Community News Release
Issue 27 July 2006
Welcome to the twenty-seventh edition of the Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Community News, helping to keep you up to date with the latest issues, developments and work on the ground within the National Park.
If you edit or contribute to any community newsletter/magazine please feel free to use any of the information contained in this News Release. All issues of Community News can be accessed on the Dartmoor National Park Authority web site at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk (click on In the News).
Dartmoor National Park Authority Meetings
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Development Control Committee meetings are available on the Authority's web site. These Agendas are placed on the Authority's web site 7 days in advance of the meetings.
If you have any suggestions for items you would like included in future issues, or if you wish to contribute an item, please contact Mike Nendick, Communications Officer (External Relations), Dartmoor National Park Authority Tel:(01626) 832093.
This issue of Community News contains articles on:
•Dartmoor National Park Management Plan: First Review
•Dartmoor National Park Local Development Framework
Statement of Community Involvement
•National Parks - Britain’s Breathing Spaces
•Free rural skills training courses
•Restoring Ancient Woodland Project
•The Action for Wildlife Project
•South West Winners take on the Climate Challenge
This issue of Community News also contains:
•News from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund
Edward Morshead was Chairman of the Dartmoor National Park Committee from 1985 to 1989. He died in office. He spent much time on the ground, committed to farming and the conservation of landscape. The Edward Morshead Award is presented in his memory by the National Park Authority biennially for significant contributions to National Park Purposes ie the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor, and the promotion of the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities.
What is the Award?
There are three separate prizes within the Award Scheme:-
i)first prize - a specially commissioned trophy, to be held for two years, and a cash prize of £250;
ii)second prize - £150;
iii)third prize - £100.
Special Award - Dartmoor preservation Association Shield
In addition, the Dartmoor Preservation Association, which is kindly associated with the Award, offers a special recognition of outstanding conservation work carried out by young people (less than 21 years old). This section of the Award comprises a shield to be retained for two years and a cash prize of £100. All entries received by the National Park Authority which relate to projects undertaken by young people are automatically considered.
What qualifies?
The work or activity must take place within the boundaries of Dartmoor National Park although nominations and entries may be made by any Devon resident, or County based professional or voluntary body.
Individual projects of a practical nature contributing to landscape quality, ecological or archaeological/cultural conservation, or to enjoyment and understanding, can be entered. Nominations can also be made for outstanding individual, or corporate, contributions to Dartmoor and National Park Purposes.
Entries must relate to the two years prior to the closing date. The closing date for entries is 29 September 2006. A leaflet and entry form is available from Dartmoor National Park Authority Information Centres or telephone (01822) 890414.
Get involved in Planning in your Parish
Planning decisions in National Parks have to be especially sensitive to their landscapes, nature and cultural heritage and often have to balance a wide range of competing interests. Dartmoor National Park Authority is keen to improve local understanding of its decision-making process and help improve its planning service to local residents. With this in mind seven evening workshops have been arranged, which will enable councillors to meet with planning staff and local Members of the Authority, to share knowledge and experience of the planning process.
The workshops will be run by an external facilitator and will be based on an informal and relaxed approach to encourage communication, raise awareness of the current planning framework and identify of ways to improve future working relationships, particularly in the operation of development control.
Full details and invitations for the workshops will be issued to every parish/town council in the National Park and seven venues have been identified, serving a cluster of parishes. The events will be open to all councillors; however there will be a limit of 30 places for each event for practical reasons.
One workshop will be held each month, starting in September and running through until April 2007. Arrangements are currently being firmed up, though the first three events have now been booked: (all workshops start at 6.00 pm and finish at 9.30 pm).
1)Tuesday 12 September: CHRISTOW: for the parishes of: Bridford, Hennock, Christow, Dunsford, Cheriton Bishop & Tedburn St Mary
2)Wednesday 11 October: MORETONHAMPSTEAD: for the parishes of Moretonhampstead , Lustleigh, North Bovey, Manaton, Widecombe, Ilsington & Bovey Tracey
3)Tuesday 7 November: HOLNE: for the parishes of: Bickington, Ashburton, Buckfastleigh, Holne, Buckland in the Moor, Dean Prior and West Buckfastleigh.
If you would like further information, please contact Chris France, Director of Planning & Sustainable Development, Dartmoor National Park Authority, on (01626) 832093 or email cfrance@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Dartmoor National Park Management Plan: First Review
Dartmoor National Park Authority has started the review process that will lead, in the latter part of 2007, to the adoption of a new Management Plan for the National Park. The first Management Plan (then just called the National Park Plan) was published in 1977. That plan was reviewed in 1983 and 1991. In 1995, the Environment Act came into force, which gave independence to the National Park authorities and required them to produce new management plans. The Dartmoor National Park Authority published its Management Plan in May 2001. The Plan has to be reviewed at 5-yearly intervals.
Framing the Future, Nigel Hoskin, Dartmoor National Park Authority Chairman at the Buckfast Conference Centre | The Plan review process was launched with a spring conference, held at Buckfast Conference Centre, on 11 April 2006. A wide range of partners, stakeholders and agencies came together to consider the main issues affecting the National Park and the objectives needed to help further National Park purposes and the social and economic duty. Delegates also considered the special qualities of Dartmoor and a 25-30 year vision for the National Park. |
The review process has now moved into the next stages - involving holding a series of working groups to consider the various matters involved in the preparation of the plan. Three rounds of working groups are planned and for each round separate groups will meet to consider the first purpose (conserving & enhancing natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage), second purpose (understanding and enjoying the National Park’s special qualities) and the statutory duty (fostering social and economic wellbeing).
•First round: to consider the draft vision, issues and objectives met on 4, 5 and 6 July at Parke, Bovey Tracey;
•Second round: to consider objectives and policies, will meet on 11 and 12 September, two of the meetings will be held at Parke and one at a nearby venue;
•Third round: to consider policies and actions, will meet on 8 and 9 November, again with two of those meetings at Parke and one at a nearby venue.
The groups will be led by Land Use Consultants, who have been given the task of preparing the plan review on behalf of the Authority. The outputs from the working groups will be posted on the National Park Authority’s web site: www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.
It has to be stressed that the Management Plan is a plan for the National Park as a whole and not just the National Park Authority, so it is vital that as many people as possible who have an interest in the National Park play a part in preparing it. A draft Management Plan for public consultation will be published in the early part of 2007 and a final draft will be available later in the year.
If you are part of a group or association with an interest in Dartmoor and its future, have not been involved in the conference or first round of working groups but would like to be involved, please get in touch with us. We would value your input. You can contact:
Director of Planning and Sustainable Development
Dartmoor National Park Authority
Parke
Bovey Tracey
NEWTON ABBOT
Devon
TQ13 9JQ
Tel: 01626 832093
Fax: 01626 834684
Dartmoor National Park Local Development Framework
Statement of Community Involvement
Many people will now know that a new planning system has come into operation, under the Planning and Compulsory Purchase Act, 2004 . ‘Sustainable development’ is now the overarching aim of the planning system. Instead of just one local plan for the local area, a whole ‘portfolio’ of planning documents has to be produced called the Local Development Framework (LDF).
