113-505: Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA) is one of the oldest environmental or amenity bodies in the UK. It was founded in 1883. It concerns itself with Dartmoor , a National Park in Devon , south-west England. It began with two main areas of concern. Firstly, commoners' rights were being eroded through army use, including the firing of live artillery shells, and piecemeal enclosure of land around
226-567: A Medieval granite cross from Ter Hill. This marked the Monk's Path but was constantly being pushed over by cattle. The purpose of the Garden is to illustrate the biodiversity on Dartmoor. The project came online in June 2015. The DPA were involved in a campaign in June 2015 against four telecommunications masts planned for Dartmoor, with the first to be erected in the village of Widecombe. At short notice,
339-644: A Plymouth engineer, scientist and antiquarian) delivered a lecture fiercely critical of the Duchy of Cornwall as the landowners at The Plymouth Athenaeum , using the argument of encroachment on the rights of common and loss of ancient monuments. DPA opposition to forestry on Dartmoor arose again in 1953 when it wrote a policy on woodlands in the then-new national park. Opposition was exercised when Hawn, Dendles and High House Wastes, all near Cornwood, were designated for tree planting in 1959. Argument continued while Hawns and Dendles Wastes were ploughed in 1960. High House Waste
452-739: A calendar of events, walks and work days with its Conservation Team undertaking a variety of moorland projects, it funds the supply of walking boots to some children who need them for the Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme through the Moor Boots Scheme, it collaborates with the Campaign for National Parks , it monitors the activities of Dartmoor National Park Authority who run the National Park. It objected to eight planning proposals (with success in seven cases), with many other achievements in
565-634: A joint project between Western Power Distribution, the South West Protected Landscapes Forum (SWPLF) and Dartmoor National Park Authority. The two schemes on Holne Moor and Walkhampton Common between them remove nearly 6 km of overhead line from open moorland. At nearly 5 km, the Walkhampton scheme is the largest to be undertaken in the South West region by Western Power Distribution. The old overhead line
678-521: A joint reception at the House of Lords on 6 November 2008, hosted by Baroness Mallalieu, to lobby members of both Houses of Parliament and relevant Ministers about ensuring that environmental schemes for the uplands are "fit for purpose". Both organisations funded an invited number of upland hill farmers to attend. The excavation in August 2011 on the north moor of a Bronze Age burial kistvaen , or cist, that
791-514: A more complete list see List of Dartmoor tors and hills . The high ground of Dartmoor forms the catchment area for many of Devon's rivers. As well as shaping the landscape, these have traditionally provided a source of power for moor industries such as tin mining and quarrying. The moor takes its name from the River Dart , which starts as the East Dart and West Dart and then becomes
904-595: A mortar shell near Cranmere Pool . Since the 1960s there has been much less military damage and litter mainly as a result of the DPA's campaigning. Following the 1973 Defence Lands’ Review conducted by Lord Nugent , the Ministry of Defence 's land holdings were further reduced to the current area of 32,559 acres. Along with this, most of the additional temporary buildings in Okehampton and Willsworthy Camps were removed,
1017-558: A mysterious pack of " spectral hounds ", and a large black dog , among others. During the Great Thunderstorm of 1638, the moorland village of Widecombe-in-the-Moor was said to have been visited by the Devil . Dartmoor Training Area The Dartmoor Training Area ( DTA ) is a military training area on Dartmoor in Devon in southwest England. The area consists of approximately 13,000 hectares (50 square miles) in
1130-521: A new reservoir at Swincombe. To mark the victory, Sylvia Sayer asked SWW if DPA could purchase the rocky outcrop of Sharpitor. The DPA purchased 32 acres in February 1984. Okehampton lies on the A30 main road, the shortest route from London to west Devon and Cornwall. The need for a bypass was mooted in 1963. In 1975, three routes were considered: a northern route through mainly farmland, a central route using
1243-658: A number do not. However, this does not appear to relate to whether or not there is an outcrop of rock on their summit. The tors are the focus of an annual event known as the Ten Tors Challenge , when around 2,400 people aged between 14 and 19 walk for distances of 56, 72 or 88 km (35, 45 or 55 mi) between ten tors on many differing routes. The highest points on Dartmoor are on the northern moor: High Willhays , 621 m (2,037 ft), ( grid reference SX 580892 ) and Yes Tor , 619 m (2,031 ft), ( grid reference SX 581901 ). The highest points on
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#17327731938551356-429: A number of migrant species, like the pied flycatcher , the wood warbler or the common redstart . Mammals found here include otters, hazel dormice and nearly all of the UK's 16 bat species. Three rare species: the barbastelle , and the greater and lesser horseshoe bats are of particular importance. The upper reaches of the rivers are spawning grounds for Salmon and trout ; Palmate newts , frogs and toads breed in
1469-472: A person's feet. Quakers result from sphagnum moss growing over the water that accumulates in the hollows in the granite. The vegetation of the bogs depends on the type and location. Blanket bog , which forms on the highest land where the rainfall exceeds 2,000 millimetres (79 in) a year, consists mainly of cotton-grass ( Eriophorum species), sedges ( Carex and Rhynchospora ), Bog Asphodel and Common Tormentil , with Sphagnum thriving in
1582-484: A proposal was made in 1970 by Devon & Cornwall Police to use the mast, which was rejected. Then later that year Plymouth Corporation wanted to use the exposed site for housing juvenile offenders. This was also rejected, but Plymouth appealed. At a public enquiry in June 1973 Lady Sylvia Sayer represented the DPA and permission for development on the site was refused. A few years later, DPA fought successfully in support of South West Water (SWW) against renewed calls for
