Phil Stocker has been appointed as Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group, as the government moves forward with recommendations to create a long-term plan for land use which preserves the cultural heritage of the area, recovers nature and boosts food production.
Mr Stocker has strong technical knowledge of farming and the environment and is recognised as progressive ensuring we are balancing food production with nature’s recovery. He has previously held posts at both the Soil Association and RSPB prior to his current role as Chief Executive for the National Sheep Association.
Phil Stocker is also the Chairman of the Black Mountains Land Use Partnership which has given him unique extensive experience of managing different interests in delivering cooperative and sustainable land management in an upland setting.
Appointed through an open recruitment process, Phil Stocker has over 40 years’ experience in agriculture and land management. This included 15 years leading the Soil Association’s support work for its organic farmer and grower members. His varied background and leadership experience puts him in good stead for the role.
The Dartmoor Land Use Management Group will provide a space for stakeholders to discuss important issues and work to strike the right balance between food security and preserving the diversity and abundance of nature in the area. Mr Stocker will be responsible for steering the Land Use Management Group to meet its aims and objectives. This includes oversight and delivery of the other 25 recommendations attributed to the group, put forward in the response to the review, and ensuring effective ways of working throughout.
As Chair, his first task will be to identify and appoint members who bring the necessary knowledge, expertise and engagement to the group. Defra will also review and confirm the appointments to ensure the group has a balanced membership with representation from different stakeholder groups.
Food Security and Rural Affairs Minister Daniel Zeichner said:
Dartmoor is a breathtaking landscape with unique challenges. The area has one of the largest semi-natural moorland habitats in the country and over recent years the relationship between farming, nature and other impacts, such as climate change have lacked balance.
With more than 40 years’ experience working in farming and the environment, I am delighted that Phil Stocker has been appointed. He is uniquely placed to consider the needs of our land: restoring nature, boosting food production and preserve its beauty for generations to come.
Phil Stocker, Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group, said:
It is an honour to have been appointed as Independent Chair of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group. This is a role that comes with great responsibility, and one which I have not taken on lightly.
As someone who has worked on agriculture and land management across my career, I know only too well the delicate balance between nature and food production.
It is now my intention to bring people together to ensure that the group delivers a land use plan that reflects the evidence and will create a sustainable future for Dartmoor.
Andrea Ayres, Natural England Deputy Director for Devon, Cornwall and Isles of Scilly, said:
We are working hard to find solutions with farmers and land managers on Dartmoor, and I am confident that Phil Stocker’s leadership will strike the right balance between protecting environmental objectives and preserving grazing on the commons.
There are a wide range of stakeholders and challenges in Dartmoor and it’s important that all parties come together to build a sustainable vision for the future of this precious landscape.
Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive, Dartmoor National Park Authority said:
We want to see thriving farm businesses in Dartmoor that are delivering a high-quality environment that is alive with nature and with opportunities for all to enjoy and cherish this special place.
We welcome the establishment of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group and look forward to supporting the group deliver land management solutions that help achieve the vision in the Dartmoor Partnership Plan.
The creation of the Dartmoor Land Use Management Group was a key proposal made by the Dartmoor Independent Review and the Government supports the recommendations of the Review.
