So much more than Dartmoor!

Despite as the name suggests; North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (NDSART) is so much more than just Dartmoor.

The Mountain Rescue (MR) team based in Okehampton covers a vast area, more than just the surrounding Okehampton area and the northern half of Dartmoor.

NDSART covers the region from Exeter to Crediton, Lydford to Launceston, Bude to Black Torrington, down to Fernworthy Reservoir and Moretonhampstead and across Dartmoor - both on land and in water. 

The Team also supports the wider Dartmoor Rescue Group: Ashburton, Tavistock, and Plymouth, as well as neighbouring Teams: West Cornwall, East Cornwall and Exmoor Search and Rescue Team.

Within NDSART some members are professionally qualified as Swift Water Technicians and MOD2 support members who can respond to incidents in rivers, lakes, reservoirs, and flood situations. Water Teams from across Devon and Cornwall, including NDSART, have been used to support Nationwide flooding events in the past; such as the Yorkshire floods.

In addition to the professionally qualified members for Swift Water Rescue, NDSART has members who specialise in Ropes, First Aid as Remote Rescue Medical Technicians and Search Management. Many MR teams also have trained search dogs to support search and rescue operations. 

The search dogs and handlers, from England, belong to an additional organisation: Mountain Rescue Search Dogs England.

All the training and callouts take place in all types of weather, any time of the day, any day of the year, and all by volunteers. 

In 2023, NDSART were called out or on standby during every major storm, which hit the Southwest of England, all whilst maintaining their training, during these busy and extreme weather times.

As the warmer months arrive, Dartmoor and the surrounding areas will see more visitors. It is important to consider however, just because it’s Summer, and the sun might be shining, it’s worth taking the time to prepare for any hike or trip out onto Dartmoor.

Paper Map and Compass - always pack one for Dartmoor.

Digital navigation and mobile phones have their advantages, but a vast area of Dartmoor has little to no mobile network coverage. On these occasions, a paper map and compass are vital as they don’t require batteries to operate, nor a signal!

Take the time to learn how to navigate, using a paper map and compass - Ordnance Survey has lots of tutorials on how to safely navigate using this method.

NDSART recommends OL28 Dartmoor - Active Map from Ordnance Survey. This is laminated and will enable you to navigate in poor weather.

• Packing extra clothing and warmer layers.

Dartmoor is wet all year round. Mud, peat, and bogs can’t always be avoided. When stopping for breaks; the cool breeze and lack of movement can leave you feeling cold.

• Packing plenty of fluids and food.

On a hot day and when hiking long distances, you can require up to 8 litres of water to replace the fluids lost from sweating. Use a water filter or purification tablet to fill your water bottle(s), from running streams, or make a detour to a nearby village/town shop to replenish fluids. Pack a minimum of 2 litres of water.

• Always pack waterproofs!

Dartmoor’s environment is constantly fluctuating, and the weather can change at a moment’s notice. It’s not uncommon to have all types of weather on Dartmoor in one day - sunshine, rain, hail, snow, and gale-force winds.

• Pack a shelter.

NDSART Members pack group shelters for 4-6 persons. These are pole-less shelters that, can be deployed quickly and,

protect you, a friend (or two), and your rucksacks from the elements. They are lifesaving in an emergency and very

convenient when stopping for a break.

• Pack a torch, spare batteries, charging cables, a power bank and an emergency whistle.

Even if you don’t plan on being out after dark. It is useful to carry a torch with spare batteries if you stay out once the sun sets. A power bank is a useful item to pack and charge your electronic devices such as your phone. Never use your phone as a torch - It’s a waste of your battery that could be used to get help if required.

An emergency whistle, not the variety on a sternum strap of rucksacks, is a clear and loud means to attract attention when things go wrong. 

Six blasts of the whistle repeated every minute is the international distress signal.

In an emergency when you require help from Mountain Rescue - Call 999 and ask for the Police, then Mountain Rescue.

Like all Mountain Rescue England and Wales teams, across the country, NDSART is made up entirely of volunteers who at a moment’s notice leave their day jobs, family, or friends to help those in need. 

Whether lost or injured, all year round, any time of the day, whatever the weather. 

NDSART receives no government funding and relies solely on donations from the public, to remain operational.

If you would like to donate to help the team, please visit the link below:

https://www.justgiving.com/dartmoorsearchandrescue