The legislation has meant waving goodbye to structure plans and saying hello to a more in-depth expression of regional planning guidance called the regional spatial strategy. Because of the demise of structure plans, the local development framework and the regional spatial strategy have to cover the strategic guidance that was formerly provided by those plans.
Within the Dartmoor National Park, the following documents will be part of the LDF:
•Statement of Community Involvement
•Core Strategy
•Development Control Policies
•Minerals Policies
•Waste Policies
In addition, an Annual Monitoring Report has to be published every year to give feedback on a range of planning indicators and to show how much progress has been made on preparing the LDF. The Authority also intends to prepare a document covering design guidance to help ensure that good design underpins new development and reflects the principles of sustainable development.
In the autumn of this year, the Authority will publish the ‘preferred options’ version of the Core Strategy. An earlier document called the ‘issues and options’ report was published last year and the response to that document will be used to help prepare the forthcoming version. Wide ranging publicity will ensure that people know about it and are able to respond.
The Statement of Community Involvement (SCI) sets out how people will be able to get involved in preparing planning documents. Under the old development plans system, the local planning authority only had to produce a statement at the end of the process saying how they involved the public. The new system also lays great stress on making planning more inclusive, by encouraging groups that have not historically had much involvement to get involved, for instance, older people and youngsters, the unemployed, disabled people and minority ethnic groups. The SCI also indicates how the Authority deals with planning applications.
Dartmoor National Park Authority has just published the ‘submission’ version of its Statement of Community Involvement. The document has emerged from earlier versions published for public consultation and participation in May 2005 and January 2006. It is called the ‘submission’ version because it is the one that is officially submitted to the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. Anyone can send in representations to the Authority on the document, and those representations will be assessed by an inspector, appointed by the Planning Inspectorate, at a public examination later in 2006. The inspector’s recommendations will be binding on the Authority.
The Statement of Community Involvement is accessible on the Authority’s web site www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk within the planning pages. Paper copies or large print versions of the document can be provided on request. The public is invited to submit representations of objection or support. Any input must be sent to the Authority to arrive before 4.30pm on Friday 4 August 2006.
Comments should be sent by post to:
Chris France,
Director of Planning and Sustainable Development,
Dartmoor National Park Authority,
Parke,
Bovey Tracey,
NEWTON ABBOT,
Devon,
TQ13 9JQ
or by fax to 01626-834684, or by e-mail to forwardplanning@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.
Celebrate National Parks - Britain’s Breathing Spaces
National Parks’ Week 21 – 28 July
National Parks are Britain’s breathing spaces. Places where you can enjoy quiet moments of reflection or challenge yourself physically in stunning surroundings. You can experience thousands of years of history and culture, enjoy delicious local produce, or simply unwind on a gentle stroll or family picnic. Whatever your age or ability, you will find inspiration and enjoyment in Britain’s National Parks.
Merrivale Stone Row, Dartmoor, copyright Ross Hoddinott (external link, opens new window) | National Parks’ Week, coordinated by the Association of National Park Authorities (ANPA) is dedicated to raising public awareness of the reasons for the existence of National Parks and to celebrate their beauty, diversity and the wide range of opportunities they offer for enjoyment. |
As part of the celebrations Dartmoor National Park Authority has organised a major exhibition, to be launched during National Parks’ Week 2006 at the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown.
Natural Beauty – celebrating Britain’s breathing spaces opens on Wednesday 26 July and is the result of collaboration between all the United Kingdom’s National Park Authorities to produce an exhibition of some of the finest photographic images available from each National Park.
The exhibition contains information on each National Park and there is a great new activity book for children with colouring fun, word games and wildlife activities, free to those who come along. Find out about the worldwide family of National Parks and how partnership working benefits both National Parks in the UK and abroad. The exhibition will also be accessible online at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk. The exhibition runs at the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, until Wednesday 4 October 2006. Admission to the exhibition and Visitor Centre is free.
Princetown can be accessed by public transport. Please telephone Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 for public transport information.
There is a specially organised programme of events and guided walks taking place throughout the week, with family events, pony visits and a special children’s activity.
On Sunday 23 July experience Dartmoor Pony Encounters at Widecombe-in-the-Moor. This two hour guided stroll is a must for those who would like to find out more about this National Park icon. The walk starts at 10.30 am. Please book by telephoning the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, on (01822) 890414. Also starting from Widecombe-in-the Moor is a six hour Sketch and Stroll walk enabling you to try your hand at capturing the inspirational scenery on paper. Meet at the Teignbridge District Council car park at 10.30 am. |  |
Or join local farmer Andy Bradford on a Scenic Farm and History Walk to discover the diversity of wildlife and fascinating history surrounding Brimpts Farm, near Dartmeet. Meet at Brimpts Farm, 10.30 am. If you fancy stretching your legs on a longer walk, to experience the rugged beauty of the northern expanse of Dartmoor on a six hour high moor walk, encompassing Rifle Ranges and Moorland Views. Meet at Willsworthy, 10.30 am (Ordnance Survey grid reference SX 518 834).
On Monday 24 July another six hour high moor walk explores the Fernworthy area, starting at 10 am from the main reservoir car park, and on Tuesday 25 July, a gentle two hour stroll provides an ideal opportunity for families wanting to experience the beauty of walking in the National Park for the first time. This Family Introduction to Dartmoor starts at Newbridge at 10.15 am.
On Wednesday 26 July, at 10.30 am, join a National Park Guide to experience Nature in the Bovey Valley (meet at Trendlebere, SX 784 793) and on Thursday 27 July, at 10.30 am, Trendlebere is the starting point for another opportunity to Sketch and Stroll amongst stunning Dartmoor scenery.
A High Moor Walk, meeting at Pork Hill on Thursday 27 July at 10.30 am, enables those wishing to venture a little further from the road, do so in the company of an experienced National Park Guide, while at 1.30 pm, Phil Page, of English Nature, will lead a tour of East Dartmoor Woods and Heaths Nature Reserve, looking at heathland and woodland butterflies. Bring binoculars for this walk which starts at Bovey Tracey car park (opposite the Tourist Information Centre) and lasts for three hours.
Join Tony Beard for a Village History Tour of Widecombe-in-the-Moor | National Parks’ Week culminates with a four and a half hour walk exploring the area South of Princetown, including South Hessary and Crock of Gold (meet outside the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, at 11am) and a chance to join local radio presenter Tony Beard on a Widecombe Village History tour. |
Many guided walk start points are accessible by public transport. If you arrive at the start point by public transport, and show your ticket to the guide, you can join the walk free of charge. Princetown can also be accessed by public transport. For public transport information telephone Traveline on 0870 608 2 608. Please note that no dogs, other than guide dogs, are permitted on guided walks.