1695-524: A public enquiry was announced. When the decision was made to permit the mast, there were a number of conditions, included among them was that the development was built near the tor, leaving it still intact, and that its new approach road should not be fenced. During the process of obtaining land for the transmitter, one MP asked in the House of Commons: "Will the Assistant Postmaster-General bear in mind that we have no desire to hinder
1808-656: A railway, and a southern route through Dartmoor National Park. In August 1976, the Department of the Environment announced the preferred route was through the National Park. A major event on the timeline of this project was a 96-day public enquiry from 1 May 1979 to 4 February 1980 held in Okehampton. In March 1984, the DPA with other organisations petitioned Parliament opposing compulsory purchase orders on public open spaces. The Secretary of State announced in July 1985 that he
1921-620: A result of the DPA persuading the Services to be more cautious. The military have changed since the Victorian era, they now have 120 conservation groups across the Ministry of Defence (MOD), including Dartmoor Military Conservation Group. The current leases run for many years, with Cramber Tor most recently being granted a further 40-year licence. Early afforestation occurred when Brimpts was planted with trees in 1862. The Forestry Commission
2034-465: A rich industrial archaeology. Other activities such as newtake wall building, peat cutting , rabbit warrening , quarrying, clay extraction and the building of a prominent prison have all left marks on the moor. Recent undertakings have left more obvious changes: the building of reservoirs and the planting of conifer forests. The use of moorstone continued up to recent times with the extensive building of dry stone walls around farm newtakes. Later, stone
2147-918: A single river at Dartmeet . It leaves the moor at Buckfastleigh , flowing through Totnes below where it opens up into a long ria , reaching the sea at Dartmouth . Other rivers flowing from Dartmoor include the Teign , the Taw , the Tavy , the Avon , and the Lyd . Some of the rivers in Dartmoor have been dammed to create reservoirs for drinking water , including the River Avon and the South Teign River (Fernworthy Reservoir). Much more rain falls on Dartmoor than in
2260-437: A species found nowhere else in the world. The South West Peatland Project aims to restore around 300 hectares of Dartmoor's peatland through collaboration with Dartmoor National Park . Preserving these peatlands will help mitigate climate change through sequestering carbon from the atmosphere. More generally, Dartmoor aims to be carbon negative by 2045. The majority of the prehistoric remains on Dartmoor date back to
2373-451: A widely circulated 24-page booklet entitled Misuse of a National Park which includes photographs of unexploded shells lying on the open moor, corrugated iron buildings, large craters, a derelict tank used as a target, bullet marks on standing stones, etc. It also contains details of a 1958 incident in which a young boy was killed by a mortar shell near Cranmere Pool . Since the 1960s there has been much less military damage and litter as
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#17327731938552486-688: Is a joint project between DPA and Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) and is located in the Jack Wigmore Garden behind the High Moorland Centre in Princetown: this is a memorial garden to a former Chair of the Authority. It is planted with a cross-section of typical native Dartmoor plants. It also houses some typical Dartmoor archaeological features, such as a 4,000-year-old Bronze Age burial kistvaen (or cist) and
2599-419: Is associated with the Dartmoor pluton as with other such plutons . Measurement of the anomaly has helped to determine the likely shape and extent of the rock mass at depth. Dartmoor is known for its tors – hills topped with outcrops of bedrock, which in granite country such as this are usually rounded boulder-like formations. More than 160 of the hills of Dartmoor have the word tor in their name but quite
2712-524: Is at least five times as frequent. On the highest ground, in the north of the moor, the growing season is less than 175 days – this contrasts with some 300 days along most of the south coast of the county. Rainfall tends to be associated with Atlantic depressions or with convection. In summer, convection caused by solar surface heating sometimes forms shower clouds and a large proportion of rainfall comes from showers and thunderstorms at this time of year. The wettest months are November and December and on
2825-430: Is believed that they would have had a conical roof, supported by timbers and covered in turf or thatch. There are also numerous kistvaens , Neolithic stone box-like tombs. The climate became wetter and cooler over the course of a thousand years from around 1000 BC, resulting in much of high Dartmoor being largely abandoned by its early inhabitants. The earliest surviving farms, still in operation today, are known as
2938-694: Is carried out on the ranges by the Royal Navy , Royal Marines , British Army , and Royal Air Force . The area is supported by two training camps, one at Okehampton and the other at Willsworthy, and there are three established firing ranges at Okehampton, Willsworthy and Merrivale. The area taken up with live firing ranges is 9,187 hectares (22,700 acres) and they are used on average 120 days each year. They are used for small arms, mortars and artillery smoke and illuminating shells. Live firing times are published 6 weeks in advance. The current leases run for many years, with Cramber Tor most recently being granted
3051-437: Is evolving from its Victorian origins, although the original name is being retained. Friends of Dartmoor projects a more modern image of preservation where several years of diplomacy have achieved good relations with the partner agencies that operate in the Dartmoor arena. This is due mainly to the efforts of the previous CEO, James Paxman and his successor, Phil Hutt. The DPA Constitution, objectives and policies are published on
3164-467: Is granted extensive land access rights on Dartmoor (including restricted access to the firing ranges) and it is a popular tourist destination. Dartmoor includes the largest area of granite in Britain, with about 625 km (241 sq mi) at the surface, though most of it is under superficial peat deposits. The granite (or more specifically adamellite ) was intruded at depth as a pluton into
