31 August 2011
A weekend of time travel in Dartmoor National Park
Step back in time with Dartmoor National Park Authority between 8 and 11 September as part of Heritage Open Days 2011.
This year Dartmoor National Park Authority has arranged a number of events as its contribution to this national heritage celebration and also as part of the Authority’s celebrations of Dartmoor National Park’s 60th Anniversary.
Explore Hutholes - a deserted medieval village and learn how many medieval houses on Dartmoor now only survive as archaeological sites.
You can also see one of the best examples of a standing medieval house on Dartmoor by joining us on a visit to the grade 1 listed medieval Dartmoor longhouse at Higher Uppacott. In the past this house would have accommodated both people and animals. Today, only a few longhouses survive on Dartmoor with the shippon (animal accommodation) in its original state; most have been converted for domestic use. Come and find out about how the house has changed over the centuries and hear from some of the former occupants.
On Sunday 11 September National Park archaeologists, the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust (DPHT), the Forestry Commission and the YHA are running a full day of exciting activities at Bellever, near Postbridge. This event is a celebration of our heritage and the 60th anniversary of Dartmoor’s designation as a National Park. It is also an important day for our nation’s forests as the Forestry Commission celebrates the International Year of the Forest.
Bellever races used to be a special event in the Dartmoor calendar attracting people from miles around to take part in pony and foot racing. Bellever Day 2011 will also be celebrating the important contribution of ponies to Dartmoor’s heritage and environment with guided walks looking at the conservation work of the DPHT and displays of ponies working in harness. DPHT walks start at Postbridge car park at 1pm.
There will also be guided walks exploring the many archaeological sites at Bellever, including a recently
excavated Bronze Age round house. There will be a special performance of CaudaEquina - The Horse's Tale (at the foot of Bellever Tor 2 pm - 3 pm) - celebrating the pony in song and myth, prehistoric round house building, and a mass tree hug at 2pm. The Forestry Commission are also running activities around the camp fire, which will include charcoal making (for drawing) willow binding and shelter building. Expert help will be provided all day, and visitors may drop in and come and go as they wish.
Marquees outside the Postbridge Information Centre will have ‘hands on’ archaeological activities, quizzes and games and refreshments will be available to purchase courtesy of the YHA.
For those wishing to find out more about Dartmoor’s prehistoric past, Postbridge Centre is displaying the acclaimed Going for Bronze Exhibition, detailing the story of life, death and landscape in Bronze Age Dartmoor.
Details of the Dartmoor Heritage Open Days programme and Bellever Day are set out below:
Thursday 8 September
2.00-4.00pm
Higher Uppacott Medieval Dartmoor Longhouse
Friday 9 September
2.00-4.00pm
Higher Uppacott Medieval Dartmoor Longhouse
Saturday 10 September
10.00-12.00am and 2.00-4.00pm
Higher Uppacott Medieval Dartmoor Longhouse
10.00-12.30pm
Hutholes – the deserted medieval village
Sunday 11 September
10.00-12.00am and 2.00-4.00pm
Higher Uppacott Medieval Dartmoor Longhouse
Bellever Day
For full details of timings of these events check out www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk or www.heritageopendays.org.uk
The Heritage Open Days, co-ordinated by English Heritage, aims to give people the opportunity to visit and enjoy England’s wonderfully diverse architectural and cultural heritage. Thousands of events take place across the country and give people a chance to visit sites and buildings which are not usually open to the public or that normally charge admission, and all for free! Last year over 1 million people joined in the fun.
Please note most Heritage Open Days events only have limited places so it is essential to pre-book your place on 01822 890414 or at the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown.
Ends
For further information from Dartmoor National Park Authority
Val Harrison, Historic Buildings Officer
Jane Marchand, Senior Archaeologist
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: 01626 832093
For further information from the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust
Clare Stanton Tel: 07885 699802 Email:cgs222@btinternet.com
For further information from the Forestry Commission
Stephen Lees, Recreation and Public Affairs Manager, Peninsula District.
Telephone 01392 834215 or 07831 275651 Email: stephen.lees@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
Notes for Editors
Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:
• 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 area by the public.
In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News.
