Something in ‘Common’ – The Dartmoor Sheep Gather

An aspect of Dartmoor’s unique cultural heritage is being opened up to the general public for the first time as part of the annual gathering of sheep off the moor. This special event is taking place at Buckfastleigh Common on Saturday 3 November (10am – 3pm) and will provide a unique insight to common land and managing livestock on the open hill.

There are 36,000 hectares of common land in the National Park which represents 37% of the total land area. On Dartmoor the commons play a pivotal role in shaping the moorland but many people are unaware of the historic links between the surrounding farms and their relationship with the moor.

Russell Ashford of Bowden Farm is keen to promote commons and the vital role they play in supporting hill farms and the environment. He said:

“As an owner of common land and a grazier I am passionate to share with the public how we manage the commons and the benefits that delivers for the environment.  These areas not only produce livestock but our grazing supports some of our rarest plants and birds whilst preserving our historic landscape”.

The event will allow the public to watch the sheepdogs gather the flock from key vantage points in the company of a number of experienced commoner who will act as their mentors for the day. Sheep will then be taken back to the farm where the ewes and lambs will be sorted and further opportunities shared to discover more about sheep farming and the commons.  Amongst exhibitors will be local breeds including the White and Grey Faced Dartmoor sheep and of course the Dartmoor pony.

Matt Cole of Greenwell Farm near Yelverton is a commoner who also invites the public onto his farm for lambing live. He said:

“Its really important that events like this share with the public how the landscape is managed and help to build a bridge between the consumer and the farmer.  Many people don’t understand what a common is and how it’s used so I am looking forward to sharing a little of our common heritage”.

Amongst other contributors on the day will be the Dartmoor Commoners Council, The British Wool Marketing Board and Butterfly Conservation. The organisers are particularly keen to attract family groups and aim to make the experience as inter active as possible.

Tracy May is the Area Facilitator for ‘Our Common Cause’ which is an innovative project working on common land. She said:

“This will be a wonderful opportunity to get directly involved in a traditional gather and to share the experience with local commoners. Farming and commoning has shaped Dartmoor and it’s important we share the story with as many people as possible”.How to book

The event will last from 10am – 3pm and catering will be available on the day. Tickets are priced at £6 for an adult and children are free.  To reserve a place or for further details please email princetown@dartmoor.gov.uk or phone 01822 890414.

More info

Our Common Cause is a project which aims to support the centuries-old heritage of upland commons in four of England’s most significant cultural landscapes through enabling collaborative management, reconnecting people with commons and improving public benefits. Our Common Cause is supported by a Partnership of 15 organisations, who are listed atwww.foundationforcommonland.org.uk. The Project is convened by the Foundation for Common Land, with the National Trust as the Accountable Body. The Project has funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, alongside funding from our partners, for a Development Stage between January 2018 and October 2019