3277-603: Is possibly a surviving fragment from the earliest Neolithic woodland clearances. It is home to exceptional epiphytic mosses, liverworts and lichens. Nearly 50 species of moss and liverwort are found in the wood along with 120 types of lichen , including Smith's horsehair lichen, speckled sea-storm lichen and pendulous wing-moss. Over 60 species of lichens grow on the exposed surfaces of the granite tors, including granite-speck rim-lichen, purple rock lichen, brown cobblestone lichen and goldspot lichen and many rare lichen grow on rocks exposed by mining that are rich in heavy metals . On
3390-450: Is remote from many sources of light pollution . However, in recent years, LED street lights have caused more light pollution to be spread onto Dartmoor. Along with the rest of South West England , Dartmoor has a temperate climate , which is generally wetter and milder than locations at similar height in the rest of England. At Princetown , near the centre of the moor at a height of 453 metres (1,486 ft), January and February are
3503-503: The Ancient Tenements . Most of these date back to the 14th century, and some even earlier. It was not until the early Mediaeval period that the weather again became warmer, and settlers moved back onto the moors. Like their ancient predecessors, they used the natural granite to build their homes, preferring a style known as the longhouse ; some of theses are still inhabited today, although they have been clearly adapted over
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3616-596: The Crimean War . In addition, the local Militia also kept in a high state of readiness, training on Dartmoor, often at Haytor . In 1869, a new type of artillery munition developed by Henry Shrapnel was tested near Postbridge. Four years later, a major exercise was held by the First and Second Divisions, involving over 12,000 men and 2,100 horses, in the Ringmoor, Roborough and Yennadon Downs area. Rainstorms caused
3729-483: The Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 much of it has been designated as access land , which, although it remains privately owned, has no restrictions on where walkers can roam. In addition to this access land, there are about 730 km (450 mi) of public rights of way on Dartmoor, and many kilometres of permitted footpaths and bridleways where the owners allow access. Because of the 1985 Act, Dartmoor
3842-614: The Environment Act 1995 with a view to joining up two pits. A presumed Bronze Age barrow, known as Emmets Post, was to be removed and three other monuments may be affected. The DPA were recorded twice, with other bodies, in a Devon County Council Development Management Committee Report for their representations in securing the future of the three areas where planning permissions were relinquished in 2001. Oxford Archaeology held an open day during their excavation of Emmets Post in 2014 prior to its removal. The DPA and Exmoor Society held
3955-614: The Local Government Act 1972 but it was still a subcommittee of Devon County Council and as such it was not seen to be an independent guardian of the moor by the DPA. It was not until 1997 that an independent Dartmoor National Park Authority was enabled under the Environment Act 1995 as a free-standing local authority, forty-four years after the park was created, although it is still dominated by local authorities and government appointees. The DPA learned in October 1951 that
4068-498: The Napoleonic and Crimean Wars. In 1906–07, seven miles of roads were built on the north moor to facilitate the movement of guns. There are three established firing ranges at Okehampton , Willsworthy and Merrivale. The area taken up with live firing ranges is 9,187 hectares (22,700 acres) and they are used on average 120 days each year. They are used for small arms, mortars and artillery smoke and illuminating shells. The use of
4181-427: The marsh fritillary butterfly, southern damselfly, narrow-bordered bee hawkmoth and bog hoverfly . Areas of bracken are home to the high brown fritillary and pearl-bordered fritillary . Insects found in the heathlands include the emperor moth , green hairstreak and the bilberry bumblebee . The old oak woodlands have a distinctive group of insects including the blue ground beetle and Heckford's pygmy moth ,
4294-479: The moors topped with granite tors are the most iconic part of Dartmoor's landscape, only about half of Dartmoor is actually moorland. Equally important for wildlife are the blanket bogs , upland heaths and the oak woodlands, which are all of global importance. Dartmoor is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) with four habitats ( Northern Atlantic wet heaths with Erica tetralix ; European dry heaths ; Blanket bog s and Old sessile oak woods with Ilex and Blechnum in
4407-681: The 1930s training and building at Okehampton intensified. Among others, two decontamination centers were built (plus one in Castle Road, Okehampton) to deal with poison gas. As war with Germany became likelier, Territorial Army units were mobilized and the Devonshire Yeomanry finalized their training here. After the start of the Second World War , almost the whole moor was requisitioned for military training. Another area of 11,000 acres south and south east of Hexworthy
4520-483: The BBC planned to build a 750-foot television mast on North Hessary Tor , near Princetown, that was erected in 1955. This was to be a relay from a transmitting station at Wenvoe, South Wales. The DPA objected to this threat and sought expert opinion, offered alternative solutions, pressed for a public enquiry, engaged a lawyer, held public meetings, distributed pamphlets, wrote to the press and petitioned parliament. Eventually,
4633-464: The British Isles ) being listed as primary reasons for the selection of Dartmoor as a SAC. In addition the area has a population of the southern damselfly , which is also a primary reason for its selection along with populations of Atlantic salmon and otter being qualifying reasons. Wistman's Wood is one of the old sessile oak woods that contribute to the listing of Dartmoor as a SAC and