For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk (external website, opens new window)
For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Online Shop
There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads. National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
<p><img src="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/image/0018/120375/20110718-Rons-Ramblers-and-King-Way-Cross.JPG" alt="King Way Cross" class="marginBottom marginRight" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left" width="299" height="199" />A major new exhibition has opened at Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown celebrating the 60th anniversary of the designation of Dartmoor as a National Park. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the King Way Cross.</p>
<p>Discovered by Ron’s Ramblers, a group of walkers from Plymouth, the cross has been restored and a new base constructed by the National Park Authority’s Conservation Works Team. The newly restored King Way Cross was unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales on 11 July as part of the National Park’s 60th anniversary celebrations.</p>
<p>The cross will be on display as part of the exhibition until 14 September 2011when it will be returned to the site of its discovery on northern Dartmoor. The story of the discovery of the cross and its restoration by skilled craftspeople is told as part of the display along with the stories of many great projects which describe the variety of work carried out by the National Park Authority through partnerships with a range of agencies and communities.</p>
<p>Learn more about the award winning Cairn Repair Project which is restoring prehistoric summit cairns on Dartmoor, discover how funding from South West Water is helping sustain Dartmoor’s mires and how working together is benefiting biodiversity, farming and communities.</p>
<p>Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:</p>
<p>‘This exhibition demonstrates that National Park status is much more than a label. It illustrates how the Authority, in partnership with communities, individuals and agencies is working to safeguard Dartmoor’s special qualities, promote understanding and enjoyment, and ensure that sustainable development is achieved. Our work and that of our partners is helping to contribute to Great Things in a Great Place.’</p>
<p>The exhibition runs from 22 July to 14 September in the High Moorland Visitor Centre’s exhibition area. The Centre is open daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. The exhibition area includes the Great Things in a Great Place exhibition as well as displays, film shows and children’s activities.</p>
<p>The following admission charges apply to access the exhibition areas:</p>
<p>
<br /> Adult: £1.50</p>
<p>Child (7-16): £1.00</p>
<p>Child (under 7): FREE</p>
<p>Family ticket: £3.00</p>
<p>Education group: FREE</p>
<p>Ends</p> <h2>For Further Information</h2>
<p><a href="mailto:mnendick@dartmoor.gov.uk">Mike Nendick</a>, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority</p>
<p>Tel: (01626) 832093</p> <h2>Notes for Editors</h2>
<p>Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:</p>
<p>• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;</p>
<p>• to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.</p>
<p>In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.</p>
<p> <a href="../dartmoor-needs-you/?a=50149">Agendas</a> for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. <a href="../dartmoor-to-you-at-devon-county-show/?a=62882">Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News</a>.
<br /></p>
<p>For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/" target="_blank">www.nationalparks.gov.uk</a> (external website, opens new window)
<br /></p>
<p>For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/dnpa_shop/main.asp" target="_blank">Online Shop</a></p>
<p><strong>There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads. National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.</strong></p>
<p> <img src="../dartmoors-special-qualities-in-print/?a=65446" alt="60th anniversary logo" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="198" height="68" /></p>
<br />
<p><img src="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/image/0009/126198/20110101-DNPA-JM-whitehorse-Hill-cist-repair-20.jpg" alt="Whitehorse Hill cist" class="marginBottom marginRight" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left" width="300" height="225" />The excavation of a prehistoric burial cist, situated high up on Whitehorse Hill on northern Dartmoor, has commenced. The cist was discovered 10 years ago when its end stone fell out of the peat hag which had been concealing it.</p>
<p>A temporary wall was erected in front of this area in an attempt to protect the archaeology which it may still contain. The cist is particularly unusual because of its situation within peat and its apparent isolation from other known archaeological sites.</p>
<p>Over the last 10 years the peat surrounding and overlying the cist has eroded away because of its exposed condition and the decision was taken to excavate it in order to recover any surviving archaeological and environmental information which it might contain. It is well over 100 years since a burial cist was excavated on Dartmoor.</p>
