Dartmoor Training Area
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Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP)
Environmental
Management
System
(EMS)
Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP)
Dartmoor Training Area Detailed Aims and Objectives:
Natural Resources
Aim
To protect natural resources from the effects of potentially damaging military activities.
Objective NR1:
Ensure that military activities support the quality or quantity of water
within the river catchments across DTA.
Background and Management Implications
DTA extracts water from the moor to supply Willsworthy Camp and Okehampton Camp. Water quality and quantity issues are paramount to the sustainable use and management of the moor.
The following catchment areas are effected by DTA: the East Okement River, River Taw, North Teign River, River Dart, River Meavy, River Tavy, River Lyd and West Okement River. Parts of the catchment areas for both the Meldon and Burrator Reservoirs lie within DTA.
Ensure that the standing orders in relation to vehicles and water courses are enforced.
Ensure that the quality of wetland areas such as bogs, valley mires and water courses are maintained though the careful management of military activities.
Ensure MOD activities are reflected within, and do not conflict with, the forthcoming Water Frame Work Directive, Water Basin Management Plans.
Performance Indicator
No non-conformances within the DTA EMS in relation to wetlands and military and contractors vehicles on DTA.
Monitor Water Quality, River Corridor and Sediment loading assessments by EA.
Objective NR2:
To protect and maintain the key geological features across Dartmoor Training
Area by ensuring that military activities do not effect their conservation.
Background and Management Implications
Geodiversity contributes to our quality of life in many ways. Its benefits include the appreciation of geological features; The study of these features enables us to understand the evolution and history of the planet; Commercial extraction provides building materials and minerals for industry and small-scale collection of fossils and minerals brings enjoyment to individuals; The functioning of natural systems provide a number of essential services, such as water supply and natural flood defence.
It is likely that Geodiversity issues will become material consideration within Planning Applications and Environmental Assessments in the future and keeping abreast and taking account of Geodiversity issues will be important especially within the Geological SSSI
See Devon BAP Pits, Quarries and Cuttings http://www.devon.gov.uk/dbap-land-pits.pdf for more details
See Dartmoor Rocks Habitat Action Plan http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/text/au-bap13.pdf
Performance Indicator
Condition of geological features.
Objective NR3:
To protect the soils against erosion caused by military activities and
agricultural practices, access and recreation on MOD freehold land.
Background and Management Implications
Dartmoor’s soils are particularly sensitive to damage and erosion and silts are easily transported into water courses during periods of high rainfall. Use of footpaths and desire lines by pedestrians, animals and vehicles exacerbate natural wear and can channel water increasing erosion.
Measures will be taken to minimise erosion.
Performance Indicator
Reduction of erosion channels; Water quality and sediment analysis meeting the EA’s good water quality standard.
Objective NR4:
Reduce, where possible, greenhouse gas emissions and pollution of air
with gas and particulate emissions.
Background and Management Implications
Air quality across Dartmoor is considered by the local authorities to meet national air quality objectives. In dry weather dust can be created from digging and use of vehicles on tracks. Smoke grenades can create localised odour for short periods.
Vehicle movement and digging should be carefully controlled during dry weather to prevent dust being generated. Consideration should be given to other users of Dartmoor when smoke grenades are being used.
Performance Indicator
DTA should to continue to meet national air quality objectives.