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4746-595: The Countryside Act 1949 led to Dartmoor being one of the first four parks to be designated, by an order made on 15 August 1951 and confirmed on 30 October 1951. Shortly after this, the DPA tried to ensure that the new National Park was run by an independent committee and not by the Dartmoor Standing Committee that was a subcommittee of Devon County Council Planning Committee. The committee was reformed as Dartmoor National Park Committee under
4859-460: The DPA Director's Annual Report. The DPA remains true to its original objectives and has also added other activities in support of Dartmoor and its inhabitants. The china clay industry on Dartmoor was established long before the DPA was founded. The earliest record of a china clay pit refers to Hook Lake in 1502. The area was surveyed around 1827 by Cornishmen with thirty years experience in
4972-553: The DPA banners were taken out, letters written, press interviews given and support given to the villagers when an inflatable mast was demonstrated – with the effect that the planning application was withdrawn. In common with other amenity bodies, such as those for the Lake District, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks and the New Forest Trust, the image of Dartmoor Preservation Association
5085-459: The DPA web site. The objectives enshrined in the constitution are the protection, preservation and enhancement in the public interest of the landscape, antiquities, flora and fauna, natural beauty, cultural heritage and scientific interest of Dartmoor. Also the protection and preservation of public access to and on Dartmoor subject to the ancient rights of commoners. Co-operation with the commoners and any organisation in achieving DPA objectives, also
5198-597: The DPA, in 1890, was a short history of commoners' rights on Dartmoor and the commons of Devon. This notes a decrease in the numbers of animals even in medieval times: in 1296 – 5,000 cattle, 487 horses, 131 folds of sheep; in 1316 – 3,292 cattle, 368 horses, 100 folds of sheep. An important battle occurred in 1894 when the Corporation of London attempted to buy the whole of Dartmoor in order to pipe its water to Paddington alongside Brunel’s recently converted railway, when it went from broad gauge to standard gauge. The DPA led
5311-475: The Dartmoor National Park. The British army has been using Dartmoor for training purposes since around 1800. After the opening of HMP Dartmoor in 1809, the battalion of soldiers guarding the around 5,000 prisoners there began practising musketry at a firing range at Hart Tor. Over the next decades, troops stationed around Plymouth trained in the area, notably in 1853 before and during
5424-497: The East Okement and Taw Rivers lasted for three weeks. Flags identifying the affected areas were flown on Halstock Hill. Over the next years the number of field and horse artillery that came to the area steadily increased until training went on throughout the summer months. The Okehampton railway line established in 1871 facilitated access to the area. In the 1890s, a military stop was built just below Okehampton Camp. Although
5537-524: The MoD does not notify the public of this in advance. Some "challenge" and charitable events take place with assistance of the military on Dartmoor, including the long established Ten Tors event and the more recent Dartmoor Beast. The disused Rippon Tor Rifle Range was built to train soldiers during the Second World War, and remained in use until its closure in 1977. Throughout human history,
5650-474: The National Park are Ashburton (the largest, with a population of about 3,500), Buckfastleigh , Moretonhampstead , Princetown , Yelverton , Horrabridge , South Brent , Christow , and Chagford . For a full list, expand the Settlements of Dartmoor navigational box at the bottom of this page. Dartmoor is known for its myths and legends. It is reputedly the haunt of pixies , a headless horseman ,
5763-488: The Okehampton Park Estate. Okehampton Artillery Practice Camp was built in 1892–4 at a cost of £13,469. Likely following the plan of the tented camp, the officer quarters were located on the high ground to the south. The stables could house up to 760 horses. The officers' stables still exist today and are used as troop accommodations. A guard house was built, not controlling access to the camp but overlooking
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#17327731938555876-683: The Royal Artillery remained an important user of the facilities after the war the Royal Marines and especially their training centre at Lympstone became heavy users of the area around Merivale (a facility run by the Royal Navy). Mons and Eaton Hall Officer Cadet Training Units set up battle schools at Okehampton Camp. Units, including some tanks, mobilised for the Suez Crisis in 1956 trained on Dartmoor, operating briefly in
5989-686: The University of Gloucestershire, the National Farmers Union of England and Wales and the Open Spaces Society . The CEO raised sponsorship from Dartmoor National Park, Exmoor National Park, Natural England, Duchy of Cornwall and the Exmoor Society - this reflecting the standing of the DPA with those bodies. Two major projects to underground overhead power cables in Dartmoor National Park have been completed in
6102-552: The Yes Tor area. In 1963 the Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA) published a 24-page booklet entitled Misuse of a National Park which includes photographs of unexploded shells lying on the open moor, corrugated iron buildings, large craters, a derelict tank used as a target, bullet marks on standing stones, etc. It also contains details of a 1958 incident in which a young boy was killed by
6215-784: The acidification of the soil and the accumulation of peat and bogs . After a few thousand years, the mild climate deteriorated. This left these areas uninhabited, and, consequently, relatively undisturbed to the present day. The highly acidic soil has ensured that no organic remains have survived, but the durability of the granite has meant that the remains of buildings, enclosures and monuments have survived well, as have flint tools. A number of remains were "restored" by enthusiastic Victorians and, in some cases, they have placed their own interpretation on how an area may have looked. Numerous prehistoric menhirs (more usually referred to locally as standing stones or longstones), stone circles , kistvaens , cairns and stone rows are to be found on