<p>It is hoped that analysis of buried pollen, insects and charcoal within the peat will help establish detail of the contemporary surrounding landscape. Artefacts deposited as part of the burial ritual, such as pottery, beads and stone tools will add to the understanding of the time, five thousand years ago, when the burial is believed to have taken place.</p>
<p>Prehistoric cists are a particular kind of burial monument found on Dartmoor. They are chest like structures, usually sunk into the ground, with two long granite side slabs and two end slabs set between the sides and covered with a large slab. They are sometimes found within the remains of a burial cairn, and/or associated with a stone row. They contained both inhumations and cremations. The latter were usually placed in a type of pot known as a Beaker. Flint tools have also been found with the burials</p>
<p>There are nearly 200 surviving cists on Dartmoor and over 90% of these have their long sides orientated in a NW/SE direction. The reason for this particular orientation is not clearly understood, but it was obviously of significance to the prehistoric grave builders. </p>
<p>It is anticipated that the excavation will be completed by Friday 12 August and publication of the findings will take place later in the year.</p> <h2>Ends</h2> <h2>For further information</h2>
<p><a href="mailto:jmarchand@dartmoor.gov.uk">Jane Marchand</a>, Senior Archaeologist</p>
<p><a href="mailto:mnendick@dartmoor.gov.uk">Mike Nendick</a>, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority</p>
<p>Tel: (01626) 832093</p> <h2>Notes for Editors</h2>
<p>The best known cists are probably those to be found at Merrivale (NGR SX 55487476) at Drizzlecombe (NGR SX 59156721) and the cist which now can be seen in the garden of the High Moorland Visitor Centre. This cist was originally situated below Thornworthy Tor, Chagford, close to Fernworthy reservoir and is one of two which were discovered within a burial mound in 1879. It was excavated by William Pengelly, a prominent Torquay archaeologist and geologist. Unfortunately it was ransacked before he completed his excavation, all that remained were some discarded beaker pottery fragments and a few flint tools. </p>
<p>Following Pengelly’s excavation the landowner donated the cist to the newly opened Torquay Museum which was run by the Torquay Natural History Society, both of which Pengelly had been instrumental in founding. Torquay Museum having rearranged their major exhibits no longer had sufficient floor space for the cist and it is now on loan to the Dartmoor National Park Authority and is situated in the garden at the back of the Visitor Centre.</p>
<p>Find out more about Dartmoor’s prehistoric past at the popular Going for Bronze Exhibition, a partnership exhibition between Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter. The exhibition has been updated for 2011and tells the story of life, death and landscape during Dartmoor’s Bronze Age.</p>
<p>New displays have been added, including an update on the findings from previous excavations of a round house within Bellever plantation and the results of the Time Team investigations of a prehistoric ceremonial complex at Tottiford Reservoir in August 2010. Flint tools discovered at Tottiford are also on show.</p>
<p>The exhibition will be on display at the Dartmoor National Park Information Centre, Postbridge, for the summer season.</p>Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:
<p>• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;</p>
<p>• to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.</p>
<p>In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.</p>
<p> <a href="../dartmoor-needs-you/?a=50149">Agendas</a> for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. <a href="../dartmoor-to-you-at-devon-county-show/?a=62882">Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News</a>.
<br /></p>
<p>For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/" target="_blank">www.nationalparks.gov.uk</a> (external website, opens new window)
<br /></p>
<p>For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/dnpa_shop/main.asp" target="_blank">Online Shop</a></p>
<p><strong>There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads. National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.</strong></p>
<p> <img src="../dartmoors-special-qualities-in-print/?a=65446" alt="60th anniversary logo" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="198" height="68" /></p>
<br />
<br />
<div id="content_type_wysiwyg_120374_content_type_wysiwyg_source" style="display: none;"> <p>18 July 2011</p> <h1>Great Things in a Great Place</h1> <h1>Summer exhibition celebrates Dartmoor’s 60th birthday</h1>
<br /> <p><img src="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/image/0018/120375/20110718-Rons-Ramblers-and-King-Way-Cross.JPG" alt="King Way Cross" class="marginBottom marginRight" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left" width="299" height="199" />A major new exhibition has opened at Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown celebrating the 60th anniversary of the designation of Dartmoor as a National Park. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the King Way Cross.</p>
<br /> <p>Discovered by Ron’s Ramblers, a group of walkers from Plymouth, the cross has been restored and a new base constructed by the National Park Authority’s Conservation Works Team.&nbsp; The newly restored King Way Cross was unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales on 11 July as part of the National Park’s 60th anniversary celebrations.</p>
