Tom, along with NFU Deputy President David Exwood, joined the Defra Secretary of State Steve Barclay for discussions with farmers into the independent review by David Fursdon on the future management of Dartmoor’s SSSIs (sites of special interest) and SAC (Special Area of Conservation).
In a meeting chaired by Sir Geoffrey Cox, Tom and the Minister were joined on the panel by Mr Fursdon and Natural England’s Chief Executive Marian Spain where they listened to NFU members’ issues and explained their responses to the review.
The ‘independent review of protected site management on Dartmoor’ was commissioned by the government last summer following opposition from farmers to Natural England plans that would have seen livestock numbers on the moor greatly reduced.
Confidence to invest
The NFU President said: “Today was a fantastic opportunity on the back of the Fursdon review to really look at how we move the discussions forward with a clear sense that there needs to be an independent committee that is able to come forward with the strategy for how the moors should be managed for the future.
“One of the reflections for me on the Dartmoor review is that we all know that farming is a generational investment, and yet all too often we have short term policy.
“What those members, farmers and commoners on the moor need is the confidence to invest in this transition.
“We all know that farming is a generational investment, and yet all too often we have short term policy.”
NFU President Tom Bradshaw
“We need to make sure it is fair and just and that the role of farming and food production is fully recognised in maintaining the heartbeat of these rural communities.
“These businesses are going to need to change, and unless they have long term confidence that funding is going to be available to put the transition in place, then it’s not going to be possible to make the changes required.”
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Defra Secretary of State Steve Barclay MP
NFU South regional director Mel Squires with Dartmoor member Leyland Branfield
NFU Deputy President David Exwood
Holsworthy panel with Defra secretary of State State Steve Barclay MP, Torridge and West Devon MP Sir Geoffrey Cox, NFU President Tom Bradshaw
Maintaining momentum
The meeting saw approximately 60 farmers have the opportunity to put questions to the panel on how the plans coming forward for Dartmoor didn’t fit with the viability of their businesses.
NFU President Tom Bradshaw’s words were met with murmurs of agreement from members as he pointed out that a key part of moving the discussion forward depended on the farmers who are managing the moors being trusted and learned from.
NFU Deputy President David Exwood also attended and said it had been brilliant to bring everybody who had an interest in Dartmoor together.
“I think it’s really important we use this as a springboard to maintain momentum on the Fursdon report,” he said.
“We need to reframe the relationship with Natural England and the farmers here in Dartmoor, that’s what we need to achieve.”
South Regional Director Mel Squires, who organised the meeting, said the Secretary of State, Natural England and their officials had heard first-hand from grass root farmers of their desire to work with partners on solutions for all.
“This will be the only way forward to secure the long-term sustainable future both for the moor, and our farming families,” she said.
“Seeing the new NFU President and Deputy President talk to local members here and listen to what issues they’re facing on the moors was very pleasing to witness.”
Devon farmer and NFU county chair Paul Glanvill
‘Catalyst for positive, meaningful change’
While Devon farmer and NFU county chair Paul Glanvill said it was important for the Secretary of State to visit and discuss the future of Dartmoor with them.
He said: “Seeing the new NFU President and Deputy President talk to local members here and listen to what issues they’re facing on the moors was very pleasing to witness.
“We are pleased to see that the Fursdon review recognises the important role commoning and pastoralism has on Dartmoor.
“The NFU understands the review must be the catalyst for positive, meaningful change.”
Following the review the NFU has said the evolution of Dartmoor’s vision, governance, and management needs to involve commoners, Defra and Natural England, and a wide range of other key stakeholders.
The NFU will continue to work closely with its members on any developments, particularly the Land Use Management Group, and awaits the government’s response to the review.