6328-483: The affected areas. At East Okement Farm, the inhabitants had to vacate their home during local training. Later a bunker was added for the family to take shelter in. In the early 1900s, 3,448 acres of Willsworthy Manor and commoners' right were purchases by the War Office. In the 1920s this land was turned into rifle, grenade and field firing ranges and the core of a camp for the troops using these facilities. In
6441-414: The area where the guns were stored when not in use. Administration of the camp was by two NCOs called "Barracky Bills" who lived there with their families. Their quarters and working areas also still exist. A small permanent staff ran the training exercises. This camp accommodated two brigades at a time, of four batteries of six guns each. The troops (around 170 men and 90 horses per brigade) usually stayed at
6554-525: The buildings themselves and its physical location. The Dartmoor landscape is scattered with the marks left by the many generations who have lived and worked there over the centuries – such as the remains of the Dartmoor tin-mining industry, and farmhouses long since abandoned. See Industrial archaeology of Dartmoor . Over half of Dartmoor National Park (57.3%) is private land; the Forest of Dartmoor being
6667-501: The camp at Plasterdown was demolished and the site restored to moorland. Rippon Tor firing range was closed. In 1975/6, a local public inquiry by Lady Sharp into the continued use of Dartmoor by the military for training purposes found no viable alternative, but regular consultation between the Ministry of Defence, the National Park Authority and other interested parties was suggested. The "Dartmoor Steering Group"
6780-430: The camp for two weeks. In 1895, an additional 10,000 acres of moor were leased from the Duchy of Cornwall. These areas were in use almost continuously from May to September. Remains of the targetry system then in use can still be seen in places around the moor. Access to the target area was by old miners' and peat cutters' tracks. Even then, red flags were used to designate live firing. Livestock had to be cleared off
6893-511: The centuries. Many are now used as farm buildings, while others have been abandoned and fallen into ruin. Some way into the moor stands the town of Princetown , the site of Dartmoor Prison , which was originally built by Isbell Rowe & Company, Plymouth, for prisoners of war from the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812 . The prison has a reputation for being escape-proof, due to both
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#17327731938557006-402: The chancellor of the high court, ruled: "In my judgment, on the first issue set out at [14] above, the claimants are entitled to the declaration they seek that, on its true construction, section 10(1) of the 1985 Act does not confer on the public any right to pitch tents or otherwise make camp overnight on Dartmoor Commons. Any such camping requires the consent of the landowner." A protest against
7119-550: The clay industry. They obtained a 21-year lease in 1830, from the Earl of Morley who owned the land, to work the area between Lee Moor and Shaugh Moor. A rival pit was opened at Leftlake in about 1850 and at Hemerdon and Broomage in about 1855. Further pits were opened at Cholwichtown, Whitehill Yeo and Wigford Down/Brisworthy (circa 1860). Others followed at Smallhanger and Headon in the 1870s. Redlake started working in 1910. China clay pits are open cast mines that result in large holes in
7232-407: The coldest months with mean minimum temperatures around 1 °C (34 °F). July and August are the warmest months with mean daily maxima not reaching 18 °C (64 °F). Compared with Teignmouth , which is on the coast about 22 miles (35 km) to the east, the average maximum and minimum temperatures are 3.0 °C (5.4 °F) and 2.6 °C (4.7 °F) lower respectively, and frost
7345-518: The construction of roundhouses (their remains now seen as "hut circles"), enclosures, land-dividing reaves , stone rows , stone circles , menhirs and kistvaens . Farming has continued through the Medieval period to the present day, but a more disruptive activity to the landscape was the appearance of tin-mining , firstly by stream-working, then by lode-working and finally by underground mining. Many valleys have been dug over and scarred, leaving
7458-541: The earliest being Tottiford Reservoir , 1861. Three were built in the mid-20th century: Fernworthy, 1942; Avon, 1957 and Meldon, 1972, and the DPA fought many battles over these. It opposed plans for reservoirs on Brent Moor (1899) and Holne Moor (1901) where, later, the Avon Reservoir and Venford Reservoirs were respectively built. The DPA's opposition was supported in the House of Commons with argument made regarding
7571-479: The effects on the local water table. The DPA was one of many local and national amenity bodies that fought the building of the Meldon dam. The preservation battle for the Meldon valley was recorded in a DPA publication. The DPA offered a viable alternative site, Gorhuish Valley, for various reasons, including the fact that minerals such as arsenic would leach into the water supply if Meldon were selected. The Meldon story
7684-520: The ground accompanied by large waste tips. Over time, the pits become larger and more ground is needed for the waste, changing the landscape: the effect of this can be seen from space. The DPA argues that this is an activity that does not agree with the ethos of a National Park, whose purpose is to protect landscape from unsuitable development. In 1994, the National Park boundaries were changed to include common land at Shaugh Moor and exclude china clay worked land at Lee Moor. The DPA revived its campaign with
7797-596: The highest parts of the moor the average annual total rainfall is over 2,000 millimetres (79 in). This compares with less than 800 millimetres (31 in) in the lower land to the east around the Exe Estuary , which is in the rain shadow of the moor. Due to the influence of the Gulf Stream snowfall is not common, though due to its high altitude it is more vulnerable to snowfall than surrounding regions. Between 1961 and 1990 Met Office data shows that there
7910-506: The integrity of the moor; however, the cost of compensating companies for these licences, which may not have been granted in today's political climate, could prove prohibitive. The military use of the moor has been another source of controversy, as when training was extended in January 2003. The national park authority received 1,700 objections before making the decision. Objectors said that Dartmoor should be an area for recreation, and that
