New evidence potentially left by Dartmoor’s earliest farming communities 5,500 years ago has been uncovered by archaeologists at two of the moor's most enigmatic sites. A series of previously unknown features including postholes and circular structures have been discovered at the tor enclosure sites of White Tor and Dewerstone. One of the most exciting discoveries at Dewerstone (pictured) is the recovery of charcoal suitable for radiocarbon dating. Results are awaited but, if proved, could conclusively show people occupied these sites in the early Neolithic period - around 3,500BC....
‘Naked’ otter sculptures were unveiled at a special event today to mark the next exciting steps of Dartmoor National Park’s Moor Otters arts trail 2020. The event held at Bovey Castle, and hosted by Dartmoor National Park, gave artists the opportunity to collect their sculptures so they can start transforming them into stunning individual works of art. At the same time, businesses and supporters were able to learn more about how the funds from Moor Otters sponsorship and sales will go towards important conservation projects so people connect with Dartmoor and care for it in the future....
Dozens of volunteers have been thanked for their efforts to conserve, promote and enhance Dartmoor National Park.
More than 40 people attended Dartmoor National Park Authority's annual Voluntary Warden meeting at Parke, Bovey Tracey, on Tuesday October 29.
The Voluntary Warden scheme is managed by the Authority's Ranger service. Volunteers help Rangers with their duties and advise visitors to Dartmoor. They play a key role in promoting enjoyment and understanding of Dartmoor’s special qualities and get involved in practical projects too.
Devon & Cornwall Police and Dartmoor National Park Authority are working closely with partners through the Dartmoor Rural Crime Initiative, an arrangement which was formally adopted on 25 October 2019.
A working group brought together by the partnership arrangement is focussing on issues that have been identified as areas of concern by local communities.
These are reducing antisocial behaviour and increasing safety around illegal raves, reducing incidents of speeding where animals are injured or killed, general road safety on the moor and fly tipping.
Postbridge Visitor Centre is about to embark on a new chapter in its history as it undergoes a £500,000 extension. Dartmoor National Park Authority is taking the next steps in its ambitious vision to transform the centre and tell the Dartmoor Bronze Age story in greater detail. The centre will close its doors from Monday 23 September for preparation work. Construction will start on 21 October and will last 32 weeks. Dartmoor is the most important area for Bronze Age archaeology in Western Europe with iconic sites such as the prehistoric settlement of Grimspound and the double stone rows at...
On Saturday 7th September Devon Ramblers celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the founding of Devon Ramblers, part of the Ramblers Charity, with an event on Hookney Tor, Dartmoor. Nine walks were led by Devon’s local Ramblers groups, each taking a different route to walk to Hookney Tor, which is between Moretonhampstead and Widecombe. Starting points for the walks included Hound Tor and Widecombe. South Devon Ramblers, for example, walked from Widecombe in the Moor to Hookney Tor via the Two Moors Way.
Over one hundred walkers from Ramblers groups converged on Hookney Tor for a...
Dartmoor National Park is pleased to once again take part in England’s largest festival of history and culture and will be shedding a light on how people lived in the 14th Century.
From 13-22 September 2019 the Heritage Open Days festival returns to Dartmoor with a packed programme of medieval-themed activities. Every September places across the country throw open their doors to celebrate their heritage, community and history.
This is your chance to try out new experiences - and they're free!
Get involved
Join Dartmoor National Park for a rare opportunity...
The Nun's Cross Path repair scheme has been given a £20,000 boost thanks to a generous contribution by the British Mountaineering Council's (BMC) Access and Conservation Trust.
Dartmoor National Park secured the funds through the BMC's Mend Our Mountains: Make One Million campaign to restore further sections of the Princetown-Burrator route which showcases the grandeur of Dartmoor's open moorland.
Nun's Cross Path is used by more than 30,000 walkers and 10,000 mountain bikes each year but over the years a combination of erosion damage and extreme weather – like the storms...
Visitors to Dartmoor are being urged to help prevent wildfires as the dry weather continues.
Of particular concern are discarded cigarettes, Chinese lanterns and disposable barbecues.
Broken glass, camping stoves matches and lighters are also highlighted as potential dangers.
The call for vigilance has come from the Dartmoor Wild Fire Liaison Group, a body representing land owners, the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council and Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).
The wider partnership also involves Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, Devon and Cornwall...
A new exhibition of hand-printed portraits reflects on the traditional heritage of commons and reflects on what the future holds for this historic practice. The exhibition features images and opinions from farmers, land owners and others involved in commoning and the care of the upland commons in Dartmoor.
The exhibition, at Princetown Visitor Centre, is part of a wider project, Our Common Cause: Our Upland Commons. This aims to increase public understanding of commons and commoning, to encourage people to work together to improve outcomes from common land, and to safeguard the...
