A Inspiring Exmoor Spring Conference

The richest terrestrial habitats are created by the farming industry and extensive grazing is critical to sustaining the landscape we adore. But moorland and hill farming represents highly marginalised systems of management which are very vulnerable to the market forces that can come to bear. Such as Brexit, where trade negotiations could greatly influence - and even determine - the future of Exmoor. 'Exmoor' as we know and love it really is in our hands, because new agricultural policy is being shaped - right now.

Farmers and land owners are urged to have their say in the DEFRA farming 'Healthy & Harmony Consultation' which closes on 8 May, 2018. Link : https://consult.defra.gov.uk/farming/future-of-farming/

The quest is for worldwide sustainably-produced food and with that in mind, the sustainability of our farming systems versus population growth is critical - and very challenging. A hundred years ago, 80% of the population was in the country and 20% urban. Today, those statistics are reversed - and there is an increasing disconnection from 'natural systems'. We must re-connect.

In an area like Exmoor, it's important that the government understands that is not so much about increasing productivity as maintaining quality - supplying high quality food, produced well, which includes producing affordable food - of good quality. Special areas like Exmoor National Park need special attention and one of the concerns is that the proposed areas of DEFRA administration show National Parks being split in the geographical boundaries. Merrick Denton-Thompson feels it's critical that National Parks are recognised as defined places so focus can be put on successfully realising their individual management plans.

The feeling is that DEFRA needs to operate and engage locally, utilising the local resources and expertise - and that farming isn't best looked at in '5 year chunks'. Commitment to farming support must be seen in the long term to secure good quality, sustainably-produced food, with at least 10 year farming plans. This is an opportunity for Exmoor and its farming community to shape agricultural policy and plans post Brexit - and we must take it and get involved.

The Value of Natural Capital

Understanding and utilising the importance of Natural Capital* could be extremely valuable to Exmoor, where the detailed mapping of environmental assets and resources could lead to a points system able to reward good management and conservation. The scale and challenges of accurately mapping and understanding these resources are daunting, but not impossible, and the process is underway.
(* Natural capital can be defined as the world's stocks of natural assets which include geology, soil, air, water and all living things. It is from this natural capital that humans derive a wide range of services, often called ecosystem services, which make human life possible. More info : https://naturalcapitalforum.com/about/ )

Mental Health and Wellbeing
Exmoor has a vital and valuable role to play in benefitting people's mental health and wellbeing and this includes connecting and engaging with urban populations. This is something that needs to be evolved. The countryside provides great urban value - with clean air, clean water, the opportunity to nourish mental health and wellbeing, and enjoy the cultural landscape and environment. This needs investment and support - and we must seek it to maximise the potential.

Exmoor - A Natural Habitat and a National Treasure
While bird and inspect populations are in decline in various areas of the UK, Exmoor is proving to be a rich environment. Although the area has seen the unfortunate loss of the Curlew and Ring Ouzel, the mosaic of habitats across Exmoor are providing safe haven for many species and are vital for biodiversity. Nick Bruce-White stressed that we mustn't take them for granted. Exmoor National Park is an exquisite part of the UK landscape and on many levels can be considered a National Treasure. We need to keep it that way.

And Exmoor ponies?
I asked the meeting how the ENPA 5-year management plan would help and support the Exmoor farmers, including engaging and motivating the younger generation, to maintain and safeguard the semi-feral Exmoor pony herds. Particularly as some important herd owners are facing well-documented difficulties and delays in registering and passporting the ponies - and have become demoralised. With the breed flagged as 'In Decline' on the Rare Breeds Surivival's 2018 Danger List and only around 55 female foal registrations worldwide last year (against recent trends of 100+) there is no doubt that alarm bells are ringing about the breed's future. Sarah Bryan, CEO of ENPA, acknowledged awareness of these issues and confirmed that ENPA is actively working to bring all parties together to find solutions. She also expressed the intention for the Exmoor Pony Genome Project, which is now underway, to assist with improvement in safeguarding the ponies.

The Exmoor National Park Authority Partnership Plan 2018-2023

You can read the ENPA 5 year Partnership Plan here.

Find out more about the Exmoor Society here

Find out more about Exmoor National Park Authority here

Farmers and land owners are urged to have their say in the DEFRA farming 'Healthy & Harmony Consultation' which closes on 8 May, 2018.

Photo by Maureen Harvey

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