National Parks provide unspoilt and challenging environments where you can try things that are new and different and reconnect with what’s important in life. If you would like to find out more about recreation on Dartmoor, the National Park Authority Recreation Roadshow is coming to a selection of towns and cities in the region during National Parks’ Week – so come along and find out more.
Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Recreation Roadshow is coming to:
Torquay (Union Street, outside Woolworths) - Saturday 22 July;
Saltram House, Plympton - Sunday 23 July;
Plymouth (New George Street, outside Waterstones) - Monday 24 July;
Buckland Abbey, Buckland Monachorum - Tuesday 25 July;
Newton Abbot (town centre outside Lloyds Bank) - Wednesday 26 July;
Totnes Show - Thursday 27 July;
Exeter (Guildhall, opposite WH Smiths) - Friday 28 July.
Thursday 7 September – Sunday 10 September 2006
Heritage Open Days is a national event organised by the Civic Trust and English Heritage, it aims to celebrate England’s wonderful and varied culture, heritage and architecture. Dartmoor National Park Authority is contributing to the event by organising a number of FREE activities over the four days
Higher Uppacott, Dartmoor National Park Authority's Grade I listed medieval longhouse | Enjoy an insight into rural life on Dartmoor over the past 600 years by visiting Higher Uppacott, a medieval Grade I listed longhouse, owned by Dartmoor National Park Authority and listen to accounts of life there during the first half of the 20th century, as captured by the Authority’s “Moor Memories” Oral History project. |
Join a visit to one of Dartmoor’s most impressive tin working landscapes at Birch Tor, near the Warren House Inn, Postbridge. This area contains evidence of tin working from the medieval period to the 20th century.
Alternatively, come for a walk along the River Meavy and enjoy the fascinating variety of archaeological sites, from prehistoric settlements to tin mining sites, covering 4,000 years of human history.
Take a trip on an historic train, from Okehampton to Meldon and find out more about the lively industrial past of the West Okement valley. Mineral extraction sites, glassworks and the impressive 19th century viaduct are just some of the places you will visit.
For more information on these events visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on Events and Guided Walks.
Full details of all national events, including those listed above are also available by visiting www.heritageopendays.org
Over the past year, volunteers from the Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA) have been working with a Dartmoor National Park Authority Archaeologist, recording and repairing damaged prehistoric burial cairns in the Harford Moor area.
Over recent years many of the cairns have been damaged through visitors rearranging the cairn stones to create shelters, hollows and walls. This activity not only alters the form of the cairn but also threatens to destroy any buried archaeological deposits that might survive.
The cairns are important archaeological sites and are designated scheduled ancient monuments. This means they are protected by law against damage and any work carried out needs consent from the National Park Authority and English Heritage.
Prior to undertaking the repairs, each cairn is carefully surveyed to produce a plan. This records any damage. In many cases this is the first time the cairn has been accurately planned in detail. The cairn is also photographed in detail before and after the repair works.
The modern disturbance is sensitively repaired with all recent walls and shelters dismantled and the material used to infill the hollows. Only the damage that is known to be modern is repaired. Many of the cairns were investigated in the past and excavation hollows relating to this are often seen at many sites. Also a number of cairns were modified and reused during the medieval period, for example some were used as fire beacon sites and a number were used as shelters. The project is very careful not to accidentally damage any of these historical alterations.
So far the project has surveyed and repaired a total of 14 cairns. We have been working our way north from Western Beacon and have repaired all the highly disturbed cairns up to Sharp Tor. We are now faced with the imposing task of recording and repairing the modern disturbance inflicted on Dartmoor’s largest cairns, those located at Three Barrows.
If anyone is interested in volunteering please contact Andy Crabb, Archaeologist, Dartmoor National Park Authority on (01626) 832093.
During the early part of this year a collection of archaeological artefacts, which were donated to Ashburton museum by Mrs Whitley of Welstor House, near Ashburton were re-examined by the Dartmoor National Park Authority. The artefacts had been found in the fields around Welstor during the 1940s
The best known items from Welstor are ten spindle whorls (these acted as the flyweight for a wooden spindle on which wool or flax was spun before being woven into cloth). Six of the whorls have some form of decoration on them which is of a Celtic design, and thus places them into the period of the Iron Age (600BC –AD43). A new stand has been made for the spindle whorls which illustrate their individual decoration.
Several hundred flint tools were re-examined and were found to represent some 11,000 years of human activity in the Welstor area. Two of the tools are believed to be blades from the late Upper Palaeolithic period (around 13,000BC), there are microliths from the Mesolithic period (8,000-4,000BC), and an impressive collection of arrowheads, ranging from Neolithic (4,000 - 2,500BC) to the Bronze Age (2,500 - 600BC). There are also many finely worked flint scrapers, knives and awls and piercers. All the tools are back on display along with some new interpretation material.
Another stone artefact was examined microscopically by geologists from the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter. This was a river cobble of fine grained biotite which had been worked flat on both sides by its use as muller, or rubber stone, probably for crushing cereal (which had given its surface a slight shine). The flat surfaces had subsequently been used as an anvil for crushing hard material, with the suggestion that this could have been tin ore. This has left two depressions on either side with pitted surfaces. There are also indications that the edges have been used for hammering, producing areas of battering and flaking. The artefact is thought to date from the Bronze Age.
Ashburton Museum contains many other interesting collections; these include agricultural implements, items of lace and a Native North American collection which also contains some very fine flint spears and arrowheads.
The museum is open from 2 pm - 4.30 pm on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, from 1 May – 30 September.
A walker recently discovered a coin lying on one of the ramparts at Hunter’s Tor, Manaton and asked Dartmoor National Park Authority archaeologists for help in identifying it..
It was subsequently examined by the Finds Liason Officer at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, Exeter, who identified it as a Roman As, (worth 50p in today’s money). It dates to the second century AD and although its surface is very abraded, one face shows the Emperor Hadrian (AD 76 – 138 AD) in high relief as a laureate (i.e. with a laurel leaf ring on his head).
Hunter’s Tor is a hill fort of probable Iron Age date (600 BC – 43 AD) situated in an agricultural landscape which has been exploited from the Bronze Age (2,500 – 600 BC) onwards.
Evidence for Roman occupation on Dartmoor is almost non existent, with the only tangible evidence being a small number of coin finds.
The finding of the Roman coin on one of the ramparts is therefore very interesting, and made even more intriguing by the local legend attached to the hillfort. This is that it is haunted by the ghosts of Roman legionaries who died there whilst fighting a savage battle against their Celtic foes!
Free rural skills training courses
For the tenth consecutive year, Dartmoor National Park Authority is running a free, 6-day, dry stone walling training course. The course is comprehensive, covering manual handling and safe lifting, preparation, dry stone walling, stone facing, and finishes with an emergency first aid session. Qualified and experienced local instructors offer excellent tuition, giving a good grounding in the basic skills required.
 | The course runs on 30 and 31 August 2006 and 1 September and continues on Tuesday 5 through to Thursday 7 September 2006. The Authority makes no charge for the course, but places are offered, as a first priority, to those people who live or work on Dartmoor, and who will make use of their skills. |
It may seem early to think about next year, but in January 2007 Dartmoor National Park Authority will be running two hedgelaying training courses, in partnership with Devon Rural Skills Trust. Again, priority is given to people who are resident, or work on Dartmoor, and who will make use of their skills.