<br /> <p>The cross will be on display as part of the exhibition until 14 September 2011when it will be returned to the site of its discovery on northern Dartmoor. The story of the discovery of the cross and its restoration by skilled craftspeople is told as part of the display along with the stories of many great projects which describe the variety of work carried out by the National Park Authority through partnerships with a range of agencies and communities.</p>
<br /> <p>Learn more about the award winning Cairn Repair Project which is restoring prehistoric summit cairns on Dartmoor, discover how funding from South West Water is helping sustain Dartmoor’s mires and how working together is benefiting biodiversity, farming and communities.</p>
<br /> <p>Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:</p>
<br /> <p>‘This exhibition demonstrates that National Park status is much more than a label.&nbsp; It illustrates how the Authority, in partnership with communities, individuals and agencies is working to safeguard Dartmoor’s special qualities, promote understanding and enjoyment, and ensure that sustainable development is achieved.&nbsp; Our work and that of our partners is helping to contribute to Great Things in a Great Place.’</p>
<br /> <p>The exhibition runs from 22 July to 14 September in the High Moorland Visitor Centre’s exhibition area. The Centre is open daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. The exhibition area includes the Great Things in a Great Place exhibition as well as displays, film shows and children’s activities.</p>
<br /> <p>The following admission charges apply to access the exhibition areas:</p>
<br /> <p>
<br /> <br /> Adult: &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;£1.50</p>
<br /> <p>Child (7-16): &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;£1.00</p>
<br /> <p>Child (under 7): &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;FREE</p>
<br /> <p>Family ticket: &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;£3.00</p>
<br /> <p>Education group: &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;FREE</p>
<br /> <p>Ends</p> <h2>For Further Information</h2>
<br /> <p><a href="mailto:mnendick@dartmoor.gov.uk">Mike Nendick</a>, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority</p>
<br /> <p>Tel: (01626) 832093</p> <h2>Notes for Editors</h2>
<br /> <p>Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:</p>
<br /> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;</p>
<br /> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.</p>
<br /> <p>In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.</p>
<br /> <p>&nbsp;<a href="../dartmoor-needs-you/?a=50149">Agendas</a> for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority&#39;s web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. <a href="../dartmoor-to-you-at-devon-county-show/?a=62882">Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News</a>.
<br /> <br /></p>
<br /> <p>For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/" target="_blank">www.nationalparks.gov.uk</a> (external website, opens new window)
<br /> <br /></p>
<br /> <p>For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/dnpa_shop/main.asp" target="_blank">Online Shop</a></p>
<br /> <p><strong>There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond &amp; The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.&nbsp; National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.&nbsp; However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.&nbsp; Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.</strong></p>
<br /> <p>&nbsp;<img src="../dartmoors-special-qualities-in-print/?a=65446" alt="60th anniversary logo" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="198" height="68" /></p>
<br /> <br /> </div>
<br /></p> <h1>Hop on at night</h1> <h1>Haytor Hoppa - Dartmoor evening excursions</h1>
<p><img src="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/image/0017/40634/haytor-hoppa-image.jpg" alt="Haytor Hoppa" class="marginBottom marginRight" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left" width="350" height="263" />Now in its third year the Haytor Hoppa has seen its popularity grow again this season and in mid-July two work placement students helped Dartmoor National Park Authority develop an evening excursion programme.
<br />
<br /> The students, Lloyd from South Dartmoor Community College and Alice from Plymouth High School for Girls, went out on to Dartmoor to visit businesses, examine the route and discuss ideas with Dartmoor National Park Authority Information Centre staff at Haytor and staff at Newton Abbot Tourist Information Centre.
<br />
<br /> Their ideas have now been developed into a series of four evening excursions starting on 20 August with bus trip to Haytor and a guided walk on Haytor Down, followed by the opportunity to have a meal and drinks at the nearby Dandelion café (Moorlands Hotel).
<br />
<br /> On 03 September you can catch the bus and enjoy a guided tour of Widecombe-in-the-Moor with a visit to the Rugglestone Inn. Catch the bus to a photography masterclass at Hound Tor on 10 September with meal and drinks available at the Old Inn and, on 08 October, the last bus excursion and guided walk will visit Jay’s Grave. Learn about Dartmoor Legends and end your walk at the Kestor Inn with the opportunity to try a pint of Dartmoor Brewery’s Legend Ale.
