Dartmoor National Park Authority

About Us

Dartmoor National Park Authority is a special purpose local authority created under the Environment Act 1995. The Authority is a freestanding local authority employing around 105 staff and is governed by 22 appointed Members. Prior to 1995 the National Park was administered as a committee of Devon County Council

This part of our website contains information about our statutory purposes and socio-economic duty; what we do, how we are funded; our priorities and how we spend our money. There is information on Members and staff of the Authority and how to contact us.

You can find out when the Authority and its committees and working panels meet and read their agendas, minutes & committee reports

Also, keep up to date with our News pages and see what job vacancies and opportunities for participation we have.

National Park Purposes

The Authority's duties, responsibilities and powers are derived from a number of Acts of Parliament, in particular the Environment Act 1995 (external link, opens new window).   See also the Legislation pages for more information about our legal powers & duties.

The Environment Act 1995 sets out two statutory purposes which the Authority has the duty to pursue:

• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park
• to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public

In pursuing these statutory National Park purposes we also have a “socio-economic duty” to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of the communities within the National Park.

Page updated 29 June 2010