Dartmoor inspires man’s mission to boost mental health through history

Silver Levy-So, a 35-year-old Totnes resident, has transformed his personal battle with anxiety and complex PTSD into a powerful passion for photography and local history. 

Now he is on a mission to help support others through their mental health. 

This journey has led him to form South Hams History Hunters, a group that’s rapidly gained over 3,000 social media followers, all keen on exploring the hidden historical treasures of South Devon. 

In just over a year, Silver’s journey of self-discovery has sparked a movement that combines mental wellbeing, community engagement, and the rediscovery of the region’s past.

ABOVE: A few of his many finds 

Silver grew up near Scorriton on the edges of Dartmoor, a setting that has always been a backdrop to his life. 

But his path took a difficult turn when, at just 15, he experienced a series of extremely traumatic events following substance misuse. 

Silver’s early struggles with mental health were shaped by a number of complex factors. British-born but raised in a family of mixed Chinese and Jewish heritage, he and his family encountered both subtle and more overt forms of discrimination before eventually becoming integrated into Dartmoor life.

This cultural marginalisation left him feeling isolated, contributing to his developing anxiety and feelings of unworthiness.

At 12, Silver began experimenting with marijuana, a coping mechanism that initially seemed to ease his mental struggles but ultimately exacerbated them. 

After getting expelled from secondary school aged 15, followed by a particularly traumatic incident tied to substance abuse, his anxiety and PTSD became unmanageable, leaving him housebound and battling agoraphobia for months. 

Reflecting on this period, Silver acknowledged that the discrimination he faced growing up likely played a significant role in his mental health challenges, deepening his feelings of disconnection and struggle.

This incident triggered severe generalised anxiety disorder and PTSD, which led to months of isolation. 

“I was pretty much housebound in our old farmhouse for almost a year, while my friends and family seemed to be living in normality,” Silver told The Moorlander. 

He continued: “I had developed extreme agoraphobia and social anxiety, and I felt completely cut off from the world.”

During this isolated period, Silver’s mental health deteriorated. 

Dartmoor, which once felt like his own backyard, became inaccessible as his anxiety grew. But finding an old compact camera in his mother’s wardrobe would later lead to a life-changing transformation.

What began as a distraction from the monotony of staying indoors soon became Silver’s key to rediscovering the world around him. 

“At first, I just took photos of my pets and the view from my house, but gradually, the camera gave me a reason to step outside. It became a kind of safety blanket,” he explained. 

“Every picture I took was like a small victory over the fear that had kept me locked inside.”

With every photograph, Silver began to push his boundaries. 

ABOVE: Silver finds a great sense of escapism in his photography work

Venturing further from his doorstep, the camera helped him find comfort and confidence in places he once feared. 

Slowly, Dartmoor, which had once felt unreachable, became his sanctuary once again. “Being out in nature, especially on Dartmoor, played a huge role in my recovery,” Silver said.

“The open spaces, the sense of solitude, and the natural beauty of the moor were incredibly healing. Every time I felt like I couldn’t go on, Dartmoor pulled me back.”

Through photography, Silver started to capture not only the landscapes but also the rich history of the region. 

His curiosity about the past grew, and with it, a new passion began to take shape. 

In 2023, Silver, along with a group of like-minded friends and experienced enthusiasts, founded South Hams History Hunters. 

The group’s mission was simple: to explore, research, and document the hidden historical gems of South Devon through the advanced practices of metal detecting, mudlarking, historical research, and photography - all the while using the latest technology. 

In less than a year, South Hams History Hunters had grown from a small hobby group into a thriving community of history enthusiasts. 

The group’s followers range from complete beginners to more experienced archaeologists, and the team have already made several very important discoveries. 

“Our first major project was on private land in Kingswear, where we uncovered evidence of a civil war battlefield,” Silver recalled.

