Dartmoor National Park Authority

12 January 2010

Snow Patrols

Assistance to emergency services and communities during extreme weather conditions

Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Ranger Service has been working hard to support emergency services and local communities during the extreme cold weather period that Dartmoor has been experiencing.  In particular, over the last few days close liaison and communication has been undertaken with Police, the Ambulance service and local authorities.

This joint working has included:

• transport and delivery of urgent medical supplies/medicines to remote locations
• checking on old people’s homes and assisting with hot food delivery
• providing transport of Police officers and Police community support officers to remote locations using the National Park Authority’s 4WD vehicle fleet to enable beat patrols to be undertaken
• joint patrols to check on abandoned vehicles and to ensure they were unoccupied
• checks on some vulnerable residents living in isolated locations
• managing traffic in to the National Park through road closures and jointly maintaining/manning road closure points at key points with the Police
• clearing snow from cattle grids to avoid livestock escaping from moorland areas
• assisting with evacuation of casualties from incidents/accidents on moorland
• assisting South West Water to get vital chemical supplies to water treatment works
• removing several abandoned items used as temporary sledges from various moorland locations
• general liaison and advice to landowners, visitors and residents.

Rob Steemson, Head of Recreation, Rangers and Estates, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:

‘The Rangers have been working hard to help communities on Dartmoor deal with the snow and ice.  We have responded to calls for assistance from the Police, Meals on Wheels, farmers and others.  Farmers face particular difficulties as animals become trapped in snow drifts and require supplementary feed and water in these adverse conditions.  
We have also managed the pressure of visitors seeking to enjoy the National Park in the snow.  However, we do request the assistance of the public at what is a difficult time when resources are stretched.’

It is essential that at these times visitors do not venture beyond the ‘ROAD CLOSED’ signs as they will hinder the clearance operation.  Once the roads are clear the various agencies will endeavour to open up car parks and official access points as soon as possible.

The Authority is asking all those coming on to Dartmoor to use common sense and follow these guidelines:-

• heed verbal advice and warnings from officials.  Regularly monitor and act upon local media updates and weather reports
• take adequate warm clothing, a shovel, blankets, charged mobile phone, food, and a hot drink.  Be prepared for weather conditions to deteriorate rapidly
• do not drive beyond ‘ROAD CLOSED’ signs.  The signs will be there for a reason.  Additional traffic on roads that are closed hampers clearance operations as snow ploughs are unable to pass.  Do not drive off-road where there is no right for vehicular access
• do not leave unattended vehicles on roadsides, verges or turning areas – even if the person in front of you decides to do so.  This can cause serious problems for farmers and emergency services may be hampered
• do not obstruct gateways.  Farmers need access to the fields in adverse weather to check on the welfare of animals.  The lives of animals could be put at risk by inappropriate parking
• use official car parks and lay-bys for parking
• do not enter private land for tobogganing without landowners’ permission
• leave details of sites you are visiting or walking to with a responsible person in case of emergency.

Enjoy yourselves, be safe and take ALL LITTER home with you.

Ends

For further information

Robert Steemson, Head of Recreation, Rangers and Estates, Dartmoor National Park Authority: tel: 01626 832093

John Weir, Head of Education, Information and Communication Service, Dartmoor National Park Authority: tel: 01626 832093

Notes for Editors

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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.

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Page updated 12 January 2010