Previous courses have demonstrated that there is a good deal of interest in rural skills training, so early application is advised. Further information on Dartmoor National Park Authority’s free rural skills training courses is available from Sue Halse, Land Management Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority, Parke, Bovey Tracey, TQ13 9JQ Tel: (01626) 832093.
Restoring Ancient Woodland Project
 | Ancient woodland may be invaded by Rhododendron, damaged by grey squirrels, or shaded by non-native trees such as conifers and beech. However, probably the most serious threat to the long-term future of Dartmoor’s ancient woodland is benign neglect. |
The Restoring Ancient Woodland Project has an ambitious target that, by 2010 all of Dartmoor’s ancient woodland should have an active management plan. The plans will be prepared in consultation with landowners and will recommend work needed to maintain and restore the woodland. In some parts of a wood this might mean a programme of felling (thinning) to create gaps in the canopy. In other places there may be no need for active management. Plans will also identify opportunities to generate income from woodland through the extraction and sale of timber or firewood. |  |
In 2005 the project carried out woodland assessments and prepared management plans for the owners of 350 hectares of ancient woodland. A plan is merely the first step in the long-term process of woodland restoration. This summer the Restoring Ancient Woodland Project is working with the landowners to turn these plans into actions. Grants for woodland work are available from the Forestry Commission or the Rural Development Service. The project also provides practical advice ready for the busy autumn and winter seasons of thinning, coppicing and tree planting.
The Restoring Ancient Woodland Project is a partnership between Dartmoor National Park Authority, Defra, English Nature, the Forestry Commission and the Woodland Trust. For more information contact Richard Knott, Restoring Ancient Woodland Project Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority on (01626) 832093 or email rknott@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.
Virtually Dartmoor (www.virtuallydartmoor.org.uk) was launched in November 2005 with a virtual tour of Higher Uppacott, a Grade I listed medieval longhouse in Poundsgate owned by Dartmoor National Park Authority, and has now been extended to include a virtual tour of Princetown. Both virtual tours follow a similar format with a mixture of spoken memories, local knowledge and expert interpretation along with contemporary and archive photographs. The Princetown tour allows the virtual visitor to explore the village through a series of 360 photographs and in addition to being able to discover the history of the village, the old station, the church and the prison, there are two ‘excursions’ to Merrivale and its wonderful archaeology and to the nearby car park at Four Winds - once the site of Foggintor School which educated the children of local quarry workers between 1915 and 1936.
Virtually Dartmoor has received over 16,000 visits in the seven months since its inception. People have explored Princetown and Higher Uppacott from 67 countries, including the island of Nuie, Viet Nam, Bolivia, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, China and Chile - and from six continents. Regular visitations have come from the UK, the US, Australia, the Netherlands, France, Germany, Belgium and Canada and many have left comments in the virtual visitor’s book.
‘We like your site and find it useful for our Global National Parks Project’: Maravale Home Schooling Students, Berajondo Qld Australia
‘I've just viewed the Higher Uppacott Interactive visit. What an inspired multimedia presentation it is. Well done, I look forward to more.’
‘Have just looked at the Virtually Dartmoor website, and done one of the interactive tours. It’s fantastic – a great way of interpreting the building!’
‘This is very, very good. I’ll surely be back because there is so much to take in. What a thoroughly wonderful way to make buildings accessible to the public.’
‘Very good website. I have enjoyed staying in Princetown a number of times over the last few years and it brings back happy memories.’
‘What a wonderful treasure. Your virtual tour was fantastic. I heard about your website through Stanford University in the USA.’
Virtually Dartmoor will be added to in the coming year with virtual tours of Postbridge and Haytor.
The Dartmoor Freewheeler bike bus is gaining in popularity, so if you want to use it on Sundays, make sure you book your place in advance by telephoning the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, on 01822 890414.
Running every Sunday until the end of October and offering a choice of 4 different routes on a rota basis, you can have a great day out on Dartmoor without the car.
1st Sunday in the monthSaltram to Princetown
2nd Sunday in the monthNewton Abbot to Mardon Down
3rd Sunday in the monthPlymouth to Okehampton
4th Sunday in the monthBuckfastleigh to Postbridge
Where there is a 5th Sunday (30 July), an extra Saltram to Princetown route will be run.
Leaflet packs are available from the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, or visit Dartmoor National Park Authority’s web site and click on Visiting.
Experience Dartmoor’s wildlife
Summer is here and it is a great time for seeing a wealth of wildlife on Dartmoor. To help you find the best places to see some of Dartmoor’s stunning wildlife, pick up a copy of Experience Dartmoor’s wildlife throughout the year – Summer. This full colour leaflet contains images and habitat information and is available free of charge from Dartmoor National Park Authority’s High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, as well as the Information Centres at Haytor, Postbridge and Newbridge. Alternatively, visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/laf-wealthofwildife.
The Action for Wildlife Project
SoS – Save our Salmon
With summer upon us and Dartmoor’s streams and rivers looking so tempting, it’s easy to forget how fragile freshwater ecosystems can be.
Dartmoor is the source of most of Devon’s rivers and many of these support, amongst a host of other important species, Atlantic salmon.
Because salmon return from the sea to spawn, they are faced with numerous threats as they journey upstream to the place they themselves hatched. Some of these threats are from humans, and though the damage is inadvertent, it can have serious implications for these internationally declining fish.
To protect areas of special importance, Action for Wildlife: the Dartmoor Biodiversity Project has designated four Wildlife Action Zones for salmon. These are areas ideal for salmon but under threat from human activity. They are areas where the water is clean and shallow, and where the gravel is loose enough for them to carve out nests (redds) for egg-laying. However, their popularity as recreational areas leaves them prone to damage and disturbance.
The areas designated are close to the bridges at Pizwell, Runnage, Lower Cherrybrook and Bellever. At these sites you are asked to help safeguard future salmon populations by following these simple rules:
Stay out of the water during the crucial breeding time. From 1 October until 31 May, just one footstep can destroy all the eggs in a nest.
Don’t build dams. Even the smallest dams build across rivers and streams stop fish from moving upstream, trap them in pools (making them vulnerable to predation) and cause silt build-up, which makes the gravels unsuitable for spawning. Dams built during the fine weather of late summer or early autumn may still be there when the salmon start to ‘run’ in the autumn.
Don’t catch young salmon. Salmon are protected under fisheries legislation (the Salmon & Freshwater Fisheries Act 1975, supplemented by the Salmon Act 1986). They are also listed under the EC Habitats Directive Annex IIa.
Moreover, juvenile salmon often die after release due to stress and damage.
Report any salmon you see in Dartmoor rivers – it will help us to record the number of salmon returning each year.
