How Dartmoor and the National Trust are managing tourism impact

Dartmoor National Park attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn by its rugged beauty, ancient landscapes, and cultural significance. 

While tourism is vital to the local economy, it also brings increased footfall to delicate environments like Lydford Gorge. 

The challenge for organisations such as the National Trust is how to balance public access with the protection of these landscapes.

With Dartmoor hosting millions of tourists annually, organisations like the National Trust are taking proactive steps to mitigate the environmental impact on its natural attractions.

Lydford Gorge, a key site managed by the National Trust, welcomed 66,000 visitors last year alone. 

Of these National Trust members, 60 per cent came from beyond an hour’s drive, while 40 per cent were local, highlighting the broad appeal of the site. 

To manage this influx, several measures have been put in place:

In certain cases, restricting access to sensitive areas is necessary to prevent irreversible damage. 

For example, the river path that connects the Waterfall and Devils Cauldron trails has been closed due to landslips

This action protects both visitors and the environment from further degradation while preserving the ecological balance of the gorge.

Ongoing maintenance of trails, footpaths, and signage is essential to managing visitor flow and minimising impact on vulnerable habitats. 

This includes reinforcing popular routes, rerouting paths away from ecologically sensitive areas, and providing well-marked trails that encourage responsible exploration.

To ease pressure on high-traffic areas, organisations offer alternative walking routes. 

In Lydford Gorge, two alternative paths allow visitors to experience key features, such as the Devil’s Cauldron and Whitelady Waterfall, without overcrowding fragile ecosystems. 

This helps distribute foot traffic more evenly across the site.

Education plays a vital role in conservation. 

The National Trust provides visitors with information about the ecological importance of the sites they are visiting and encourages responsible behavior, such as sticking to designated trails and avoiding littering.

This raises awareness about the impact that large numbers of visitors can have on fragile environments.

Working with local businesses and communities, organisations are promoting sustainable tourism practices. 

These include encouraging visitors to travel using public transport or car-sharing schemes, reducing vehicle emissions in the park, and supporting local, eco-friendly accommodations and services.

The long-term protection of Dartmoor's landscapes requires a collaborative approach. 

The National Trust, local authorities, conservation groups, and local communities must work together to balance tourism with environmental preservation. 

Regular monitoring of visitor numbers, environmental impact assessments, and ongoing conservation efforts are key to ensuring that Dartmoor remains both accessible and protected for future generations.

In addition to site-specific actions, larger-scale initiatives are crucial.

These include investing in sustainable infrastructure, supporting biodiversity through habitat restoration projects, and creating policies that promote responsible tourism on a national level.

As tourism continues to grow in Dartmoor, managing the associated environmental impacts becomes increasingly important. 

By implementing measures such as visitor education, restricted access to sensitive areas, and sustainable tourism practices, organisations like the National Trust are leading efforts to protect Dartmoor's natural and cultural heritage.