Launched in 2011, the Dartmoor Farming Futures initiative is currently being trialled on 26 farms in two different areas. It aims to safeguard a unique environment, to conserve nature and archaeology, to protect water supplies and increase carbon capture.
Unlike other schemes, the project hopes to maintain and improve the ecosystem through an ‘outcome based plan’, rather than through prescriptive measures, allowing greater flexibility and adaptation to more difficult areas, such as Sites of Special Scientific Interest and scheduled monuments.
The farms are already showing promising results, particularly in terms of co-operation between the groups involved, with Natural England, the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Defra, the Ministry of Defence and the Duchy of Cornwall all playing a part.
The NFU Uplands Group will see the direct involvement of farmers in designing and monitoring a new agri-environmental scheme on two Dartmoor commons.
Chairman Robin Milton believes the Dartmoor Farming Futures initiative is a great opportunity for farmer-led preservation of the countryside.
He said: “This initiative allows local farmers, who best understand how to manage their environment, to use skills and knowledge to achieve environmental goals briefed by Natural England, the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority.
“We hope the approach will both protect the environment and allow traditional farming practises to survive. It should also noticeably increase the potential of such schemes to deliver real change and enhancement of ecosystem services and public benefits.”