For more information about Wildlife Action Zones, see the publications page on www.actionforwildlife.org.uk or contact Action for Wildlife e-mail: afw@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk Tel: 01626 831072
South West Winners take on the Climate Challenge
Five projects in the South West have today been chosen to help shift people's attitudes in favour of tackling climate change.
Across England a total of 53 projects will receive funding from Defra totalling £4.6m over the next two years. The projects are committed to communicating climate change at regional and grassroots level across the nine regions of England.
A further 32 projects submitted to Defra's Climate Challenge Fund worth in the region of an additional £4m have been provisionally accepted subject to further negotiation.
The winning projects in the South West are:
Climate Change West, run by the Centre for Sustainable Energy, a charity based in Bristol (£213,200 grant). The project will promote awareness of climate change to people in Bristol, Bath and North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire. Four different messages will be promoted through posters, leaflets, videos, billboard and on-line advertising and special campaign wristbands. Booths in shopping centres and council buildings will provide advice and information on climate change and how individuals can help reduce it. (Media contact - 0117-934-0944).
Climate Change ... So What? The Pub Quiz. Run by Community Energy Plus, a charity based in Camborne (£85,300 grant). This project will develop, market and run a series of fun pub quizzes across Cornwall followed by a discussion with climate change experts. The quizzes aim to reach new audiences in a social environment and challenge perceptions, attitudes and stereotypes about climate change. There will also be a series of talks at venues ranging from university lecture halls to cafes, pubs and village halls to reach audiences who would not normally attend such events.
The quizzes will also be used at schools and offered as pre-dinner entertainment at charity dinners and other events. The project will include a Great Cornwall Climate Change Debate. (Media contact - 01209-614974).
Dartmoor National Park Authority will run a project called Climate Change - Global Concern, Local Understanding (£7,500 grant), which will promote a sustained public awareness campaign about climate change and its affect on local life on Dartmoor. The grant will be used to carry out research for the campaign and to produce publicity materials. (Media contact - 01626-831044).
Devon Development Education, a charity based in Exeter, has won £75,667 of funding for a project called Play It Cool - Environmental Awareness in North Devon. It will train a team of peer educators in local schools to raise awareness of climate change and what measures can be taken to reduce it. In addition to classroom work, local speakers will be provided for parents and the wider community and a high profile event is planned with a national speaker. A theatre group will also be used to help present the issues to children and schools will be encouraged to research climate change issues with foreign schools. (Media contact - 01392-438811 or 01271-863319)
Westden's Together We Can Tackle Climate Change, which aims to raise awareness of climate change to people living in West Devon through a range of media (BBC Radio Devon, Pirate FM), newspaper and open air film screenings of relevant films and Defra material. Climate change awareness will be raised through local schools through a competition. (Media contact - 0845-345-5077)
One further project that will have a nationwide impact is Forum for the Future. Based in Gloucestershire, which will run a competition to raise awareness of climate change among farmers and land managers. The project will use existing communication channels within farming organisations and the farming press, and point farmers in the direction of existing regional activities, information sources and expert advice. The project will include events, media supplements and face to face communications with farmers and growers.
The Climate Challenge Fund was set up to provide financial support for communications projects across a full range of media, seeking to achieve positive changes in public attitudes about climate change. Defra received more than 500 applications from across England totalling nearly £60m worth of bids.
News from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund
Four years progress – and still going strong!
Sustainability is one of those words that seems to be on everyone’s lips these days – at least everyone in government! But it can be difficult to define. In essence it is about all of us: young and old, able and less able, having a good quality of life now, but in a way that has no negative effects elsewhere or negative impact on the future. It is about living within the carrying capacity of the environment so that how we live, work and play does not harm or put undue pressure on the environment. It is about ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to have a decent education, a quality environment that they can take pride in, good health, a decent job and enjoyable leisure activities. To be truly sustainable, a new development must strike a balance between the economic, social and environmental needs of the community. In the past we have often concentrated on developments that deliver good economic benefits, but at the expense of social or environmental issues. Equally, developments that seek to conserve the environment but which are not economically viable cannot have a long term future. This means thinking carefully about finding new ways to meet our basic requirements for jobs, homes, food, warmth, travel and recreation in ways that are beneficial at the same time to the environment, the economy and society. The Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund was launched in June 2002 to enable individuals, community groups and businesses to implement innovative new ideas for more sustainable ways of living in, working in and visiting Dartmoor that also contribute towards the Dartmoor National Park Authority achieving its purposes and that might otherwise have difficulty in getting finance. The Dartmoor Fund is administered by a full time Sustainable Development Fund Officer, with inputs from the Authority’s officers on issues that might have an impact on their areas of responsibility - archaeology, ecology, land management, education, forestry, community, etc. Decisions are made with the help of an independent Grant Advisory Panel which meets every two months.
Since its inception, the Dartmoor Fund has given grants totalling over £727,000 to 124 projects and attracted well over £3 million in match funding. That’s a lot of money going into the local economy and a lot of projects delivering innovative new ideas.
But there’s even better news! Thanks to Defra planning to continue the Fund for at least another two years and to the Southwest of England Regional Development Agency (SWERDA) adding £300,000 to the Fund, we still have over £550,000 to allocate to suitable projects between now and April 2008.
Beyond April 2008 is not yet known – but there have been encouraging indications that the Fund may well be continued.
For more information, or to discuss your ideas for potential applications, please contact Peter Joyce, Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund Officer, on (01626) 832093.
Grants Awarded since the last edition of Community News
| Project | TotalValue of project | Grant |
|
Ivybridge Walking Festival To cover the costs of insurance and first aid equipment for the first of what is planned to become an annual 9 day walking festival - part of an initiative to create an identity for the town. |
£2,671 |
£1,546 |
|
Reducing waste and conserving resources at Chagford primary school To reduce the environmental impact of the school through increased recycling, re-use and composting - and reducing energy and water consumption through efficiency measures and waste saving devices and techniques. |
£2,200 | £1,100 |
|
Dartmoor Tourist Association - Eating and Shopping Guide To produce and distribute a good quality guide on where to eat, drink and shop on Dartmoor. |
£6,000 | £2,000 |
|
River Dart Adventures - hydro generation scheme Revival of a previous bid, with a completely new and innovative turbine, based on the Archimedes screw principle. |
£100,000 | £15,000 |
|
Launching a costume and fashion collection To help a young entrepreneur launch her Dartmoor Fashion Collection - which could create a demand for more Dartmoor sourced fabrics and materials. |
£11,800 | £2,000 |
|
Challacombe Farm Trail To provide better quality access to Challacombe Farm and provide interpretation of both the archaeological and natural features. |
£11,506 | £6,000 |
|
Coordinated Wood Fuel Initiative A joint application, co-ordinated by the Forestry Commission to all of the AONBs and NPAs in the SW, to organise a region-wide initiative to substantially increase the use of wood fuelled heating systems. |
£355,000 | £10,000 |
|
Training volunteers as railway guards and drivers for Dartmoor Railway To enable an increase in the frequency of services from Meldon to Sampford Courtney and to extend the service to Yeoford. |
£8,658 | £5,158 |
|
Devon Butterfly Conservation project to Save Dartmoor’s Crown Jewels – the threatened fritillary Butterflies The production of a film about rare fritillary butterflies – and showing what can be done to preserve them. |
£20,190 |
£7,700 |
|
Dartmoor Rehabilitation Project. A five year Forestry Commission project to give 30 ex offenders at least 6 months of practical certificated work experience improving Dartmoor forests for recreation and for biodiversity. |
£359,527 | £15,000 |
|
Walls Farm hydro power trail “Waterleat Walks and Talks”. To enhance the Old Walls Farm 70 Kw hydro scheme, to be able to offer formal visits and talks promoting hydropower, and demonstrating that a significant hydropower scheme can be integrated into a protected landscape in a way that protects and even enhances biodiversity. |
£9,669 | £4,629 |
|
Hydro site Data Logger. To test a new design for a ‘data logger’ that will accurately record the actual flow in a water course to assess its feasibility as a hydro-power generation site. |
£18,186 | £8,936 |
|
Totals |
£905,407 |
£79,069 |
This section is included in issues of Community News. It will be available for community groups to request help, raise awareness of successful projects and joint initiatives etc from other groups/parish councils over the moor, such as successful sources of funding, requests/offers of loans of equipment, joint purchasing to benefit from bulk buying etc. Contact Joanna Rumble, Senior Planning Officer (Community), Dartmoor National Park Authority on (01626) 832093.
