Dartmoor marks 75 years as a National Park with focus firmly on the future

Dartmoor has marked 75 years as a National Park, with a special anniversary gathering bringing together conservationists, local businesses, community groups and young people to reflect on its history and consider its future.

The celebration took place at the Two Bridges Hotel on Friday, October 30, the anniversary of Dartmoor's designation as a National Park in 1951.

Around 100 people attended the event, including farmers, environmental organisations, heritage groups, volunteers, hospitality businesses and elected representatives.

While much of the afternoon was spent looking back at the campaign and achievements that helped protect Dartmoor, speakers also turned their attention to the challenges facing the landscape over the next 75 years.

Dartmoor National Park Authority chairman Will Dracup told The Moorlander that the anniversary was an opportunity to recognise what had been achieved while considering the responsibilities of future generations.

“To me, what's even more exciting, rather than just looking back over the last 75 years, is looking forward at the next 75 years, and it's down to every single one of us to shape that,” he said.

Mr Dracup also highlighted the importance of the 1985 Commons Act and the recent legal battle over backpack camping as examples of significant moments in the National Park's history.

He urged people to get involved in shaping its future through the authority's current consultation on its partnership plan, which will help guide the management of the National Park over the next five years and beyond.

The anniversary programme also included reflections from Kate Ashbrook, General Secretary of the Open Spaces Society, who spoke about Dartmoor's history and the importance of protecting public access.

Describing her return to Dartmoor, she said: “I've come home again. What a wonderful, uplifting feeling.”

Her reflections included the work of early campaigners and the importance of the Dartmoor Commons Act, which she described as pioneering in securing rights to walk and ride across the commons.

She also spoke about the relationship between people and the natural environment, making the point that public involvement is essential to conservation.

“What we must always remember is nature and people come together, because if you don't have people fighting for nature, it won't survive. Never let one be without the other,” she said.

Friday’s event also gave a platform to four Dartmoor Youth Rangers, Tom, Iona, Lowena and Henry, who shared their experiences of growing up on the moor and their hopes for its future.

The Youth Rangers described their involvement in the programme as life-changing and spoke about how Dartmoor had shaped their childhoods.

Camping, hiking, wildlife, folklore and the landscape's history were among the subjects they discussed.

They also highlighted the importance of protecting biodiversity, restoring peat bogs and maintaining public access to the moor.

Dartmoor National Park Authority chief executive Tom Surrey, who has been in the role for around six months, told The Moorlander that the gathering had brought together partners from across the moor to celebrate its past and look ahead.

“We've had a really lovely event here today, just bringing together all of our partners from across Dartmoor, past and present, to celebrate the past 75 years of the National Park, but also really important to look forward,” he said.

The CEO said hearing the views of the four Youth Rangers had been a particular highlight.

Mr Surrey, who has a longstanding connection with Dartmoor, described becoming chief executive as “a dream come true”.

He added that he was encouraged by the passion shared by people attending the event and the opportunity to work together on the National Park's future.

Dartmoor is home to around 34,000 people and attracts an estimated three million visitors each year.