Dartmoor National Park Authority to proceed with appeal on wild camping ban
£50,000 has been crowdfunded for the legal challenge
Last updated 14th Apr 2023
The Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) have agreed to proceed with a legal appeal over a High Court ruling on the right to wild camp.
It was ruled that landowners could restrict access to their sites, following concerns over things like noise and litter.
Campaigners say what they're now being offered is 'limited' and worry it could be taken away 'on a whim' in future.
Earlier this month the courts gave leave to appeal, and today (Friday 14 April) DNPA board members voted to proceed.
Campaigners have welcomed today's move. Lewis Winks from The Stars Are for Everyone said: "We are delighted that the appeal will now be heard.
"The regressive ruling must be challenged, and the right to camp on Dartmoor to be firmly re-established.
"We applaud DNPA members for showing leadership and making a stand for this vital principle of access.
"Wild camping is a right which we hope people will be able to enjoy for generations to come - here on Dartmoor and, in time, elsewhere in England."
£50,000 has been crowdfunded for the legal challenge - which could cost double that.
Speaking at today’s DNPA Board decision meeting, Julia Wilson, campaigner and Dartmoor resident said: "The recent ruling has inspired so many people living on Dartmoor, close to it and further afield to express how important this land is to them.
"The opportunity to camp, roam and belong without the express permission of a land owner is a fundamental part of this.
"This appeal has a wealth of public backing. The 3000+ people who joined the peaceful protest in Cornwood testament to this.
"It is vitally important that all that come to Dartmoor treat it with care and respect.
"I am an advocate for this and I am an advocate for taking this to appeal and finding ways we can all collectively get around the table and talk about Dartmoor's future with our mutual care of the land at the forefront of the discussion.
"Let us appeal this decision but keep the conversation going about how we all contribute to ensure a thriving Dartmoor landscape for all."
Backpack camping on Dartmoor commons
Within days of the High Court judgment earlier this year, a 'permissive approach' to backpack or wild camp was agreed in principle with the Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association.
The Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association and the National Park Authority met on 18 January to discuss how wild camping on the Dartmoor Commons might be facilitated going forward.
The new system means people are allowed to still backpack or wild camp on identified common land without needing to secure landowner permission first.