Fighting to keep Dartmoor wild and free since 1883

Dartmoor holds a special place in the heart of many people, both locally and further afield. With its stone rows, cairns and tors, plus its many streams and rivers, it draws walkers, wild campers and adventure seekers from far and wide. But Dartmoor is a vulnerable landscape which has, for many years, been under threat. For 140 years, the Dartmoor Preservation Association has advocated and campaigned for this precious landscape, opposing non-native afforestation, china-clay pit expansion, reservoirs, A-road building and huge telecoms masts. At the same time as preventing disfigurement of the Moor the DPA has campaigned on issues of fundamental importance to the future of Dartmoor including the creation of the National Park in the first place, the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, access legislation and wild-camping rights.

The DPA’s most important relationship is with its members, but our other vital relationship is with Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).  We often describe ourselves as the DNPA’s ‘critical friend’. This is a position that is unique on Dartmoor to the DPA. We have built that relationship slowly over many years by offering well-reasoned opposition to short-term thinking and putting the needs of the moor and its inhabitants ahead of any personal considerations or the temporary winds of change.

At the heart of the DPA’s success and influence throughout our history has been the dedication and energy of our members. Whether as supporters silently willing us on, or Trustees, or active volunteers on the land or in the many campaigns, it has been the strength and dedication of the members that has kept the DPA up and running and thriving. We are always looking for new members, whatever their interest in Dartmoor maybe and the DPA are actively involved in programmes to get young people trained in the practical aspects of caring for a national park so that in time they can carry on this important work.

The DPA owns four pieces of land on Dartmoor, which include open moorland at Sharpitor and Swincombe, an enclosed area of moorland and woodland at High House Waste and an enclosed area of hay meadows at Pudsham. All of these sites have been bought with the aim of protecting and conserving the unique habitat and archaeology of the moor where they would have otherwise been destroyed by development. We host regular workdays on our land with our friendly and committed group of conservation volunteers.

As an independent charity we rely on the money from memberships and donations to continue our work. In return for becoming a member you will receive a welcome pack plus a subscription to our magazine, Dartmoor Matters, along with regular updates on our walks and events programme. You can find out more about membership and what we do at www.dartmoorpreservation.co.uk