Dartmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2021 - 2026

People, businesses and organisations with a stake in farming and forestry have a greater understanding of the needs and opportunities for the sector on Dartmoor, especially where this relates to agricultural transition and changing societal factors

How will this be achieved?

Partners will achieve this through a range of training, advice, new projects, working groups and networks, including the following priorities:

• By the end of 2022 reform the Dartmoor Woodland & Forestry Group to act as a focus for the forestry and woodland sectors on Dartmoor. Develop terms of reference to allow the group to provide strategic guidance for the management and development of the resource within the National Park.
• By the end of 2022 develop a soils and grassland programme that informs best practice specifically relating to Dartmoor across improved and semi natural grassland. Delivered by practical field trials, demonstration sites and peer to peer learning explore topics from carbon to grassland establishment, enhancement and associated livestock systems.
• Working with Our Upland Commons (previously known as the Common Cause project) (2021 – 2025) deliver a range of projects that will support commoning and the management of the commons. This will include investment in skills and resources for participating commoners as well as works to enhance habitats, key species and for public engagement.
• During the agricultural transition provide up to date advice, information and support linked to grant streams relevant to farming and forestry.
• From 2022 develop a training and awareness framework for Staff and Members at the National Park and relevant Local Planning Authorities focused on the Farming and Forestry sector. This will include topics such as planning and development, supply chains, new entrants, and land tenure. Delivery to be a combination of site visits, workshops, and mentoring.
• Explore opportunities for farmers and foresters across National Parks in England to share best practice and explore opportunities for collaborative programmes of investment and activity
• Through the Hill Farm Project re-engage with national agencies such as Defra, Natural England, and the Rural Payments Agency to offer training and awareness sessions. These will focus on upland farming for staff involved in strategy and front-line services
• Working in partnership in 2023 develop a strategy to support opportunities for new entrants and next generation farmers to aid progression within the sector.