8023-543: The landscape has been exploited for industrial purposes. In recent years, controversy has surrounded the work of industrial conglomerates Imerys and Sibelco (formerly Watts Blake Bearne), who have used parts of the moor for china clay mining. Licences were granted by the British Government but were recently renounced after sustained public pressure from bodies such as the Dartmoor Preservation Association . The British government has made promises to protect
8136-512: The late Neolithic and early Bronze Age . Indeed, Dartmoor contains the largest concentration of Bronze Age remains in the United Kingdom, which suggests that this was when a larger population moved onto the hills of Dartmoor. The large systems of Bronze Age fields, divided by reaves , cover an area of over 10,000 hectares (39 sq mi) of the lower moors. The climate at the time was warmer than today, and much of today's moorland
8249-597: The major part of this, owned by the Duke of Cornwall . The Ministry of Defence owns 14% (see below), 3.8% is owned by water companies (see Dartmoor reservoirs ), 3.7% by the National Trust , 1.8% by the Forestry Commission and 1.4% by Dartmoor's national park authority . About 37% of Dartmoor is common land . Dartmoor differs from some other National Parks in England and Wales , in that since
8362-589: The margins. Secondly, there was increasing public interest in Dartmoor's scenery, archaeology, history and wildlife The DPA has opposed what it considered to be unsuitable developments on Dartmoor throughout its history. In its founding year, the secretary, Robert Burnard persuaded the War Department not to fire on the Okehampton Firing Range on Saturdays to allow access to the public. Many battles have been fought since, particularly against
8475-466: The military presence and the proposed building of reservoirs on the moor, notably under the Chairmanship of Lady Sayer , granddaughter of Robert Burnard. The DPA continues to follow the same objectives as when it was founded. For example, in June 2015, it supported the inhabitants of Widecombe-in-the-Moor against the erecting of a telecommunications mast in an area of pristine countryside against
8588-415: The moor by the military has been a major concern of the DPA since its founding. In its first year, Robert Burnard (DPA Secretary) persuaded the War Department not to fire on the Okehampton Firing Range on Saturdays so that there may be some public access to the area. Lady Sylvia Sayer was very outspoken about it being totally at odds with the area being designated as a National Park. In 1963 the DPA published
8701-502: The moor. The most significant sites include: There are also an estimated 5,000 hut circles still surviving although many have been raided over the centuries by the builders of the traditional dry stone walls. These are the remnants of Bronze Age houses. The smallest are around 1.8 m (6 ft) in diameter, and the largest may be up to five times this size. Some have L-shaped porches to protect against wind and rain; some particularly good examples are to be found at Grimspound . It
8814-525: The new restrictions, led by local storyteller Martin Shaw, was held in January 2023. However, on 31 July the ban was overturned by the Court of Appeal. There is a history of military usage of Dartmoor dating back to the Napoleonic Wars . Today, a large British Army training camp remains at Okehampton — also the site of an airbase during the Second World War. The Ministry of Defence (MoD) uses three areas of
8927-448: The northern moor for manoeuvres and live-firing exercises, totalling 108.71 km (41.97 sq mi), or just over 11% of the National Park. Red and white posts mark the boundaries of these military areas (shown on Ordnance Survey 1:25,000 scale maps). Flagpoles on many tors in and around the ranges fly red flags when firing is taking place. At other times, members of the public are allowed access. Blank rounds may also be used, but
9040-450: The numerous small pools. Two shrimp species can be found on Dartmoor: fairy shrimp that can be found in temporary pools, and, in underground streams, very rare cave shrimp. The world's largest land slug, the Ash black , is also found. Reptiles include common lizards and adders . The farmland in the wet valleys around the edge of the moors is the most important habitat for insects, including:
9153-410: The people of Okehampton appreciated the additional business brought by the troops, the graziers protested as the livestock was driven off. However, an agreement was reached and from 1882 compensation was paid to them. Until the 1890s the soldiers and horses were quartered in tents built by the first troops to use the facility each year. Then the War Department took out a 999-year lease on 93 acres from
9266-553: The provision of this station but that it is felt that ancient common rights such as these, that have existed for a thousand years, should be adequately protected or properly extinguished by due process of law?" During World War II, the Royal Air Force (RAF) built a mast and buildings on Peek Hill, as RAF Sharpitor. In 1956, permission was granted to rebuild the station as part of the "Gee" radio navigation system , to be occupied for ten years. There followed delay in leaving and
9379-523: The public on a permanent basis. In July 1947, the report of the Hobhouse Committee on National Parks emphasized the special significance of Dartmoor and largely as a result by 1948 the military's land holdings were reduced to 37,400 acres, of which permanent closure affected 9,000 acres, 20,850 acres were closed during training exercises and 7,550 acres were accessible at all times. In 1951, Dartmoor National Park came into existence. Although
9492-529: The publication of a booklet in 1999 when the Blackabrook Valley, Crownhill Down and Shaugh Moor, near the popular tourist area of Cadover Bridge, all came under threat from exploitation or dumping of waste. The china clay companies relinquished planning permissions in 2001. However, in November 2009, the clay companies, Sibelco and Imerys , produced a report reviewing old mineral permissions under
9605-412: The revolt against this . In 1897, the DPA went to court to fight successfully the enclosure of a section of Peter Tavy Great Common, in support of a farmer. Commoners rights seem to have been a settled issue in recent years: except for where they are impinged upon by the military presence. Dartmoor Training Area has been used regularly for military training since 1873, although it was used earlier during
