There has been a lot of changes on Dartmoor over the last decade but more notably over the last 5 years. For anyone has read about it in the news you will know it concerns commoners, land owners and a government departments. This finally called for an independent review of Dartmoor known as the Fursdon Review.
There is a lot I could say on the matter and a lot that I want to say but as I stood quietly at the back (kindly invited by the Hill Farm Project to represent younger farmers on Dartmoor) and observed the room I saw cameras take good publicity photos, an MP who nodded and winked at the right supporters, a secretary of state looking tired due to, probably, a jam packed day of events and a man in his 70’s who, like many in the room, believe this review really will help the farmers and that we are still wanted.
No one spoke of tenant farmers, no one spoke of the future past extended payments and no one under the age of 45 spoke at all.
It was a sad event to attend but I am so pleased I was given the opportunity and it certainly helped confirm that our ideas and decisions made after coming into contact with Natural England have been the right ones.
Trowlesworthy Tors 