Dartmoor National Park: Camping and livestock controversies

Dartmoor National Park has become a focal point for two interconnected narratives in recent months: the lifting of a ban on wild camping and the ongoing debate regarding whether livestock farming is a boon or a bane to the park’s natural ecosystem. This theme resonates across many of our protected landscapes, initiating conversations about their conservation and management. In response, I embarked on an expedition to Dartmoor’s vast heathlands, with my sights set on Holne Moor.

Encompassing an expansive 953 square kilometers, Dartmoor presented a unique environment. My trek led me through clusters of cattle and ponies that scarcely resembled traditional herds, emphasizing the pastoral setting. Additionally, the region hosts a substantial sheep population, numbering 145,000 across its expanse.

The immediate landscape was defined by coarse grass, bracken clusters, and scrubby heather. While this minimalistic beauty holds an undeniable allure for some, those who crave luxuriant abundance might find it somewhat lacking.

Conservationists have raised concerns about over-grazing, which has led to reduced species diversity and a noticeable absence of trees. Navigating the terrain proved to be a challenge due to dung-covered ground, underscoring the impact of this issue.

The morning fog, reminiscent of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s “The Hound of the Baskervilles,” added a mystique to the experience. As debates about the park’s preservation and management continue, the balance between livestock farming, wild camping, and ecosystem protection remains a pressing consideration in the ongoing dialogue surrounding Dartmoor National Park.