Dartmoor Nature Alliance Reaction to the appointment of the new independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Management Group.

The following statement was issued to the press on 29 October 2024:

Harry Barton, chair of the Dartmoor Nature Alliance, said, "We are deeply concerned about Phil Stocker's appointment as Chair of the Land Use Management Group for the Dartmoor Commons. 

“We do not question the integrity of Mr Stocker himself.  But, given Mr Stocker's position as Chief Executive of the National Sheep Association and the myriad issues Dartmoor's protected sites face from overgrazing (especially by sheep) and insensitive farming, we have limited confidence that his appointment will lead to fair decision-making on Dartmoor or one that will enable disputes on the Dartmoor Commons to be resolved satisfactorily. 

“Neither do we believe it will advance nature restoration on the Commons. Instead, we believe it will lead to a situation of greater conflict and further declines in nature.  This is not in the interests of Dartmoor, its communities, the 2.3 million annual visitors, or the UK’s efforts to tackle the crises facing climate and nature."