Richard Watson above (08 April 2025).