Dartmoor residents call for action on nature, farming and access in National Park survey

Residents and visitors have shared their views on what they believe matters most for Dartmoor’s future, contributing to part of a major review of how the National Park is managed.

Between August and September, the Dartmoor National Park Authority ran a public opinion survey to gather views for the review of the Dartmoor Partnership Plan (DPP).

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The DPP is the shared management plan that sets out priorities for conservation, access, and community life on the moor.

More than 2,600 responses were received from across the UK, including many from towns inside or close to Dartmoor such as Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Tavistock, Okehampton, and Plymouth.

Nature and wildlife a top concern

The survey showed that people care deeply about Dartmoor’s landscape and wildlife. 

Many said restoring peatlands, woodlands and soils should be a top priority to help tackle climate change and protect habitats.

One respondent said: “Absolute priority should be adopted to manage the devastation that the invasion of Molinia has caused.”

Another added: “New planting and woodland creation of native trees, increasing biodiversity by making and restoring habitats.”

These comments reflect widespread public support for habitat restoration, native tree planting and better management of invasive species such as bracken and gorse.

Balancing act between nature and farming

Many respondents raised the need to balance nature recovery with traditional farming. 

There was strong backing for supporting hill farmers and commoners, with mixed views on how grazing should be managed.

One local farmer wrote: “Go back to letting farmers look after the Common, let them regulate grazing, swaling etc.”

Not all respondents agreed, with one saying: “I feel we need to reduce grazing.”

A third comment reflected the importance of rural livelihoods: “Supporting the hill farmers should be our highest priority so that the moor can remain stocked, and the beautiful landscape maintained.”

These views underline Dartmoor’s ongoing challenge of supporting both sustainable farming and biodiversity.

ABOVE: Swaling (controlled burning) takes place on Dartmoor to control overgrowth (Credit: Herbythyme)

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Controlled visitor behaviour and access

Visitor management was another strong theme, with respondents calling for action on litter, fires and dog control, as well as better facilities and public transport.

Comments included: “Providing facilities for visitors to dispose of rubbish” and “Better public transport for all communities.”

There was also concern about the impact of wild camping, barbecues and overcrowding in sensitive areas.

Housing and needs for locals

While the environment dominated most responses, residents also raised housing, transport and digital connectivity as important local priorities. 

Many want the Partnership Plan to consider the needs of people living and working on Dartmoor, not just its landscape and wildlife.

What comes next for the plan?

The Dartmoor Partnership Plan is reviewed every five years and sets out how the National Park is conserved, enhanced and enjoyed, with the current plan running until 2026.

Officials say the next version will respond to issues raised such as climate change, nature recovery and the future of farming. 

A Partnership Plan Board has been set up to oversee the review and make sure local voices are represented.

Workshops are now being held with farmers, landowners, community groups and conservation charities, with a public consultation on the updated plan expected in 2026, before adoption in early 2027.

ABOVE: Wild camping on Dartmoor (Credit: Kernow Skies)

‘How to maintain a resilient Dartmoor’

The findings have shown that people feel strongly about keeping Dartmoor special, and a place for nature, farming and local communities. 

In response to the results of the survey, a Dartmoor National Park Authority spokesperson told The Moorlander: 

“We had 2,654 responses to our public opinion survey. We thank all those who took time to share their views. The aim was to gather insights on what matters most for Dartmoor’s future and how to maintain a thriving, beautiful, and resilient National Park for nature, people, and future generations. 

“The survey results, alongside other supporting evidence and key documents, will help guide the development of the next Dartmoor Partnership Plan, the shared management plan for our National Park.”