Dartmoor National Park to be supported by marshals again this summer

Since summer 2020, the Dartmoor Marshals have supported the Dartmoor Ranger team with their duties during the summer months. Their high-visibility patrols help to reduce anti-social behaviour and engage with visitors to enable everyone to have a safe and enjoyable time on the moor.

The Marshals are now on patrol until mid-September.

Their funding is provided through a partnership project consisting of the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez, the National Trust, Forestry England, the Duchy of Cornwall, South West Lakes Trust, Dartmoor Common Owners Association and private landowners.

Dartmoor National Park Head Ranger Simon Lee said: “We're delighted to run this initiative for the sixth year in a row. Through the partnership, we're able to provide additional resources to help tackle and prevent incidents caused by a minority of people - but incidents that can have a detrimental impact to Dartmoor's beauty and other people's quiet enjoyment of this special place."

"Like Rangers, Marshals bring valuable experience and skills in dealing with sensitive situations but are also there to help and advise, so people have safe and memorable visits."

According to the park authority, during summer 2024 Dartmoor Marshals patrolled for over 910 person hours, covering 47 evenings. They dealt with a range of incidents such as fly camping, open fires, dogs off leads and even stopping a rave. They also helped in reports of homelessness, putting those in need in the direction of the right authorities so they could get professional help.