<br />
<br /> The excursions start at Newton Abbot Train Station and are timed so that people can travel to and from Plymouth and Exeter. They are very competitively priced at £6 per person for the excursion and guided walk (all food and drink is extra). There are discounts available on the excursion price for groups of four or more and children under 16 years of age.
<br />
<br /> Of course in developing any service Lloyd and Alice needed to come up with an appropriate strapline! So out of the day they developed ‘Hop on at night, with Dartmoor you reunite’ and ‘Haytor Hoppa, there’s moor out there!’
<br />
<br /> The service is made possible by a partnership of Devon County Council, Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund.
<br />
<br /> Dartmoor National Park Authority’s website has a selection of free downloadable bus walks to help those who wish to use bus services to get to great walking locations. Visit <a href="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/visiting/vi-planningyourvisit/vi-gettingarounddartmoor">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk</a>
<br />
<br /> Passengers can also download a <a href="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/visiting/vi-enjoyingdartmoor/vi-audiowalk/vi-haytoraudiowalk">Haytor audio walk</a> from the Dartmoor National Park Authority website - just remember to download to your ipod/mp3 player or mobile phone before you set off to enjoy a 6 mile, self-guided circular walk .
<br />
<br /> For further information or to book an excursions please contact the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, on (01822) 890414. </p> <h2>Ends</h2> <h2>For further information:</h2>
<p><a href="mailto:akohler@dartmoor.gov.uk">Alison Kohle</a>r, Director of Sustainable Communities
<br /> <a href="mailto:mnendick@dartmoor.gov.uk">Mike Nendick</a>, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
<br /> Tel. 01626 832093
<br />
<br /></p> <h2>Notes for Editors</h2>
<p>The Hoppa Dartmoor evening excursions are operated by Country Bus and run on 20 August, 03 September, 10 September and 08 October.
<br />
<br /> The excursions run from Newton Abbot Train station at 1715 and go via the bus station and Bovey Tracey, returning to the train station by 22:00. This allows for connections to and from Exeter and Plymouth.
<br />
<br /> Tickets are £6 pp or £5 pp for groups of 4+; children are £4 pp
<br /> Please note there are no concessions and no dogs allowed.
<br /></p>
<p>The Haytor Hoppa is a jointly funded 3-year project between Dartmoor National Park Authority, Devon County Council and the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund. The service started in May 2009.
<br />
<br /></p>
<p> Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:</p>
<p>• to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;</p>
<p>• to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.</p>
<p>In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.</p>
<p><a href="../../au-geninterestnews/dartmoor-needs-you/?a=50149">Agendas</a> for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. <a href="../../au-geninterestnews/dartmoor-to-you-at-devon-county-show/?a=62882">Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News</a>.
<br /></p>
<p>For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/" target="_blank">www.nationalparks.gov.uk</a> (external website, opens new window)
<br /></p>
<p>For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/dnpa_shop/main.asp" target="_blank">Online Shop</a></p>
<p><strong>There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads. National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.</strong></p>
<p> <img src="../../au-geninterestnews/dartmoors-special-qualities-in-print/?a=65446" alt="60th anniversary logo" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="198" height="68" /></p>
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<div id="content_type_wysiwyg_120374_content_type_wysiwyg_source" style="display: none;"> <p>18 July 2011</p> <h1>Great Things in a Great Place</h1> <h1>Summer exhibition celebrates Dartmoor’s 60th birthday</h1>
<br /> <p><img src="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/image/0018/120375/20110718-Rons-Ramblers-and-King-Way-Cross.JPG" alt="King Way Cross" class="marginBottom marginRight" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left" width="299" height="199" />A major new exhibition has opened at Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown celebrating the 60th anniversary of the designation of Dartmoor as a National Park. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the King Way Cross.</p>