9718-441: The southern moor are Ryder's Hill , 515 m (1,690 ft), ( grid reference SX 660690 ), Snowdon 495 m (1,624 ft), ( grid reference SX 668684 ), and an unnamed point, 493 m (1,617 ft) at ( grid reference SX 603645 ), between Langcombe Hill and Shell Top. The best-known tor on Dartmoor is Haytor (called Hey Tor by William Crossing), 457 m (1,499 ft), ( grid reference SX 757771 ). For
9831-464: The story of a man who was making his way through Aune Mire at the head of the River Avon when he came upon a top-hat brim down on the surface of the mire. He kicked it, whereupon a voice called out: "What be you a-doin' to my 'at?" The man replied, "Be there now a chap under'n?" "Ees, I reckon," was the reply, "and a hoss under me likewise." Dartmoor is popular with local astronomers because it
9944-606: The study of and the recording and publication of information upon the antiquities, history and natural history of Dartmoor. The DPA has twenty-two policies listed on its web site: regarding access and rights of way, fencing, protecting monuments, diverse habitats, bracken, china clay quarrying, military training and live firing, hill farming and small scale traditional local industries, quarrying, television and telephone masts, wind farms, planning applications, housing developments, woodlands and forestry, ponies, swaling, and recreational activities. The DPA conservation team meet throughout
10057-416: The surrounding lowlands. As much of the national park is covered in thick layers of peat (decaying vegetation), the rain is usually absorbed quickly and distributed slowly, so the moor is rarely dry. In areas where water accumulates, dangerous bogs or mires can result. Some of these, topped with bright green moss, are known to locals as "feather beds" or "quakers", because they can shift (or 'quake') beneath
10170-480: The surrounding sedimentary rocks during the Carboniferous period, probably about 309 million years ago. It is generally accepted that the present surface is not far below the original top of the pluton; evidence for this includes partly digested shale xenoliths , contamination of the granite and the existence of two patches of altered sedimentary rock on top of the granite. A considerable gravity anomaly
10283-461: The training disturbs the peace. Those who objected included the Open Spaces Society and the Dartmoor Preservation Association . During her lifetime, Sylvia Sayer was another outspoken critic of the damage that she perceived that the army was doing to the moor. The designated Dartmoor National Park area has a resident population of about 33,000, which swells considerably during holiday periods with incoming tourists. The largest settlements within
10396-498: The training to be cut short. During this time, the nation's main artillery training area was at Shoeburyness , where the guns fired out to sea. As technology advanced and ranges increased, this became inadequate. The War Office agreed with the Duchy of Cornwall and the town council of Okehampton to set up a training range in north Dartmoor. The first temporary camp was established in 1875 on Halstock Down and artillery firing between
10509-438: The upland heaths heather ( ling ) and bell heather are common along with western gorse . In dry grassy areas tormentil , heath bedstraw and heath milkwort are all common. Cross-leaved heath and purple moor grass grow in wetter spots and in the boggy areas many different species of sphagnum and other mosses can be found, along with liverworts , Hare's-tail Cotton-grass , round-leaved sundew and bog asphodel , and in
10622-887: The uplands dates from the Carboniferous Period of geological history. The landscape consists of moorland capped with many exposed granite hilltops known as tors , providing habitats for wildlife. The highest point is High Willhays , 621 m (2,037 ft) above sea level. The entire area is rich in antiquities and archaeological artefacts . Dartmoor National Park is managed by the Dartmoor National Park Authority , whose 22 members are drawn from Devon County Council , local district councils and Government. The Dartmoor Commoners' Council exists to create and enforce regulations regarding commoners' rights. Parts of Dartmoor have been used as military firing ranges for over 200 years. The public
10735-420: The valley bottoms, many different sedges , bogbean and pale butterwort all grow. A large variety of bird species can be found on Dartmoor including ones that have declined elsewhere in the UK, such as skylark and common snipe ; some are even rare nationally, such as the ring ouzel and the cuckoo . There are internationally important populations of meadow pipit and stonechat . Woodland birds include
10848-561: The wettest patches. The valley bogs have lush growth of rushes , with sphagnum, cross-leaved heath , sundews and several other species. Some of the bogs on Dartmoor have achieved notoriety. Fox Tor Mires was supposedly the inspiration for Great Grimpen Mire in Conan Doyle's novel The Hound of the Baskervilles , although there is a waymarked footpath across it. Sabine Baring-Gould , in his Book of Dartmoor (1900) related
10961-425: The wishes of the local population. Dartmoor Preservation Association is a registered charity, Number 215665. Dartmoor is said to be one of the last remaining areas of wilderness in Britain, but it has been a managed landscape since the late Neolithic (3,000-2,500 BCE). The Bronze Age inhabitants (from 2,500 to 750 BCE) cleared ancient forest and developed farming. They made extensive use of surface moorstone in
11074-638: The year to work on a number of ongoing projects; from gorse clearance, to habitat protection and archaeological surveying. A quarterly timetable is released both on the organisation's website and through its member publications, along with details of how to get involved. The team also host an annual open day at the DPA land holding of Pudsham Meadows. Dartmoor Dartmoor is an upland area in southern Devon , South West England . The moorland and surrounding land has been protected by National Park status since 1951. Dartmoor National Park covers 954 km (368 sq mi). The granite that forms