This issue contains information on:
•Parish Plans
•Rural Outreach Learning Initiative
•Youth Capital Fund & Youth Opportunities Fund
•Parish Pump Programme
•Sustainable Building Day
This issue of Community News also contains information on Moor Produce.
Parish Plans
Would your community like to do a parish plan or maybe update the old one? The Community Council of Devon is managing a new pot of money from Defra that is available to communities wanting to carry out a parish plan. There is a maximum limit of £2,500 or 75% of the total cash cost and the funding is available up front.
Why Do a Parish Plan?
A Parish Plan is intended to identify key facilities and services, set out the problems that need to be tackled and demonstrate how distinctive character and features can be preserved. Parish Plans should set out a vision for the community in the future and identify the action needed to get there. They need to be relevant to the people who live and work in the community, looking at everything from employment needs to playgrounds. The Parish Plan should give everyone a chance to say what they think about the social, economic and environmental issues affecting them and how they’d like to see their community improved during the next 5, 10 or even 15 years.
Parish Plans can help communities:
•engage meaningfully with their Local Strategic Partnership and their Community Plan;
•make known what affects your community;
•identify and prioritise key issues;
•plan action for change;
•help influence development of community services and facilities such as:
Further uses for the village hall or other community buildings;
The setting up of a parent and baby clinic;
After school child care and holiday clubs for school children;
Liaison with the police, and setting up of a neighbourhood watch scheme.
•influence the Town and Country Planning System by:
Identifying local needs for affordable housing or community facilities;
Identifying which open spaces are needed and valued for community use.
•planning action that the local community can undertake itself, for instance:
Reopening a closed village shop;
Producing a community newsletter;
Providing community transport;
Carrying out environmental improvements;
Creating a new play area and place for young people to meet.
For further information and an application pack please contact Paul Edwards from the Community Council of Devon (external link, opens new window) on (01392) 383315.
A number of Parish Plans have already been completed for some Dartmoor parishes and the lack of facilities for young people and opportunities for learning for all ages are often identified as important issues. So if this sounds familiar then have a look at the possible funding opportunities below.
Rural Outreach Learning Initiative
The Rural Outreach Learning Initiative aims to help people access learning opportunities in rural areas. It can help pay towards learners courses, including some travel and childcare/carer costs. The learner can attend the course at their nearest learning provider or, if there are enough people interested in doing a course, it might be possible to bring it to you, within your community. Previous courses have ranged from Digital Photography, Aromatherapy and Flowers for Fun, to Health and Safety Certificates, Basic Food Hygiene and First Aid.
For more information contact Bob Ferrier of the Community Council of Devon on (01392) 382777 or bob@devonrcc.org.uk.
Youth Capital Fund & Youth Opportunities Fund
Devon County Council has been given two funds worth more than a £million over the next two years, to give to the young people of Devon. The main aim of these funds is to give voice and influence to young people in relation to things to do, places to go, and people to talk to. So if you are aged 13 – 19, then you and your friends can apply for some of this money, for something you want, or would like to do, in your area. You could bid for money to build or improve your skate park, equip your youth centre, build a shelter in your park or maybe buy a mobile youth caravan, that could offer services to young people in smaller isolated villages.
Youth Capital Fund: This fund is just for capital items, those things that you can hold, see and use. Those things must benefit more than one person and it must be legal!
Youth Opportunities Fund: This fund can be used for facilities, activities, events and campaigns that help young people aged 13 - 19 to be safe, healthy, active, enjoy and achieve. It should be related to local need, benefit more than one person, particularly those who are disadvantaged by lack of access to other facilities, isolation or prejudice.
For more information look on www.devonyouthservice.org.uk (external link, opens new window).
Parish Pump Programme for local environmental projects
The Conservation Foundation's Parish Pump Programme brings news and information on sustainable living, organises events on topical sustainable consumption and production issues, and provides funding for community projects.
Everyone is welcome to join the Programme - you can sign up free of charge on the website (see below). Registered communities are then eligible to apply to the Parish Pump Programme for funding for local environmental projects which need to progress from the 'idea' stage.
The Conservation Foundation is also launching a new environmental awards scheme - full details about the Act Local Awards will be available on the web site.
To find out more visit www.conservationfoundation.co.uk (external link, opens new window) or telephone 0207 591 3111 or email: info@conservationfoundation.co.uk
Sustainable Building Day
Thursday 28 September is Sustainable Building Day at Morwellham Quay - lots of exhibitors and demonstrations of new and traditional building techniques, materials and renewable energy systems. For more information contact: Richard Halliwell at Westden on 0835 345 5077 or email: richard@westden.co.uk
www.westden.co.uk (external link, opens new window)
Dartmoor is home to small traditional farms and other businesses, many of which sell their goods direct to you, the customer. So rather than joining the queue at the supermarket, buy local, support local producers and the future of Dartmoor.
As you are travelling around keep a look out for farms selling their own produce direct form the farm. Choose those shops, pubs and restaurants that offer the best of quality local produce and if in doubt don’t be afraid to ask.
Local produce markets are also great fun to go along to. They only sell produce from a defined local area and the stallholders are the farmers and producers themselves so you can easily find all about what you are buying. A number of markets take place on or around the moor.
Local Produce Markets
Bovey Tracey, town centre
Saturday morning, fortnightly from 14 Jan 2006
Tina Richardson: (01626) 835363
Ivybridge, town centre car park
3rd Saturday of month
Jenny Farmer (01803) 861202
Newton Abbot, town centre
Every Tuesday
Mick Ford: (01626) 215427
markets@teignbridge.gov.uk
Teign Valley Farmers’ Market, Community Hall, Christow
Every Wednesday morning
Bryony Falch: 01647 252887
Okehampton
3rd Saturday
Christine Brown: (01363) 83279
www.okehamptondevon.co.uk
Widecombe-in-the-Moor Village Market
The Church House, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, 10 am – 4 pm.
