Dartmoor is proudly celebrating its diamond anniversary, marking 75 years since its designation as a National Park and one of Devon's top attractions.
A programme of events, heritage talks, Ranger-led walks, family activities, community festivals and a special 75th anniversary prize draw form part of the celebrations (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/dartmoor-at-75/celebrating-75-years) .
Founded on 30 October 1951 and cherished as a special landscape for many years before, Dartmoor is internationally renowned for its history and archaeology, rare wildlife and habitats and varied geology. Steeped in folklore, history and natural beauty, Dartmoor is a multifaceted landscape: a home, workplace and space for recreation and quiet enjoyment.
Sheltered valleys, boulder-strewn rivers, oak woodlands, upland commons and enclosed farmland provide a mosaic of vital wildlife habitats. Farming accounts for nearly 90% of land use, providing food and resources for the nation. Traditional practices and locally distinct breeds contribute to a unique sense of place.
Dartmoor’s blanket bogs, the southernmost in England, lock away carbon, provide grazing, nurture rare wildlife, purify water, and protect remarkable archaeology. Its many rivers supply most of Devon’s drinking water, support biodiversity, shape the landscape and reduce flood risk
It is one of England’s most important archaeological landscapes and is internationally renowned for its Bronze Age remains. Prehistoric settlements, medieval buildings and industrial features reveal how people have lived, worked and died over thousands of years and offer a unique and continuous record of human endeavour.
Dartmoor offers unrivalled recreation opportunities across 50,000 hectares of access land and 730km Rights of Way. People have the right to backpack camp on some commons provided the backpack camping code and leave-no-trace principles are followed (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/enjoy-dartmoor/outdoor-activities/camping) .
Dartmoor shares its anniversary year with the Peak District (https://www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/) (17 April), the Lake District (https://lakedistrict.gov.uk/) (May 9) and Eryri (https://eryri.gov.wales/) (October 18).
Tom Surrey, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Chief Executive, said: “We celebrate our 75th anniversary by reflecting on Dartmoor’s value and sharing what it means for everyone with a range of events building up to our official ‘day of designation’ on 30 October. We’re celebrating the many achievements of the past while acknowledging the challenges we face, from funding to dealing with the nature and climate emergencies. Looking ahead, we’re reviewing the Dartmoor Partnership Plan (https://www.yourdartmoor.org/home) and Local Plan (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/living-and-working/planning/planning-policy/dartmoor-local-plan) , both of which set collective ambitions for Dartmoor, the priorities to protect its special qualities and ensure sustainable management in the future.”
75th Anniversary Prize Draw
Packed with prizes generously donated by local businesses and partners, proceeds from prize draw tickets will support the conservation and preservation of Dartmoor National Park.
The star prize is an all-inclusive overnight stay for two at the iconic Two Bridges Hotel. Other prizes include hampers, tickets for family days out, signed books, vouchers plus more. Entries are: £2 each, £5 for 3, £15 for 10.
You can enter online (https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/dartmoors-75th-anniversary-prize-draw) or buy tickets at the National Park Visitor Centres at Haytor and Postbridge. Free entry is available by Royal Mail post only. The prize draw is run by Dartmoor Futures on behalf of Dartmoor National Park Authority.
Full terms and conditions (https://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0020/226082/DNPA-Prize-Draw-Full-Terms-and-Conditions.pdf) are on the website.