Tackling global warming is key to keeping Dartmoor ‘special', says William
The Duchy of Cornwall and Central Dartmoor Landscape Recovery Project (CDLR) launched a new project to 'create a resilient environment' and meet the changing needs of Dartmoor's communities.
William, the Duke of Cornwall, is visiting restored peatland there on Thursday as part of the 20-year plan for the duchy's Dartmoor estate.
In a foreword to the Landscape Vision project, the Prince of Wales said: 'Dartmoor is a magnificent and complex ecosystem – the balance between nature and people has evolved for thousands of years to shape the landscape we recognise today.
'To keep Dartmoor special, we must respond to the twin challenges of global warming and the requirement to restore nature, while ensuring the communities on Dartmoor can thrive.
'The Dartmoor Vision shows us what might be possible and how that might be achieved.
'It is bold and ambitious and something that I hope, by working together, can be delivered for not just the current generation but for generations to come.'
Researchers found the average number of frost days in Dartmoor is expected to halve over the next 40 years while the odds of a dry summer will rise by 30%, the Duchy of Cornwall said.
It added that 2C of global warming could prevent Dartmoor being suitable for blanket peatland, which stores carbon and water and sustains biodiversity.
The project will focus on 'coordinated public and private investment' to restore peatlands and upland mosaic habitats in the south Devon area.
It is also seeking to create 'partnerships between landowners, farmers and wildlife teams' and foster 'collaboration and mutual respect in what has historically been a contested landscape'.
The duchy said it will promote sustainable farming as well as initiatives to provide affordable housing for landscape managers and retiring workers.
Around 35,000 people live in Dartmoor and more than two million people visit each year.
Claire Hyne, project manager at CDLR, said: 'The Central Dartmoor Landscape Recovery Project plans to continue to work alongside the duchy, farmers and commoners to co-create integrated land management plans whilst identifying opportunities for green finance and funding to help sustain farm businesses, test new ideas and deliver positive environmental outcomes.'
Matthew Morris, rural director at the Duchy of Cornwall, said they want to set up a 'shared and multifunctional approach to the way the land is farmed, managed, and used, and in doing so create a more resilient Dartmoor environment'.
Mr Morris added: 'With the Dartmoor landscape increasingly vulnerable to climate change, the need to build resilience is clearer than ever.'
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
36 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Wildlife expert shares ways to make gardens more wildlife-friendly
A wildlife expert has shared ways to make gardens more wildlife-friendly. Iain Webb, from the Cambridgeshire Wildlife Trust, spoke to The March Society about how domestic gardens can contribute to reversing the national decline in wildlife and wildflowers. Mr Webb emphasised that gardens are vital links to other green spaces in urban areas. He suggested less frequent lawn cutting to allow wildflowers to grow, providing food and habitats for various insects. Alternatively, leaving a small uncut patch on the lawn can offer similar benefits. READ MORE: 'Inspirational' slimmer could be crowned man of the year after six stone weight loss Creating a small pond, even just a washing-up bowl sunk into the ground, can attract several water-loving species. Growing a few small bushes or trees was also recommended, as they are welcomed by a variety of birds and insects. Lastly, Mr Webb highlighted the benefits of a compost heap, which can attract a wide range of wildlife. The March Society's next talk is on Wednesday, July 16, at 7pm in March Library. Archivist David Edwards will discuss the life and work of Alice Askew, a principal photographer in the town from 1916 to 1953. Keep up to date with the latest news across Fenland by signing up to our newsletter email alerts here Have you got a story you want to share with us? Get in touch at: news@
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Vicar supports parishioners of Botley Road
A vicar has created a video and has asked the Bishop of Oxford to raise awareness of the negative impact that a major city road closure is having on residents. The Reverend Christopher Woods, vicar of two Oxford churches, said many of his parishioners on Abbey Road, Cripley Road and Cripley Place have been affected by roads resurfacing works to turn the streets into bus turning circles. This is due to the £231m Network Railway project to expand Oxford station, which closed the Botley Road to the city centre in April 2023 and is expected to reopen in August 2026. Network Rail apologised for "the ongoing inconvenience", adding it continued to "regularly communicate with those affected". Fr Woods's video starts at St Thomas the Martyr Church, which he serves and which is located close to the rail station. He goes to Cripley Road, where his video shows maintenance trucks behind barriers all along the road. "Some of the residents and a couple of my parishioners who live there have become very concerned and very worried about the impact not only on their properties but also on their own mental health and their wellbeing," he said in an interview for the BBC. He said the excavation and resurfacing work added an "extra layer of complexity". Fr Woods said