Dartmoor’s future under review as new partnership board announced

A new board has been set up to lead the review of Dartmoor’s Partnership Plan and help shape the future of the National Park.

Dartmoor National Park Authority agreed to support the creation of the board at a meeting on Friday 9 May. 

It will be made up of representatives from local authorities, public bodies, environmental charities, farming groups and recreation organisations.

The board will oversee the review and delivery of the Partnership Plan, a key policy document that sets out how Dartmoor should be protected, conserved and improved in the years ahead.

Pamela Woods, Chair of Dartmoor National Park Authority, will also chair the newly formed board.

She said: “I am delighted to Chair this newly formed board. Partnership working has already been crucial in supporting activities that make Dartmoor a better place. Together, we can build on our achievements to steer the work of the review and ensure the updated Partnership Plan reflects our collective ambitions for this special landscape.

“I look forward to everyone making a valuable contribution towards adopting a robust and relevant Partnership Plan for Dartmoor National Park.”

Organisations joining the board include Devon County Council, the Environment Agency, Natural England, the RSPB, Devon Wildlife Trust, the Duchy of Cornwall, the British Mountaineering Council and the Dartmoor Commoners Council.

Nick Bruce-White, Chief Executive of Devon Wildlife Trust, said: “I’m pleased to be contributing to the review of the Partnership Plan, working with fellow stakeholders on the Partnership Board and in liaison with environmental NGOs across Devon.

“Dartmoor is a special refuge for wildlife, where species lost elsewhere can still thrive, and the National Park can play an incredibly important role in supporting nature recovery right across the South West. But even on Dartmoor, nature hangs perilously in the balance. The review comes at a critical time for our natural environment, and I look forward to developing a Partnership Plan that aligns us all around our vision of a nature-rich, climate resilient Dartmoor, fit for generations to come.”

James Platts, Chief Executive of South West Lakes Trust, added: “Our charity is passionate about enabling more people to connect with nature and the outdoors so we are very much looking forward to working with like-minded organisation to help protect, conserve and enjoy the special place that is Dartmoor.”

The current Partnership Plan was adopted in 2021 and is built around seven key themes, including climate, nature, people, farming, and the next generation. 

These themes will continue to guide the updated plan.

The new board will meet in July to begin the review process and discuss public and stakeholder engagement. 

A draft plan is expected to be developed by 2026, with a final version due to be adopted in 2027.

People living, working and visiting Dartmoor will be invited to share their views through workshops and consultations, with details to be announced in due course.