Wild camping will continue to be allowed on Dartmoor
It's despite a ban being introduced by the High Court less than a week ago
Wild camping will continue to be allowed on Dartmoor, despite a ban being introduced by the High Court less than a week ago.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority has announced the news this afternoon (Thursday 19 January).
They wrote a statement online, saying an agreement has been reached that will enable people to continue wild camping in parts of Dartmoor National Park.
In the statement, it says that landowners and the National Park Authority have worked together to agree a way forward following the High Court judgment published on Friday.
The Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association and the National Park Authority met yesterday (18 January 2023) to discuss how wild camping on the Dartmoor Commons might be facilitated going forward.
The authority say an agreement was reached in principle on the following:
• Landowners will grant permission to the Authority to allow the public to wild camp through a permissive agreement.
• This new system will provide clear guidance on what constitutes wild camping based on the principle of ‘leave no trace’.
• Areas where the public can wild camp without seeking individual permission from landowners will be communicated via an interactive map on Dartmoor National Park Authority’s website in the coming days.
- Anyone planning to wild camp now or in the future must refer to the interactive map and follow all ‘leave no trace’ principles.
- Whilst the agreement is completed, wild camping (including Ten Tors and The Duke of Edinburgh Award) is permitted with immediate effect.
John Howell, Chair of Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association, said: “We recognise the importance of people being able to enjoy the natural beauty of Dartmoor, including through wild camping, and the benefits that this can bring."
Dr Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: “We have all worked quickly and collectively to ensure clarity is provided. Our thanks go to those involved in the discussions who have engaged in this process so positively and proactively. We’re committed to working together to continue all our good work that helps keep Dartmoor special for everyone.”
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