Dartmoor (a small National Park in South Devon)
Dartmoor is a vast upland in South Devon (one of southern England’s largest open spaces), known for its rugged granite tors, deep river valleys and unique prehistoric landscape. Fires and BBQs are strictly forbidden on Dartmoor (to protect peatlands and wildlife), with wild camping stays limited to two nights in one spot, and strict rules on ‘leave no trace’.
Haytor and Hound Tor offer panoramic views of the South Devon coast, and Postbridge Clapper Bridge dates from 13th century. There’s also Wistman’s Wood (a high-altitude oak woodland) and Grimspound (a Bronze age settlement with the remains of 24 stone roundhouses).
Did you know that oak trees (and acorns) are toxic to pets, barnyard friends and horses?
Never light fires, stoves or barbecues in National Parks (wild camping is not allowed). Never disturb or feed wild ponies. For concerns, contact the Livestock Protection Officer.
Always follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms (and toxic plants/trees) and on leads near birds, barnyard friends and wild ponies.
If at the coast, keep away from nesting birds and never walk on sand dunes. Learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
How to upright an overturned sheep
Pregnant sheep (and sometimes due to wool waterlogged from rain) can sometimes roll over onto their backs, and can’t get back upright, due to having four stomach chambers (so will die if not turned back upright).
If you see a sheep on its back, just firmly right it back, then stay with it, until rain has drained off, so it won’t happen again. Then inform your local farmer.
Who owns Dartmoor?
You may be surprised at this, but most of it is owned by Prince William, as it forms part of the Duchy of Cornwall, which passed to him when King Charles ascended the throne. Dating back to an ancient law to give private income to the monarch (he now owns the Duchy of Lancaster) and his heir, there are controversies over this.
Prince William has recently unveiled a 20-year plan to restore peatlands and mosaic habitats, and promote sustainable farming, while supporting affordable housing for people who care for Dartmoor.
This sounds great, as he is listening to tenant farmers and conservation groups. But lland campaigner Guy Shrubsole says a lot more of the land needed to be rewilded, as Dartmoor is ‘devoid of trees and birds for miles’. Campaigners say the ‘small potatoes’ offered is not enough to restore ‘England’s rainforest’
However, the taxpayer is still footing the bill for the now-closed-down prison, which sits on land owned by Prince William. We pay around £1.5 million a year for the lease, and will do so for the next 20 years or so.
Around 500 former inmates are also planning to sue the government, due to illness from radon levels 14 times higher than the legal limit. This is a natural radioactive gas in soil and rocks, which can cause lung cancer (two of the 10 people who were bringing the case have died).
There is even now a petition at 38 Degrees to ask the prince to stop charging the taxpayer for an empty prison, and instead use the public money to invest in improving our prison systems and support rehabilitation programs.
