LOCAL MP Ian Liddell-Grainger says he has been barred by NFU officials from taking part in a farmers’ protest meeting over plans to ‘rewild’ part of the Exmoor National Park.

The meeting will discuss farmers’ response to the ‘Exmoor Vision’ document produced by the national park authority.

However, a spokesperson for the South West NFU said it was not a 'protest meeting' and that his presence was unnecessary.

The 'Exmoor Vision' lays out plans to turn at least ten per cent of the park – 26 square miles – into wilderness areas such as wetlands, scrub and woodlands.

Detailed proposals have already been approved by Exmoor’s nature conservation advisory panel, drawn largely from external wildlife organisations.

The snub to the MP came when he offered to attend the meeting, organised by the NFU, and to forward farmers’ concerns direct to the Government. Yesterday (Thursday) he slammed the union’s decision as being ‘unbelievably arrogant’.

Exmoor farmers claim that ‘consultations’ are taking place with farming organisations but that it is clear the details of the project have already been agreed and they warn Exmoor ‘will become nothing more than a playground for the wealthy if the project goes ahead’.

Mr Liddell-Grainger, whose constituency covers two-thirds of the national park, said he has been told the NFU does not want him to take part in the ‘farmer workshop’.

He said the Somerset county adviser, Lydia Cox, had written to him saying: “As this is very much a farmer-led and focused meeting looking at how they can help influence and shape the future of the vision, it will not be necessary for you to join.”

Mr Liddell-Grainger said the union’s attitude defied belief. “I know from my post box and the phone calls I have had that Exmoor farmers are livid about this,” he said.

“They believe they are about to be stitched up and they look on the consultation process as an utter sham.

“In all my 20 years as a local MP I have never known such levels of anger in the Exmoor farming community. That is why it is so unbelievably arrogant of the NFU to take this attitude with me.

“At the moment those farmers need all the help and support they can get otherwise livelihoods are going to be ruined and businesses wrecked. And unless we can go over the park authority’s head and raise this issue directly with government they have no hope of stopping this totally crass project going ahead.”

Mr Liddell-Grainger added: “I remain ready to help Exmoor farmers take this matter to the highest possible level within government and I suggest if they want to see some real action they contact me directly rather than wasting time on a ‘workshop’ which promises to achieve the square root of damn-all.”

A spokesperson for the South West NFU said:::: “The event Mr Liddell-Grainger refers to is not a ‘protest meeting’ but an opportunity for the NFU’s farmer members to discuss Exmoor National Park’s plans.

"As Mr Liddell-Grainger falls into neither of these categories it was decided – by members – that his presence was unnecessary on this occasion.

"We are sorry about, if a little perplexed by, his reaction to this decision, but despite that we will, of course, let him know what farmers views about the matter are.

"We look forward to working constructively with Ian for the benefit of his constituents on Exmoor.”