This popular Market brings together a wide variety of local producers and suppliers and is held once a month.
Everything sold at the market has a local link, with a superb selection of hand made furniture, deli goods, plants and herbs, breads and preserves, Widecombe blended leaf tea and ground coffee.
Market dates:
- 22 July 2006
- 26 August 2006
- 23 September 2006
- 28 October 2006
- 25 November 2006
- 16 December 2006
Local Producers Directory
B&M Farming, Lovaton Farm Partnership
Lovaton Farm, South Tawton, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2RA
Tel: (01647) 231649
Email: lovaton@btopenworld.com
www.traditionallyrearedmeat.co.uk/ (external link, opens new window)
Dexter beef is reared in a traditional manner on land in the countryside stewardship scheme. Home bred & fed, home produced feeds. The Gloucester old spot pigs roam freely in paddocks in the summer and straw yards in the winter to produce mouth-watering pork.
Local shops P.O stores (Spreyton), The Stores (S Zeal), Londis (Exeter rd garage Okehampton), Bridge Stores (Bow, Crediton), Spar (N Tawton). Direct to customers - delivered mail order, £10 postage, free for orders over £70.
Blackaller Honey
Rosemary Cottage, North Bovey, Devon TQ13 8RA
Tel: (01647) 440322
Email:peter@blackaller.fsbusiness.co.uk
http://www.blackaller.co.uk (external link, opens new window)
Honey and Bee products
Farmers’ markets in Crediton, Bovey Tracey, Exeter, Teignmouth + retail outlets.
Bottor Rock Farm
Hennock, Newton Abbot
Tel: (01626) 834247
Bottor Rock potatoes (12.5kg or 25kg). Beef in 1/8 mixed packs ready for freezer. Lamb, half or whole, all jointed and bagged ready for freezer.
All produce collected from farm. Some delivery can be arranged. Beef and lamb £5/kg.
Bramley and Gage
4 Long Meadow, south Brent, TQ10 9YT
Tel: (01364) 73722
Email: edward@bramleyandgage.com
www.bramleyandgage.co.uk (external link, opens new window)
Fruit Liqueurs, sloe and damson gins. All fruit sourced as locally as possible, made in the traditional way with no added flavouring, colouring or preservatives.
Buckfast Abbey, Buckland Abbey, Dartington Cider Press, Riverford Goes to Town, Rosemoor, Knighthayes & other shops in Dartmouth, Modbury, Salcombe and Tavistock.
Browne's Chocolates
Throwleigh, Devon, EX20 2HX
Tel: (0845) 456 0568
Email: sales@brownes.co.uk
www.brownes.co.uk/ (external link,opens new window)
Handmade chocolates.
Independent retailers throughout the region. No retail outlet here.
Buckfast Organic Bakery
Hamlyn house, Mardle Way, Buckfastleigh,
Tel: (01364) 642279
Email: sally@clivespies.co.uk
Vegetarian, organic pies and pasties. Gluten-free savoury pies. Luxury gluten-free cakes. Organic quality flapjacks.
Distribution via refrigerated courier or own refrigerated van.
Colston Farm 'Proper Pork'
Colston Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LW
Tel: (01364) 643836
Traditional, slowly produced pork & ham from saddleback & Welsh white pigs, living a happy & contented life, slaughtered & butchered locally, free local delivery fresh or frozen.
Free local delivery (personally), no minimum, Buckfastleigh farmers’ market, Ilsington country store, Widecombe Post Office & store, restaurants and pubs in Buckfastleigh area.
Dartmoor Delectables
Whistle Cottage, The Old Station, Horrabridge, PL20 7RQ
Tel: (01822) 854729
Email: sue@goldingcook.com
http://www.dartmoordelectables.com (external link, opens new window)
Handmade preserves (jam, marmalade, chutneys, pickles) made in own Dartmoor kitchen. Locally sourced/grown produce used as much as possible. Reviving interest in unusual and old fashioned recipes e.g. marrow and ginger jam, highdumpsydeary jam.
Tavistock country market and Tavistock farmers’ market as part of a country market co-operative.
Dartmoor Kitchen
Little Ash Farm, Whiddon Down, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2QG
Tel: (01647) 231130
Email: info@dartmoorkitchen.com
Award winning pies, puddings and tarts using a mix of organic, local and seasonal ingredients. Pies include Devon steak and potato, roast butternut squash and tomato, game or potato, cheese and onion. The choice of puddings includes prune and almond, apple cake and fresh berry cheesecake. Tarts include smoked trout, courgette and sweet pepper, and asparagus and goats cheese.
Deliveries to pubs and specialist food shops twice a week. Direct from farm, 6 days a week. Home deliveries dependant on order/location.
Deer Force 10
c/o Mardlewood House, Higher Coombe, Scorriton, Buckfastleigh
Tel: (01364) 644420
Email: pmarding@hotmail.com
Organic Venison (soil association).
Riverfood farm shop or Rodney Cleave butchers in Ashburton.
Devonshire Farmhouse Ice Cream Ltd
Kittson View, Higher Murchington Farm, Chagford, TQ13 8HJ
Tel: (01647) 433170
Email: dfic@talk21.com
http://www.devonshirefarmhouse.com (external link, opens new window)
Bottled milk, clotted, double, single, whipping cream, luxury dairy ice cream, sorbets, and diabetic ice cream.
Retail, wholesale, home delivery (minimum order £25), mail order clotted cream.
Dunns Dairy
Beacon View Farm, Drewsteignton, Exeter EX6 6PF
Tel: (01647) 231452
Email: dunn_019@fsmail
Milk, Cream, Butter, Eggs.
On-site farm shop open 7am-5 pm Monday to Saturday. Supply various shops, hotels etc throughout Devon. Doorstep deliveries with no minimum order.
Haldon Woods Farm
Sourton Cross, Okehampton, EX20 4HX.
And Binkham, Yelverton, PL20.
Tel: (01822) 854652
Email: trishcarrington@tiscali.co.uk
Home produced and reared beef, lamb, mutton, pork. 15 varieties of sausages, bacon, gammon steaks, lamb and mint sausages and burgers. Eggs (chicken and duck, when available). Discounted barbecue, camper and freezer packs of meats. All meats sold frozen.
Collection from farm and by telephone order, free delivery within 25 miles.
Heaven Scent Herbs
Unit 9, Gidleys Meadow, Christow, Exeter, Devon, EX6 7HR
Tel: (01647) 252847
Email: anne@heavenscenthearbs.co.uk
www.heavenscentherbs.co.uk (external link,opens new window)
Handmade herb and spice mustards
Mail order service available, callers by appointment only.
