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Over the next ten years, the £13 million Forest of Dartmoor Higher Level Stewardship agreement will enable hill farmers to create new wildlife habitats and protect the natural environment of the moor.  They will receive financial support for continuing the centuries old practice of ‘commoning’ – grazing livestock freely over Dartmoor – in ways that will help its wild animals and plants to thrive. 

Environment Secretary, Caroline Spelman continued:

“Dartmoor is a unique area and this agreement, that puts traditional farming methods hand in hand with nature conservation, will help continue a way of farming that has existed for centuries. It’s great news all round for the people who live and work in Dartmoor, the thousands of visitors that come to the area every year and the wildlife that it is home to.”

Poul Christensen, Chair of Natural England, added:

“This is a significant new chapter in the long history of the Forest of Dartmoor.  By securing a major source of funding for the Moor’s traditional agricultural practices and a decade of support for Dartmoor’s farmers, this agreement will help to preserve this area’s unique farming traditions and enhance its natural environment.

“Natural England recognises the important role that the commoners have as custodians of Dartmoor and we are delighted to be working with them to ensure they have the support needed to continue looking after this wonderful place.  I am especially grateful to Colin Abel of the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council for his work in representing Dartmoor’s farming community and for all his work in securing this agreement.  I am absolutely delighted that so many farmers have joined the Forest of Dartmoor HLS scheme.”

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