<br /> <p>Discovered by Ron’s Ramblers, a group of walkers from Plymouth, the cross has been restored and a new base constructed by the National Park Authority’s Conservation Works Team.&nbsp; The newly restored King Way Cross was unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales on 11 July as part of the National Park’s 60th anniversary celebrations.</p>
<br /> <p>The cross will be on display as part of the exhibition until 14 September 2011when it will be returned to the site of its discovery on northern Dartmoor. The story of the discovery of the cross and its restoration by skilled craftspeople is told as part of the display along with the stories of many great projects which describe the variety of work carried out by the National Park Authority through partnerships with a range of agencies and communities.</p>
<br /> <p>Learn more about the award winning Cairn Repair Project which is restoring prehistoric summit cairns on Dartmoor, discover how funding from South West Water is helping sustain Dartmoor’s mires and how working together is benefiting biodiversity, farming and communities.</p>
<br /> <p>Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:</p>
<br /> <p>‘This exhibition demonstrates that National Park status is much more than a label.&nbsp; It illustrates how the Authority, in partnership with communities, individuals and agencies is working to safeguard Dartmoor’s special qualities, promote understanding and enjoyment, and ensure that sustainable development is achieved.&nbsp; Our work and that of our partners is helping to contribute to Great Things in a Great Place.’</p>
<br /> <p>The exhibition runs from 22 July to 14 September in the High Moorland Visitor Centre’s exhibition area. The Centre is open daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. The exhibition area includes the Great Things in a Great Place exhibition as well as displays, film shows and children’s activities.</p>
<br /> <p>The following admission charges apply to access the exhibition areas:</p>
<br /> <p>
<br /> <br /> Adult: &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;£1.50</p>
<br /> <p>Child (7-16): &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;£1.00</p>
<br /> <p>Child (under 7): &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;FREE</p>
<br /> <p>Family ticket: &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;£3.00</p>
<br /> <p>Education group: &nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;FREE</p>
<br /> <p>Ends</p> <h2>For Further Information</h2>
<br /> <p><a href="mailto:mnendick@dartmoor.gov.uk">Mike Nendick</a>, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority</p>
<br /> <p>Tel: (01626) 832093</p> <h2>Notes for Editors</h2>
<br /> <p>Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:</p>
<br /> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;</p>
<br /> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.</p>
<br /> <p>In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.</p>
<br /> <p>&nbsp;<a href="../dartmoor-needs-you/?a=50149">Agendas</a> for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority&#39;s web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. <a href="../dartmoor-to-you-at-devon-county-show/?a=62882">Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News</a>.
<br /> <br /></p>
<br /> <p>For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/" target="_blank">www.nationalparks.gov.uk</a> (external website, opens new window)
<br /> <br /></p>
<br /> <p>For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/dnpa_shop/main.asp" target="_blank">Online Shop</a></p>
<br /> <p><strong>There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond &amp; The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.&nbsp; National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.&nbsp; However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.&nbsp; Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.</strong></p>
<br /> <p>&nbsp;<img src="../dartmoors-special-qualities-in-print/?a=65446" alt="60th anniversary logo" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="198" height="68" /></p>
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<div id="content_type_wysiwyg_126181_content_type_wysiwyg_source" style="display: none;"> <p>9 August 2011</p> <h1>Archaeologists investigate Dartmoor prehistoric burial</h1>
<br /> <p><img src="http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/image/0009/126198/20110101-DNPA-JM-whitehorse-Hill-cist-repair-20.jpg" alt="Whitehorse Hill cist" class="marginBottom marginRight" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" align="left" width="300" height="225" />The excavation of a prehistoric burial cist, situated high up on Whitehorse Hill on northern Dartmoor, has commenced.&nbsp; The cist was discovered 10 years ago when its end stone fell out of the peat hag which had been concealing it.</p>