11187-409: Was an average of 20 days when snow fell on the moor, and over 40 days a year with hail, which is as high as anywhere else in the country. This results when cold polar maritime air that has travelled over a large expanse of warmer ocean is forced to rise over high country. When average temperatures at Princetown between 1961 and 2000 are compared, the average annual temperature in the decade 1990–2000
11300-448: Was brought to the area and fired from Halwill Junction/North Tawton into Dartmoor. In the year before the June 1944 Invasion of Normandy , the 4th and 29th U.S. divisions trained on Dartmoor, with thousands of troops living in camps along the roads all across the moor. At the end of the war, the War Office controlled around 78,000 acres of Dartmoor (through ownership, lease, license or requisition). Of these, 49,000 were barred to
11413-604: Was convened by the Portreeve of Tavistock in the Guildhall to discuss the continued taking of stone, particularly from landmark tors. The DPA was founded in 1883. The protected area around Pew Tor was extended in December 1896. In 1901, the DPA commissioned a report into damage to ancient monuments, caused by the taking of stone for building and road-mending, and into unlawful enclosures of common land. The first publication of
11526-401: Was covered with trees. The prehistoric settlers began clearing the forest, and established the first farming communities. Fire was the main method of clearing land, creating pasture and swidden types of fire-fallow farmland. Areas less suited for farming tended to be burned for livestock grazing. Over the centuries these Neolithic practices greatly expanded the upland moors, and contributed to
11639-402: Was cut and dressed. The use of moorstone continued to such an extent that in 1847 boundary markers were cut around Pew Tor to protect it. Marker stones were erected around Roos Tor. The taking of stone started to change the Dartmoor landscape: for example Eric Hemery (writing in 1983) stated that Swell Tor had been "decapitated and disembowelled by the quarrymen". In August 1881, a public meeting
11752-634: Was discussed many times in Parliament. Another battle was fought against the flooding of the Swincombe valley to form another reservoir. This was rejected in parliament in 1970, revived in 1974 and finally resolved by the building of the Roadford Reservoir to the west of the moor. In 1985 the DPA used funds from a bequest to purchase 50 acres of land where the dam of a reservoir at Swincombe would have to be. The National Parks and Access to
11865-405: Was founded in 1919, following World War I and in that year the Duchy of Cornwall planted 800 acres of conifers at Fernworthy. In 1921, Plymouth Corporation planted conifers around Burrator Reservoir . The Forestry Commission planted Bellever and Laughter Tor farms in 1930-32 and in 1944-1945 Soussons Down was also planted. The DPA opposed these post-war plantings and R. Hansford Worth (1868–1950,
11978-461: Was introducing a bill to reverse the decision of a Joint Parliamentary Committee and confirm a route through the National Park. This was followed by a confirmation bill in November 1985 that was passed in the House of Lords on 5 December 1985. Construction started in November 1986 and the road was opened on 19 July 1988. The DPA continues to follow the same objectives as when it was founded. The activities have widened, involving local partners, it has
12091-474: Was largely unaffected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 , which established similar rights in other rural parts of the country, until 2006, when the 2000 Act opened up much of the remaining restricted land to walkers. In January 2023, in a high court judgement in a case brought by landowner Alexander Darwall , the right for members of the public to wild camp on Dartmoor was lost. Julian Flaux ,
12204-654: Was originally uncovered in 2001 was part-funded by the DPA, along with other bodies. A conference for the upland farmers of Bodmin Moor, Exmoor and Dartmoor was held as a joint venture between the South West Uplands Federation and the DPA. It was run by the DPA at Exeter Racecourse in October 2012, with 150 delegates. Speakers came from the Foundation for Common Land, the Forest of Dartmoor Commoners,
12317-543: Was purchased by the DPA in 1964 and the Nature Conservancy (UK) bought neighbouring Dendles in 1965. The situation in 2015 is that some of the Dartmoor plantations have been affected by the fungal disease Phytophthora ramorum which results in widespread clear felling to prevent further spread of the disease. The policy now is to replant with more native hardwood trees although more resistant conifers are also being used. There are eight Dartmoor reservoirs , with
12430-541: Was readily visible from the B3212 Princetown to Yelverton Road, strung across Walkhampton Common from Devil's Elbow to just above Horseyeatt at Peek Hill. The works to provide the new underground supply were mainly undertaken on the highway to minimise the impact on the sensitive moorland landscape, its archaeology, wildlife and livestock. The DPA has supported the undergrounding of these visually intrusive power lines for many years. The Dartmoor Conservation Garden
12543-515: Was set up. It meets once a year and reports to the Secretaries of State for Defence and Environment. Eventually, Willsworthy Camp was moved to a lower profile location off the open moor and opened at the new location in 1995. It provides accommodation for 100 troops. As of 2015 there are 120 conservation groups across the MOD, including Dartmoor Military Conservation Group. Military training
12656-438: Was up by 0.2 °C (0.4 °F) and the late winter temperature increased by 0.5 °C (0.9 °F). Because of Dartmoor's height and granite geology, it experiences strong winds and has acidic soils. In consequence it has been subject to very little intensive farming , and all these factors combine to form the basis of the important ecosystems found here. The landscape is one of granite with peat bogs overlying it. While
12769-410: Was used for rifle, machine gun and anti-tank firing. A new rifle range on Rippon Tor was built, an airfield constructed on Roborough Down and another camp of Nissen huts was started at Plasterdown (later to become a hospital for U.S. forces). In preparation against possible German invasion, protective structures were constructed in the moor, such as pillboxes . At one point an 18-inch railway gun
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