Abandoned tent and BBQ remains found at Dartmoor beauty spots amid rising concerns in Devon

An abandoned tent, discarded tins, and a plastic bottle still full of water were found by hikers at Black Tor on Dartmoor last week, prompting renewed calls for responsible access to the national park.

The campers had also left a scorched patch on the ground, believed to be the remnants of a campfire. Two walkers who discovered the site while out hiking took it upon themselves to collect and carry the rubbish back with them.

The discovery comes just over a month after a landmark court ruling reinstated the public’s right to wild camp on Dartmoor without landowner permission, the only place in England where this is permitted.

The ruling overturned a High Court decision from January 2023 that had briefly removed that right.

This decision was upheld by the Supreme Court in May 2025, confirming the public’s longstanding right to camp on common land within the national park.

Supporters of the ruling emphasise the importance of responsible behaviour and leaving no trace.

A week after the tent was found, another incident of littering was reported in a public Dartmoor Facebook group.

A member shared that disposable BBQ remains had been left in Bellever forest. They explained they were unable to carry the rubbish at the time but intended to return with a bag to remove it.

The Moorlander contacted Dartmoor National Park Authority regarding the incident near Black Tor. A spokesperson said: “We are disappointed to see this but are grateful to the two hikers for taking the litter away – even though it was not theirs. We thank them both.

"Litter and open fires can ruin some of our most precious landscapes and harm wildlife. We urge people to report incidents of littering to the relevant council responsible for environmental protection – details can be found via the Clean Devon website.”

How to report fly tipping or littering

According to Clean Devon, the appropriate response depends on the severity of the incident:

• If rubbish is actively being dumped or causing a traffic obstruction, call 999.

• Major or hazardous fly tipping (e.g. asbestos, chemicals or organised dumping) should be reported to the Environment Agency.

• General litter or fly tipping on public land should be reported to the relevant local authority.

• For private land, the council may redirect the report to the landowner.

• Incidents can also be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Apps such as ClearWaste or Fix My Street can also be used for reporting, although response times may vary depending on local authority arrangements with the platform.

Members of the public are urged not to touch or move any dumped materials, as they may pose health risks or contain hazardous substances.

To report littering in West Devon, residents can use the official West Devon Borough Council website.

The council carries out regular cleaning of highways and public rights of way and asks residents to flag any areas of concern so they can be addressed.