Hogs Bottom Garden Delights
Unit 5a Westbridge Street, Tavistock, Devon, PL19 HDE
Tel: (01822) 613013
Email: hogsbot@aol.com
www.hogsbot.co.uk (external link, opens new window)
Cordial fruit vinegars, salad dressings, marmalade/chutneys/preserves, assorted cooked pies/quiches, All made from as much local produce as possible. Direct through farmers’ markets. Wholesale to about 50 shops/farm shops/cafés etc. Supply a few local pubs. Will soon be selling online.
Little Ash Farm
Little Ash Farm, Whiddon Down, Okehampton, Devon, EX20 2QG
Tel: (01647) 231130
Email: info@littleashfarm.com
www.littleashfarm.com (external link, opens new window)
Organic Eggs, Salad bags, herbs, vegetables and fruit.
Farm shop, Monday – Saturday 9 am – 5 pm
Moorland Mist
Mitchelcombe Farm, Holne, Newton Abbot, TQ13 7SP
(01364) 631528
Email: clearlydevon@hotmail.com
Dartmoor water, supplied in returnable bottles - 250, 330, 750ml & 1litre glass bottles with still or sparkling water. 1, 5, 13, 15 & 19 litre HDPE bottles, still water for use with coolers and porcelain crocks.
Home delivery, trade sales to farm shops, health shops, pubs, hotels and restaurants (minimum order 4 crates). Contract bottling for 'own label' customers
Richard and Caroline Mann
Great Dunstone, Widecombe, Newton Abbot, TQ13 7TH
Tel: (01364) 621233
Email: greatdunstone@btinternet.com
Beef is sold in mixed 1/8ths or freezer packs consisting of: 2 x 8 oz rump steaks, 2 x 2-3lb topside, 5 x 0.5 kg braising steak, 5 x 0.5 kg mince. Lamb is sold in 1/2s or whole. Beefburgers and sausages also available.
Postal orders nationwide or minimum order of £30 to be delivered within a 30mile radius of Widecombe-in-theMoor.
Sherberton Beef and Lamb
Sherberton Farm, Princetown, Yelverton, PL20 6SF
Tel: (01364) 631276
Email: wood@anton-coaker.co.uk
www.anton-coaker.co.uk (external link,opens new window)
Home reared beef and lamb supplied fresh or frozen. Beef is supplied at one price per kilo and mixed orders are supplied. The meat comes in freezer friendly packs of a sensible weight, but specific weights can be catered for. Lamb is supplied by the half, jointed. Being hill lambs, halves are not huge and thus suit families or couples.
Deliver locally (radius 30 miles) and can collect from farm. Minimum order 5 kilos of mixed cuts.
Well Hung Meat
Tordean Farm, Dean Prior, Buckfastleigh.
Tel: 0845 230 3131
Email: sales@wellhungmeat.com
www.wellhungmeat.com (external link, opens new window)
Award winning (4 soil association food awards in 4 years) beef, lamb, pork, poultry, bacon and sausages by mail order. Monthly meat boxes containing all of the above.
Farm shop, postal/internet, farmers’ markets.
Happy Hogs Ltd
Moorlands Farm Shop, Whiddon Down, Exeter, EX20 2QL
Tel: (01647) 213666
Email: sargent@tinyonline.co.uk
www.moorlandsfarmshop.co.uk (external link, opens new window)
20 types of sausage, dry cured bacon, free range pork, organic beef, lamb and pork, game in season. Moorlands Farm Shop. Exeter, Tavistock and Okehampton farmers’ markets, and via mail order and the internet, free delivery on orders over £100.
Luscombe Organic Drinks
Luscombe Farm, Colston Road, Buckfastleigh, TQ11 0LP
Tel: (08451) 303036
Email: info@luscombe.co.uk
www.luscombe.co.uk (external link, opens new window)
Organic fruit juices and traditional soft drinks including the gold medal award winning 'hot ginger beer'. Riverfood farm shops, Buckfastleigh and Christow farmers’ markets, local health food shops, deli's and garden centres. Mail order available.
Frenchbeer Farm Ltd
Frenchbeer Farm, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8EX
Tel: (01647) 432427
Traditional free range or barn reared turkeys for Christmas, Aberdeen angus cross beef, reared & finished on Dartmoor, hung for flavour & succulence. Heather lamb, a true delicacy - available late summer/ autumn. Heather mutton - specially produced from our Scottish blackface flock. Farm gate sales - please phone.
Wild Beef
Hillhead Farm, Chagford, Devon, TQ13 8DY
Tel: (01647) 433433
High quality beef from native breeds of cattle. Reared and finished off unimproved grassland, they are killed locally and the meat is hung for at least 3 weeks. Available by home delivery, mail order and produce markets nationally. Mail order, home delivery - no minimum order, free delivery > £15. Crediton farmers’ markets. London markets.
Ullacombe Farm
Ullacombe Farm, Bovey Tracey, Devon, TQ13 9LL
Tel: (01364) 661341
Email: ullacombefarm1@btinternet.com
Homemade bread, cakes, savouries, ready made meals & preserves made in farm kitchen. Organic veg grown in the kitchen garden and polytunnel, free range eggs, plus other local produce, Widecombe Beef, Torbryan Pork, free range Chicken. Farm shop: Mondays: closed, Tues - Fri: 9.30 am - 6 pm, sat: 9.30 am - 5 pm, sun 9.30 am - 4 pm.
Brimpts Farm/Beef Box
Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet, Dartmoor, Devon
Tel: (01364) 631 179
Email: info@brimptsfarm.co.uk
http://www.brimptsfarm.co.uk/ (external link, opens new window)
Beef direct to your door around the country, also available from farm shop, Winners of Devon Life magazine best food producers award 2005, Winners of westcountry farm diversification award 2005 at Royal Bath and West Show. Mail order - £30 minimum. Farm shop open all year - please call for details.
Tor to Tor Meat Delivery Service
Holwell Farm, Widecombe-in-the-Moor, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 7TT
Tel: (01647) 221335
Email: meat@holwelldartmoor.co.uk
www.holwelldartmoor.co.uk (external link, opens new window)
Free delivery of Dartmoor’s finest fresh and frozen meat, all reared on moor farms. Pork - free range English saddleback pigs from Widecombe-in-the-Moor, whole or half pigs or choose the following: flavoured sausages, joints, bacon, hams, suckling pigs. Beef - Aberdeen angus cross galloway & south Devon and dexter, bred & fed at Widecombe. Lamb - organic from Holne. Seasonal game - from estates on Dartmoor including venison and pheasant. Fresh farm eggs. Delivers meat and eggs, no minimum order or delivery charge to residents and businesses on Dartmoor and outlying villages. Also attend monthly village market in church house at Widecombe-in-the-Moor.
RJR and SA Ashford
Bowden Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon,
Tel; (01364) 643955
Organic Beef and Lamb produced from the farm.
Local deliveries, also chilled box scheme. Also supply some local pubs and hotels.
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This page last updated 18 July 2006
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Send comments, enquiries, etc. to communications@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