<br /> <p>A temporary wall was erected in front of this area in an attempt to protect the archaeology which it may still contain.&nbsp; The cist is particularly unusual because of its situation within peat and its apparent isolation from other known archaeological sites.</p>
<br /> <p>Over the last 10 years the peat surrounding and overlying the cist has eroded away because of its exposed condition and the decision was taken to excavate it in order to recover any surviving archaeological and environmental information which it might contain.&nbsp; It is well over 100 years since a burial cist was excavated on Dartmoor.</p>
<br /> <p>It is hoped that analysis of buried pollen, insects and charcoal within the peat will help establish detail of the contemporary surrounding landscape. Artefacts deposited as part of the burial ritual, such as pottery, beads and stone tools will add to the understanding of the time, five thousand years ago, when the burial is believed to have taken place.</p>
<br /> <p>Prehistoric cists are a particular kind of burial monument found on Dartmoor.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; They are chest like structures, usually sunk into the ground, with two long granite side slabs and two end slabs set between the sides and covered with a large slab. They are sometimes found within the remains of a burial cairn, and/or associated with a stone row. They contained both inhumations and cremations. The latter were usually placed in a type of pot known as a Beaker. Flint tools have also been found with the burials</p>
<br /> <p>There are nearly 200 surviving cists on Dartmoor and over 90% of these have their long sides orientated in a NW/SE direction.&nbsp; The reason for this particular orientation is not clearly understood, but it was obviously of significance to the prehistoric grave builders. &nbsp;</p>
<br /> <p>It is anticipated that the excavation will be completed by Friday 12 August and publication of the findings will take place later in the year.</p> <h2>Ends</h2> <h2>For further information</h2>
<br /> <p><a href="mailto:jmarchand@dartmoor.gov.uk">Jane Marchand</a>, Senior Archaeologist</p>
<br /> <p><a href="mailto:mnendick@dartmoor.gov.uk">Mike Nendick</a>, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority</p>
<br /> <p>Tel: (01626) 832093</p> <h2>Notes for Editors</h2>
<br /> <p>The best known cists are probably those to be found at Merrivale (NGR SX 55487476) at Drizzlecombe (NGR SX 59156721) and the cist which now can be seen in the garden of the High Moorland Visitor Centre.&nbsp; This cist was originally situated below Thornworthy Tor, Chagford, close to Fernworthy reservoir and is one of two which were discovered within a burial mound in 1879.&nbsp;&nbsp; It was excavated by William Pengelly, a prominent Torquay archaeologist and geologist.&nbsp; Unfortunately it was ransacked before he completed his excavation, all that remained were some discarded beaker pottery fragments and a few flint tools.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>
<br /> <p>Following Pengelly’s excavation the landowner donated the cist to the newly opened Torquay Museum which was run by the Torquay Natural History Society, both of which Pengelly had been instrumental in founding.&nbsp; Torquay Museum having rearranged their major exhibits no longer had sufficient floor space for the cist and it is now on loan to the Dartmoor National Park Authority and is situated in the garden at the back of the Visitor Centre.</p>
<br /> <p>Find out more about Dartmoor’s prehistoric past at the popular Going for Bronze Exhibition, a partnership exhibition between Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM), Exeter. The exhibition has been updated for 2011and tells the story of life, death and landscape during Dartmoor’s Bronze Age.</p>
<br /> <p>New displays have been added, including an update on the findings from previous excavations of a round house within Bellever plantation and the results of the Time Team investigations of a prehistoric ceremonial complex at Tottiford Reservoir in August 2010.&nbsp; Flint tools discovered at Tottiford are also on show.</p>
<br /> <p>The exhibition will be on display at the Dartmoor National Park Information Centre, Postbridge, for the summer season.</p>Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:
<br /> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;</p>
<br /> <p>•&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area&nbsp; by the public.</p>
<br /> <p>In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.</p>
<br /> <p>&nbsp;<a href="../dartmoor-needs-you/?a=50149">Agendas</a> for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority&#39;s web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. <a href="../dartmoor-to-you-at-devon-county-show/?a=62882">Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News</a>.
