THE chief executive of Dartmoor National Park has travelled to Westminster to lobby the Government for more funding to help develop a new approach to farming and tend to the moor’s roads.

Kevin Bishop is lobbying the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) for extra funding including for repairs and improvements to the public rights of way network following recent extreme weather and an important opportunity to pilot a new approach to farm support post-Brexit, with the farming and landowning community and other partners.

Mr Bishop said: ‘The heavy snow we experienced in March has significantly increased the cost of annual repairs leaving dozens of routes in poor condition. This is not a one off; we are seeing more sudden intense rainfall and this is leading to erosion of the access network.

‘Climate change is having an impact — records show that average monthly rainfall has increased by 15% in comparison to the 1960-1990 climatic baseline. We need greater support if we are to ensure Dartmoor remains fully accessible for two million visitors to the national park each year who play a huge role in supporting the region’s economy.

‘We are also keen to work with the farming and landowning community to develop a new approach to farm support and rural development post-Brexit. Farming Futures is an existing pilot in partnership with the Dartmoor Commoners, Duchy of Cornwall, Natural England, RSPB and South West Water with farmers designing the management to deliver a range of public benefits – improved biodiversity, protection of archaeology, public access and more.

‘There is an opportunity to extend this pilot to demonstrate how the Government’s vision of an enhanced environment, high quality food production and vibrant rural communities can be delivered at a local level.’

Mr Bishop has asked for the help of Central Devon MP Mel Stride to lobby Defra and paid him a visit at Westminster.

He said: ‘I am very happy to lobby Defra ministers to see whether they can support the Rural Productivity Network proposals and whether the department can help with the cost of repairs to paths, walls, drainage ditches and hedge banks due to the weather we experienced.’