Wild camping will continue to be permitted in parts of the national park. Photo: Dartmoor NPA
Dartmoor National Park Authority said people will continue to be able to wild camp in certain areas, after it reached an agreement with landowners’ representatives.
Outdoor enthusiasts wishing to camp on the moors will need to refer to an interactive map and follow ‘leave no trace’ principles.
The authority met with the Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association on Wednesday to discuss the matter following a case in the High Court bought by landowners Alexander Darwall and his wife Diana that ruled wild camping was outside the permissions included in the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985.
At the meeting this week, it was agreed that landowners will grant permission to the authority to allow the public to wild camp through a permissive agreement.
The new system will provide 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 next few days.
The Duchy of Cornwall, which is headed by the Prince of Wales and is Dartmoor’s largest landowner, is a member of the commons owners’ association.
The national park authority added that, while the agreement is completed, wild camping, including the Ten Tors challenge and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award for young people, 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.”
The authority said all present at the meeting were clear that there is no place for illegal ‘fly camping’ on Dartmoor. Fly camping, which often involves large groups with barbecues or open fires, should not be confused with true wild camping and will continue to be prohibited, it said.
Dave Devally
19 January 2023Great news.
Much respect and kind regards to the landowners who agreed to this.
Carolyn Mitchell
19 January 2023We’re committed to working together to continue all our good work that helps keep Dartmoor special for everyone. - but not motorhome owners who would like to be able to use car parks overnight. Self contained motorhomes and camperans (ie those with toilets, onboard water and waste tanks) don't camp - they park. They also tend to clean up the mess left by day trippers and locals. Yet we are still banned.
Andrew Brown
19 January 2023Which land owners did not agree to allow wild camping?
David
19 January 2023So the cash strapped National Park has to pay landowners for the right to Wild Camp…..some deal.
Old Git
19 January 2023I can't see any mention in this article of payment. Please enlighten me.
David
20 January 2023It was reported in the Guardian on 19th…
I should of said ‘ permission’ not ‘right’
Mike W
20 January 2023Great that this has been quickly resolved. Not at all great that "Landowners who have signed up will be paid an unknown sum by the park." (BBC Report)
Dales
20 January 2023"Andrew Brown - Which land owners did not agree to allow wild camping?"
Well according to TGO magazine, it was Alexander Darwall, an investment manager.
Dales
20 January 2023Edit - sorry Andrew, I guess you wanted to know which diehards are still holding out against the new agreement.
This will be a matter of perusing the "interactive map" which is now up on the DNPA website. And Kudos to the DNPA.
Ian P
26 January 2023So, the NP is going to pay landowners to permit wild camping. So, I as a tax payer will be paying for wild campers to legally camp on Dartmoor! I can think of so many better things for my tax money to go on - and I’m a wild camper! The difference is that I do what 95% of the wild campers do in this country and I don’t expect any NP, DEFRA or the tax payers to finance my hobby. This ‘deal’ really is nonsense.