<br /> <br /></p>
<br /> <p>For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/" target="_blank">www.nationalparks.gov.uk</a> (external website, opens new window)
<br /> <br /></p>
<br /> <p>For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s <a href="http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/dnpa_shop/main.asp" target="_blank">Online Shop</a></p>
<br /> <p><strong>There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond &amp; The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.&nbsp; National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.&nbsp; However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.&nbsp; Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.</strong></p>
<br /> <p>&nbsp;<img src="../dartmoors-special-qualities-in-print/?a=65446" alt="60th anniversary logo" style="border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);" width="198" height="68" /></p>
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<br /> <div id="content_type_wysiwyg_120374_content_type_wysiwyg_source" style="display: none;"> &lt;p&gt;18 July 2011&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h1&gt;Great Things in a Great Place&lt;/h1&gt; &lt;h1&gt;Summer exhibition celebrates Dartmoor’s 60th birthday&lt;/h1&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;&lt;img src=&quot;http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/__data/assets/image/0018/120375/20110718-Rons-Ramblers-and-King-Way-Cross.JPG&quot; alt=&quot;King Way Cross&quot; class=&quot;marginBottom marginRight&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);&quot; align=&quot;left&quot; width=&quot;299&quot; height=&quot;199&quot; /&gt;A major new exhibition has opened at Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitor Centre in Princetown celebrating the 60th anniversary of the designation of Dartmoor as a National Park. The centrepiece of the exhibition is the King Way Cross.&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Discovered by Ron’s Ramblers, a group of walkers from Plymouth, the cross has been restored and a new base constructed by the National Park Authority’s Conservation Works Team.&amp;nbsp; The newly restored King Way Cross was unveiled by HRH The Prince of Wales on 11 July as part of the National Park’s 60th anniversary celebrations.&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;The cross will be on display as part of the exhibition until 14 September 2011when it will be returned to the site of its discovery on northern Dartmoor. The story of the discovery of the cross and its restoration by skilled craftspeople is told as part of the display along with the stories of many great projects which describe the variety of work carried out by the National Park Authority through partnerships with a range of agencies and communities.&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Learn more about the award winning Cairn Repair Project which is restoring prehistoric summit cairns on Dartmoor, discover how funding from South West Water is helping sustain Dartmoor’s mires and how working together is benefiting biodiversity, farming and communities.&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;‘This exhibition demonstrates that National Park status is much more than a label.&amp;nbsp; It illustrates how the Authority, in partnership with communities, individuals and agencies is working to safeguard Dartmoor’s special qualities, promote understanding and enjoyment, and ensure that sustainable development is achieved.&amp;nbsp; Our work and that of our partners is helping to contribute to Great Things in a Great Place.’&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;The exhibition runs from 22 July to 14 September in the High Moorland Visitor Centre’s exhibition area. The Centre is open daily 10.00 am to 5.00 pm. The exhibition area includes the Great Things in a Great Place exhibition as well as displays, film shows and children’s activities.&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;The following admission charges apply to access the exhibition areas:&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;br /&gt; Adult: &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;£1.50&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Child (7-16): &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;£1.00&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Child (under 7): &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;FREE&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Family ticket: &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;£3.00&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Education group: &amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;FREE&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Ends&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;For Further Information&lt;/h2&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;&lt;a href=&quot;mailto:mnendick@dartmoor.gov.uk&quot;&gt;Mike Nendick&lt;/a&gt;, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Tel: (01626) 832093&lt;/p&gt; &lt;h2&gt;Notes for Editors&lt;/h2&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;Dartmoor National Park Authority’s purposes under the Environment Act 1995 are:&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;•&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park;&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;•&amp;nbsp;&amp;nbsp; &amp;nbsp;to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the area by the public.&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;In carrying out this work, we are also required to seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park.&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;a href=&quot;../dartmoor-needs-you/?a=50149&quot;&gt;Agendas&lt;/a&gt; for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority&amp;#39;s web site.You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. &lt;a href=&quot;../dartmoor-to-you-at-devon-county-show/?a=62882&quot;&gt;Subscribe to Dartmoor National park Authority News&lt;/a&gt;.
<br /> <br /> &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;For News Releases from all UK National Parks visit &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;www.nationalparks.gov.uk&lt;/a&gt; (external website, opens new window)
<br /> <br /> &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;For maps, guide books, trail guides, clothing and other Dartmoor merchandise visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/dnpa_shop/main.asp&quot; target=&quot;_blank&quot;&gt;Online Shop&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond &amp;amp; The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.&amp;nbsp; National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.&amp;nbsp; However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.&amp;nbsp; Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
<br /> <br /> &lt;p&gt;&amp;nbsp;&lt;img src=&quot;../dartmoors-special-qualities-in-print/?a=65446&quot; alt=&quot;60th anniversary logo&quot; style=&quot;border: 0px solid rgb(0, 0, 0);&quot; width=&quot;198&quot; height=&quot;68&quot; /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;
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