“Since then, we’ve explored all sorts of areas, from permissive private farmland and woodland, to public access beaches and estuaries within the crown estate, then most notably intertidal zones along the River Dart, where we've found everything from Medieval, Roman and Iron Age artefacts to Bronze Age burial mounds and settlements.

ABOVE: Handful of George III pennies from the 1700s

The collective’s efforts have uncovered traces of Saxon activity, including trackways and travel routes, Tudor relics like Elizabethan hammered coins and purse pieces from the 1400s-1500s, as well as large Bronze Age and Roman structures.

Their discoveries provide a deeper understanding of the region’s history, but for Silver, the work is about much more than just finding historical artefacts. 

For him, it’s a therapeutic outlet; a way to manage his mental health while engaging with the world in a meaningful way. 

“History hunting has given me purpose,” Silver explained.

“It allows me to leave behind the stress and pressure of modern life and focus on something that’s not only fascinating but also healing.”

Silver’s passion for the past and his growing knowledge of South Devon’s history have ignited a desire to educate and inspire others, especially those who may be struggling with their own mental health. 

ABOVE: Silver and his team at work

The group is not just about finding relics but also about fostering a sense of community, connection, and wellbeing. 

Silver hopes to expand South Hams History Hunters into a platform that not only brings people together to explore history but also supports individuals facing mental health challenges by encouraging outdoor activities and community engagement.

In addition to exploring Dartmoor and South Hams, Silver has been approached by multiple local organisations with a variety of requests and the group eventually has plans to engage with local schools, offering educational talks, guided walks, and exhibitions to help people connect with their local history. 

He envisions turning the collective into a charitable organisation focused on improving mental health through history and nature. 

“I’ve been through a lot, but this group has shown me how powerful it can be to combine your passions with a purpose,” Silver reflects.

“I want to share that with others, to show that mental health doesn’t have to hold you back. In fact, it can drive you forward into new and unexpected adventures.”

ABOVE: Elizabeth I shilling dated 1560

For Silver, South Hams History Hunters is not just a hobby; it’s a form of therapy. 

“There’s something deeply calming about being out in the fresh air, away from the noise of modern life, and discovering something ancient,” he says. 

“When I’m out there with my camera or my metal detector, all the stresses and worries seem to melt away. I can’t recommend it enough, especially to people who are struggling with their mental health.”

Looking ahead, Silver and the team plan to write a modern, concise history of the South Hams, cataloguing their discoveries and sharing the stories of the people and places that have shaped the region.

His ultimate goal is to continue using his passion for history and photography to inspire and support others, helping them find their own paths to healing, just as he has.

Silver's career as a self-taught, independent photographer and cameraman has taken him well beyond the borders of Devon.

One of his unique opportunities included working on the set of a popular American drama series that was broadcast globally.

Eager to advance his career and gain more experience, he reached out to a distant relative in California, who helped arrange for him to shadow crew members on the show she was working on. 

This experience offered him a valuable behind-the-scenes look at the film and TV production world in Hollywood.

Following this, Silver contributed to several notable film and TV projects. 

He even pursued an opportunity to live and work in Japan, capturing the essence of the Japanese community as a photographer. 

Unfortunately, after a few months, his anxiety became overwhelming, leading to another mental breakdown. 

This prompted his return to his beloved Dartmoor, where he sought healing and recovery.

Although his time in California and Japan left lasting impressions, the pull of Dartmoor remained strong. 

“No matter where I go in the world, Dartmoor always calls me home,” he explained. 

“Photography, history, and Dartmoor; they’ve all played a huge role in my recovery,” Silver said. 

“They’ve saved me, and continue to do so. Now I want to use them to help others find their own way forward, whether it’s through connecting with the past, spending time in nature, or simply finding a new hobby that brings them joy.”

For now, South Hams History Hunters continues to grow, with Silver and his friends at the helm, guiding others through the mysteries of the past while forging a hopeful future for change and creating a space for a positive outlook.