Dartmoor National Park Authority

17 December 2009

National Park Authority celebrates 60 years

of conservation and enjoyment for all

On 16 December, staff and Members of Dartmoor National Park Authority celebrated the 60th anniversary of the Act that created National Parks in the United Kingdom by spending the morning undertaking practical conservation work (clear vegetation and planting trees).

Office – based staff and Members joined Rangers and the conservation works team at Hutholes, near Widecombe-in-the Moor, to mark the date when Royal Assent was given to the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Bill, thus creating the Act under which Dartmoor National Park was designated.

Hutholes is the site of a deserted medieval settlement, about 650 years old, with a field and a small piece of woodland adjacent.  The area is the subject of a management agreement between Dartmoor National Park Authority and the owner; and over the past few years a portion of the field has been used for memorial tree planting.

Activities included planting a new native hedge, including a couple of oak trees to commemorate the day, clearing vegetation, stone wall repairs and a small archaeological excavation to reveal details of one of the medieval buildings.

Bill Hitchins, Chairman, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:

‘It is fitting that we should celebrate the 60th anniversary of the legislation that gave rise to National Parks by undertaking some practical work that will enhance the special qualities of Dartmoor and that people will be able to enjoy in 2069’

The National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 paved the way for the creation of National Parks in the United Kingdom. Dartmoor was the fourth National Park to be designated, in 1951. Dartmoor National Park will be celebrating its 60th birthday in 2011.

Ends

For further information

Mike Nendick, Communications Officer

Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel: (01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site .

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News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, 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.

Celebrating 60 years of the legislation that created National Parks and other protected landscapes (external link, opens new window)

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Page updated 16 December 2009