Dartmoor National Park Authority acquires Buckfastleigh Moor with Defra grant

Dartmoor National Park Authority has announced that, following a successful funding bid, it has acquired Buckfastleigh Moor into its care.

The newly acquired 858 acres of common land, rich in history, wildlife, and public rights of way, ensures the long-term protection of the national park’s distinctive qualities.

The acquisition was fully funded by a capital grant scheme provided by the Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). In November 2023, Defra announced additional funding opportunities for protected landscape teams to apply for, aimed at improving water environments.

This was in recognition of the vital role national parks and national landscapes play in restoring our natural environment.

Authority Chair Pamela Woods said: “We’re delighted to bring this special part of Dartmoor into our care, so it remains protected for public benefit, farming and nature. Thanks to the funding from Defra, this part of Dartmoor will continue to be protected for nature, climate and people. 

“With the essential support of commoners, we look forward to delivering the aspirations in Dartmoor’s Partnership Plan so our unique national park can be enjoyed by everyone in years to come.”

Subject to common grazing rights, Buckfastleigh Moor contains upland heathland, blanket bog, rugged hills, species rich valleys, natural springs and significant archaeological features. 

The acquisition area, accessible from Chalk Ford, Lud Gate, or Water Oak Corner, extends northwest to Ryder’s Hill—the highest point on Southern Dartmoor—before heading southeast to Snowdon and Puper’s Hill. 

This area includes sections of the Two Moors Way and Abbot’s Way, along with rivers such as the Mardle and Dean Burn, which are identified as priority areas for flood risk reduction. 

The new land acquisition adjoins Holne Moor, part of which the authority already owns and manages. 

Connecting these two areas encourages the spread of wildlife, which is key for improving biodiversity and tracking climate change.

The grazing rights also provide opportunities to work with local commoners on long-term management of this important site. 

Caroline Belam, the chairman of Buckfastleigh West Commoners Association said: "The commoners are delighted to welcome the Dartmoor National Park Authority as the new owner and are keen to work with them for the benefit of the common and all its supporters.”

Buckfastleigh Moor has been formally recognised for its ecological importance. 

It was identified as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). 

It is home to a variety of grass species and trees, including hawthorn, rowan and oak.

These habitats support species such as the bilberry bumblebee, pearl-bordered fritillary, whinchats, cuckoos, and reed bunting.

The area is also rich in archaeology.

It contains cairns, tin workings, Bronze age reaves and former field boundaries - all of which serve as reminders of our history and the vital role agriculture plays in shaping the landscape.

The importance of Petre’s Bound Stone, standing on Ryder’s Hill, can be traced back to 1240 when King Henry III and 12 of his knights completed the first perambulation of the royal forest’s boundaries.

Land in Dartmoor National Park is owned or managed by many different landowners. The authority owns land at Holne Moor, Haytor Down, Wray Cleave near Moretonhampstead and Hawn and Dendles near Cornwood.