Livestock Grazing on Dartmoor National Park
Debate between Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville and Lord Katz
Lord Katz (Lab)
The noble Baroness makes a number of important points. As I have said, no cull of the ponies is under consideration. The fact is that the ecological health of Dartmoor is in a dire state, because one factor that does not get talked about is the preponderance of sheep on Dartmoor, as well as cattle and ponies. We have to get the right mix of grazing. She is absolutely right: Natural England has been working with all stakeholders in the area, through the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group. I am sure it is listening to all the stakeholders’ concerns, including those who are interested in promoting Dartmoor in its totality, as a community in which people live as well as a tourist destination. I am sure it will continue to take that into account.
Baroness Bakewell of Hardington Mandeville (LD)
My Lords, a brief search of the internet reveals considerable anger among graziers and farmers on Dartmoor at the proposed culling of ponies by Natural England. Farmers are at a loss to understand how Natural England could believe that farmers would choose to reduce cattle and sheep numbers, on which their businesses rely, rather than reducing pony numbers. We have seen the result of a lack of meaningful consultation in the Malvern Hills. Will the noble Lord agree that this issue on Dartmoor could have been handled much better?
Lord Katz (Lab)
I absolutely re-emphasise that there is no planned cull of ponies or other any other livestock. It is about getting the right mix in the right parts of Dartmoor. Those who know the area well—probably much better than I do—know that there is not one landscape or one habitat. It is a wonderful ecological mix, and we want to protect and promote the biodiversity there. Natural England is in regular contact with all agreement holders where they have agreements with Defra to support their grazing and other activity on Dartmoor. It works with farmers and commoners to agree proposed management plans on specific sites and their compatibility with the management of nature on those sites. I am sure that Natural England has listened to the real concern voiced about this issue on Dartmoor, but we and it are clear: it is a member of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group and should work with everybody in the area to get the best outcome.