NEW VISION FOR DARTMOOR

TOWARDS A WILDER DARTMOOR

In September 2021 we launched our new vision for Dartmoor, one that looks wilder, with woodlands that form part of a mosaic of restored natural habitats, offering significant benefits in the fight against climate change and biodiversity loss; woodlands that coexist with farming, archaeology and recreation, connecting people to nature and to their heritage.

The way people look at England’s upland areas is changing. There is a growing realisation that many areas of the UK, including Dartmoor, would naturally be more wooded. Restoring native woodland can bring multiple environmental benefits, as trees (and their soils) help to retain water and reduce flooding, as well as sequestering carbon. It would also allow many species of animals and plants currently confined to remnant fragments of woodland to flourish. Our vision includes building a landscape that is teeming with insects, birds and animals, including livestock, Dartmoor ponies and deer, beavers, wild boar, eagles, cranes, red squirrels, pine martens, and more.

Dartmoor is unique in that it is one of the few remaining areas in southern England large enough for an ambitious rewilding project like this to be possible. 

Our vision is to restore Dartmoor’s woodlands by encouraging the natural regeneration of native species that is already taking place in some areas, and helping to establish a network of community woodlands, planting trees where necessary. By 2050, we hope to see a wilder, more natural Dartmoor, with restored moorland habitats and semi-natural grazing managed by local farmers and communities. We also believe that a wilder Dartmoor will be good for the local economy, improving existing livelihoods as well as creating new opportunities.

We are ready to play our part in shaping a new Dartmoor for the future; a climate-resilient Dartmoor where both wildlife and people thrive.

Our new vision for Dartmoor includes a fascinating overview of Dartmoor through the ages, from 10,000 years ago (Post-Ice Age), right through to the present day and beyond.

Click the button below to find out more about our new vision for Dartmoor:

Would you like to be a part of our new vision for Dartmoor? Find out how you can get involved.