Call for evidence to the Independent Review of Protected Site Management on Dartmoor
Published 4 October 2023
Applies to England
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Introduction
Individuals and organisations are invited to submit their views to the Independent Review considering the management of Dartmoor’s protected sites (SSSIs and the Special Area of Conservation). The full scope and terms of reference outline how the review will work.
The review reflects the government’s commitment to supporting farmers, land managers, and those living and working on Dartmoor, in joining with the appropriate statutory bodies to improve its management and safeguard its protected sites. It will provide an independent perspective on this important subject.
The review is chaired by David Fursdon, with input and advice from a panel of experts. It will report to Defra ministers in the autumn and publish its findings. Findings will contribute to the future management of Dartmoor and the content of current and future agri-environmental agreements on areas including protected sites. The review is engaging closely with farmers and land managers, but responses are welcomed from all interested parties.
How to respond
Send written submissions to dartmoorreview@defra.gov.uk, by 11:59pm on Monday 16 October 2023.
Submissions and statements supported by evidence will be particularly welcomed.
Submissions
Submissions will be considered on any topic falling within the scope of the review, but the panel would welcome contributions in the following areas.
Management regimes
The most effective and appropriate management regimes to enable Dartmoor’s protected sites to achieve and maintain favourable condition. These should also contribute to the long-term, sustainable delivery of other public priorities on Dartmoor, reflecting its designation as a national park.
These could include:
- agricultural production
- maintaining and improving biodiversity
- supporting carbon capture and good hydrological management
- managing appropriate public access
- preserving Dartmoor’s rich history and culture
- protecting archaeology
- fitting in with the requirements of the MoD in specific areas
- wildfire prevention and control
Investment, innovation and incentives
The appropriate investments, innovations or incentives needed to support Dartmoor’s hill farm businesses and other land managers in providing effective management (including grazing) to achieve SSSI favourable conditions on protected sites.
Adaptations to environmental challenges
The adaptions required to adjust successfully to climate change and other environmental or ecological challenges on Dartmoor and any associated implications for the achievement of favourable condition on particular sites.
In your response, please indicate if you’re responding on behalf of an organisation or in a personal capacity and whether you’re willing to be contacted for further information.
It is intended that the names of all the organisations and individuals that have made formal submissions will be included in the final report of the review. The content of these submissions will be made publicly available unless contributors request otherwise.