Dartmoor National Park Authority reports financial surplus despite major funding cuts

Despite facing its largest funding reduction in years, Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) has closed the 2024/25 financial year with a surplus and an increase in its reserves.

A recent financial report presented to the authority’s audit and governance committee revealed a surplus of £8,500 and a £54,000 rise in reserves allocated for future projects.

DNPA Chief Executive Kevin Bishop described the organisation’s financial status as “robust,” highlighting “healthy reserves” totaling over £3.6 million.

The authority’s strong position was partly bolstered by a Supreme Court ruling that upheld the right to wild camp on Dartmoor. The court found that landowner Alexander Darwell was incorrect to prohibit wild camping on his property, and he is expected to cover the park’s legal fees, reportedly running into millions.

DNPA also secured an unexpected £2.4 million in capital grant funding, exceeding initial expectations. Additionally, staff cost savings of over £320,000 were achieved after pay raises came in below budget.

Major expenses, including repairs to the Princetown Visitor Centre, which is set to close later this year to reduce costs, and archaeological work at Cut Hill (where an Early Bronze Age burial site was discovered), were covered by savings without dipping into reserves.

However, members were cautioned about looming financial difficulties, with government funding for the park’s day-to-day operations expected to fall by eight percent, potentially rising to ten percent when employer National Insurance costs are factored in.

Chairperson Pamela Woods acknowledged the ongoing comprehensive spending review but warned that the outlook for protected landscapes would remain “very tough.”

“I wish someone from Defra was listening… the core question is how much do we value our national landscapes, and what national parks offer,” she said.

Woods criticized Defra for failing to back its commitments with adequate funding. “We must be creative and think positively, but the path ahead will be challenging.”

Workforce planning and potential cuts to the park’s grant were identified as two “severe risks” facing DNPA.

Dr. Bishop explained that retaining staff on fixed-term contracts has been difficult due to stagnant salaries, which lag behind other local authorities and the private sector. Press coverage of funding cuts has also raised concerns about job security among employees.

Despite these challenges, he emphasized that DNPA offers a supportive environment with flexible and hybrid working options.

“We remain a strong organisation delivering projects that improve the national park for people, nature, climate, and heritage. For anyone looking to develop their career, this is an excellent place to work,” Bishop said.

He encouraged the authority and its staff to confidently present their case to Defra, noting, “Our team is passionate and hardworking, which is why many staff members stay long-term.”

DNPA member Peter Harper praised the positive workplace culture, comparing it to his experience in a competitive industry.

“Dartmoor National Park feels like a family where everyone supports one another. That’s invaluable in today’s world,” Harper said.

Currently, DNPA employs approximately 90 staff across various departments including ecology, archaeology, historic buildings, land management, visitor services, conservation, planning, finance, HR, ICT, communications, and business support.