The Dartmoor Nature Alliance (DNA) has been launched this week to campaign to restore nature on Dartmoor. The group has been started by local ecologists, environmental campaigners, and land managers who are increasingly concerned about the condition of Dartmoor for nature and the lack of progress on halting and reversing wildlife decline in the National Park.
The group highlights the conclusion of last year’s Independent Review of Protected Sites on Dartmoor (the Fursdon Review) that Dartmoor is “not in a good state” for nature with just 16 per cent of its Sites of Special Scientific Interest in favourable condition.
Harry Barton, DNA chairperson, said:
“By every measure, nature on Dartmoor is in trouble and, despite years of investment, the situation is not improving. This is a National Park; nature should be flourishing here, but instead, across thousands of hectares, it’s in an appalling condition.”
With the United Nations Biodiversity Conference (COP16) currently taking place, DNA says that places such as Dartmoor have a crucial role in delivering national and global targets of restoring 30 per cent of land for nature by 2030 (“30 by 30”).
Mr Barton continued,
“The UK government is committed to delivering 30×30. However, Wildlife and Countryside Link’s latest report said that only 2.93% of land in England is effectively protected and well-managed for nature. In their 75th year, all National Parks should play a central role in delivering this target, but Dartmoor is failing and this has to change”.
On 10 October, National Parks England and leading wildlife charities wrote to Defra Secretary of State Steve Reed MP, to appeal for a new vision in which our National Parks are wilder and greener.
Tony Whitehead, nature campaigner and DNA core group member, said,
“We recognise that there is some good work happening on Dartmoor, particularly the efforts to restore the peatlands, and by some farmers and other dedicated groups on Dartmoor. But this needs to be scaled up massively and urgently if we are to turn the fortunes of Dartmoor’s beleaguered wildlife around”.
“We do not see commitment and ambition here from decision-makers. Instead, we see nature consistently considered as an afterthought and continually losing out, as part of dismal political compromises driven by small groups of vested interests that do not have nature’s interests as a priority. We want to change this; we want nature to have a strong voice and a vibrant future on Dartmoor.”“DNA will campaign for a just transition to sustainable land use for nature and climate on Dartmoor. A transition that is inclusive and recognises the role we all have to play as citizens. And a transition that benefits both people and nature, where everyone is a winner. We believe that putting nature at the heart of science-based decision-making on Dartmoor will be good not just for wildlife but for all our communities.”
Nick Viney, regenerative farmer, and DNA Core Group member, said,
“Dartmoor’s nature offers us all a wealth of opportunities, be it water security, nature-friendly farming, or recreation and well-being. We want bold collaborations and imaginative solutions as demanded by these deeply challenging times in which we live”.
DNA says it will provide ambitious leadership for Dartmoor’s nature and work with influential leaders on Dartmoor and beyond to accelerate political change, overcome barriers, and create transformative action for a green and nature-rich Dartmoor.
It says it will put people at the heart of its work and create a new “People’s Vision” for Dartmoor.
Elena Grice, campaigner and DNA secretary, said,
“Dartmoor has the potential to be one of the most outstanding places for wildlife in Europe. Our vision for Dartmoor is a place where nature is in the ascendancy. We know thousands of people share this vision, and we want them to be at the core of our work. We want as many people as possible to actively campaign for nature here, regardless of their background, knowledge, or skills. Dartmoor belongs to all of us, and we should all have the opportunity to have our say in how it is managed”.
To register interest in supporting DNA, people can email info@dartmoornature.org.uk
For more articles by Tony Whitehead on Dartmoor’s state of health, click here.