Right to wild camp on Dartmoor affected
- Friday 27th January 2023
A recent High Court ruling dealt a blow to wild camping on Dartmoor although the National Park has now reached an agreement that will enable people to continue wild camping in parts of Dartmoor.
As reported by the BMC, whilst the recent High Court ruling banned wild camping in Dartmoor, the National Park has now reached an agreement to allow wild camping to continue in some parts of the National Park.
Following the ruling, the Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association and the National Park Authority met on January 18th to discuss how wild camping on the Dartmoor Commons might be facilitated going forward.
The BMC report that 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.
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.”
BMC Access & Conservation Officer Cath Flitcroft, reports that whilst the BMC welcomes this announcement, they believe that wild camping should encompass the freedom to choose where to camp, when to camp, without any regulations, to be self-sufficient and to do so in a discreet and responsible manner. Referring to maps to pre-plan a camp, applying for permission, and relying on the whim of landowners doesn’t give visitors the certainty and freedom to explore Dartmoor in the way they may have wished. The BMC hope that the Dartmoor National Park Authority wins leave to appeal and that they can establish that there is a clear right to wild camp on all of Dartmoor’s wild places.
You can read more on the BMC website by clicking here.
Watch the BMC’s short video on wild camping below…