that on the most recent public meeting at West Oxford Community Centre a Network Rail representative had explained that "they had a window of opportunity to do the work and they thought it was best to do it then". "So there wasn't an awful lot of time for them to give notice, but at the same time there was never enough notice given for people to move their cars or to make other arrangements for transport," he said. He added that another "tension point" had been that "the emergency email address, which apparently has been set up for residents to use, is never answered". In a statement, Network Rail said they "regularly communicate with those affected by our work and welcome suggestions on how we can lessen the impact at the community sessions" via the feedback email. The railway scheme has been through several delays, which have also affected local trade. Fr Woods visited the Venerable Dr Joy Tetley, a retired resident of Cripley Road of 17 years. She said the quiet residential roads were now "bearing the load of many buses, using them 24/7 as an extended turning circle". "How this can have been allowed defeats me," she told the BBC, adding that "no proper impact or risk assessment has been done in advance of it". "We are an eclectic mix of residents, including a fair number of families with children and some very vulnerable folk who need regular visits from carers, who now have to hope against hope that there will be parking space available (our parking spaces have been severely limited to allow for the needs of the buses)." She described herself as "increasingly unsteady upon my pins and since the buses arrived I have not dared to venture out alone". "We thought we were engaging in advance of all this in serious discussion, not to say negotiation with those authorities." Dr Tetley said she suspected that if residents had been "more savvy and less trusting from the outset, perhaps making more noise and even going down the legal route of a judicial review, things might have turned out differently". Fr Woods said he had spoken to the Bishop of Oxford, who sits in the House of Lords, and he had agreed to speak to rail minister Lord Hendy "to raise awareness and to ask for some assurances". Fr Woods added he would also like to see a public inquiry into the matter. "We've had explanations, we've had feedback from those in the know and in authority, but I think eventually, some lessons need to be learned as to how not to deal with these kinds of issues again," he said. "I know it's a very complex structural project ... but I think sometimes residents feel that they're an add-on, an extra, that they don't actually matter." A Network Rail spokesperson said they understand the frustration of residents and businesses and "appreciate their concerns". "We established a working group made of residents, councillors, bus companies and others to look into the concerns raised around the bus routes, and held a public meeting to discuss the issue last week." The spokesperson added that as part of the preferred route for the buses "we've provided a range of mitigations including resurfacing Abbey Road, Cripley Place and sections of Cripley Road, as well as instigating speed restrictions for buses". "We continue to engage with the local community via the weekly Oxfordshire Connect newsletter, our Facebook page and our monthly sessions for residents and businesses." You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Goodwill cash over three-year road closure Piano shop blames closure on delayed road scheme Business owner 'willing to go to jail' over rates Network Rail
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
3 loving Warrington death notices and funeral announcements
THE Warrington Guardian has published 3 death notices this week. Every week, the Warrington Guardian publishes death notices and funeral announcements from the families of loved ones who have passed away. As well as appearing in print, our death notice pages will remain online as a lasting tribute to the memory of those we have lost. Anyone who wishes to send their own message of condolence can do so by visiting the deceased's death notice page. Here are the most recent notices placed in the Warrington Guardian: Sadly, passed away peacefully on July 4 at Warrington Hospital aged 92 years. Beloved husband to the late Shirley, much loved dad to Kathryn, father-in-law to Mark, treasured grandad to Paul, Steven and their partners, Louise and Leigh and a loving great grandad to George. He will be sadly missed by all his family and friends. A funeral service will be conducted on July 22, 10am, at Walton Lea Crematorium. Family flowers only, donations if desired, in favour of, St Rocco's Hospice via All enquiries to Knox & Son Funeral Directors. 43-45 Orford Road Warrington. Tel: 01925 633388 Brian sadly passed away peacefully on June 28 aged 83 years. Loving husband to late Beryl, much loved mum to Mark & Joanne, dearly loved grandad & great gaga. Funeral service to take place at Walton Lea Crematorium on July 17 at 2.40pm. Family flowers only. All enquiries to Co-Op Warrington Funeralcare 01925 445555. Passed away peacefully on June 29 at Meadowview Care Home, Penketh aged 91 years. Mabel will be dearly missed by all her family and friends. The funeral service will take place at St Margaret & All Hallows Church on July 18 at 1:30pm, followed by committal at Walton Lea Crematorium. All enquiries to Knox & Son Funeral Directors 43-45 Orford Road Warrington. Tel: 01925 633388 You can see all our death notices here, or you can place a death notice here.
