What we do

Our principal activities

The Authority aims to conserve and enhance Dartmoor as a vibrant living, working landscape and community.  We work in partnership with a wide range of local and national stakeholders and look to support Dartmoor’s businesses and communities as we deliver National Park purposes.  The Authority is committed to listening to all stakeholders and providing services fairly to all sections of the community.

Our principal areas of activity include:

• produce a National Park Management Plancontaining land management policies, and a Local Development Frameworksetting out planning policies, which together provide the main policy framework for all our activities
• promote sustainable development, particularly through the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, and work closely with all authorities and agencies concerned with the social and economic well being of National Park communities
• record, protect, maintain and enhance natural habitats and areas of ecological significance and give advice on their protection and management
• deal with all proposals which require planning permission, listed building consent, conservation area consent, advertisement consent or which have to be the subject of other formal submissions
• manage public access to open country
• maintain the footpath and bridleway network on behalf of Devon County Council
• provide and support an information network of National Park Centres, community-run information centres and information points
• manage the effects of recreation and tourism pressures and influence the provision of appropriate tourist facilities and attractions in and around the National Park
• publish literature and run a guided walks and events programme to inform and to educate thereby enabling the better understanding and enjoyment of the National Park's special qualities
• work closely with housing authorities to facilitate the provision of housing to meet identified local needs
• record, protect, maintain and enhance sites, structures and areas of archaeological significance and give advice on their protection and management
• give planning advice, including design guidance, prior to the submission of applications
• provide a National Park-wide Ranger Service
• provide advice on the care of trees and assist with new tree planting schemes
• enter into agreements to provide for public access and other recreational opportunities
• help schools, colleges and youth groups to gain as much benefit as possible from their visits to the National Park
• work with Devon County Council to manage and control traffic and improve public transport
• enter into agreements with farmers and other owners and occupiers of land to ensure the maintenance of landscape quality
• manage car parking, build and maintain car parks and provide other public facilities