7 July 2008
Earth Pilgrim opens new National Park Information Centre at Haytor
On Monday 7 July, at 2 pm, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s new National Park Information Centre at Haytor was officially opened by Satish Kumar, ecologist, writer and presenter of the acclaimed BBC Natural World documentary, Earth Pilgrim. Set below the iconic granite bulk of Haytor Rocks, which dominates the eastern edge of the National Park, the new Haytor Centre provides an orientation point and stepping stone to encourage exploration, enjoyment and understanding of the area's special qualities. The Information Centre has been designed to have a low impact on the environment through minimising energy use and maximising the use of natural materials. Locally sourced timber was used in the construction, with insulation provided by using sheep’s wool. Energy efficient heating and lighting have been used along with a rainwater collection system for toilet flushing.There is even a specially constructed roof space to encourage bat roosting. The new Information Centre is sited amongst mature trees on enclosed land making it less intrusive in the landscape but orientated to provide wonderful views of the tor. It replaces a portacabin and toilet block which was situated on common land, enabling the restoration of the moorland to take place. |  |
Step inside the Haytor Centre and you will discover stunning large scale images, informative panels and aerial photography, coupled with specially designed interactive and audio-visual displays, telling the story of the Haytor area from prehistory to the present day. Local children have contributed to the displays adding to the vibrancy and colour of the interior and young children will enjoy the new wooden games area and fun activity books. Visitors to Dartmoor will appreciate the range of specially selected souvenirs, local books and maps. A new external interpretation board, with detailed mapping, provides out-of-hours information about the area.
All this is complemented by an enhanced programme of guided walks, a new full colour Haytor booklet, on sale in the Centre and packed full of information to help you explore the area, and a new audio walk, with lively commentary and music by Dartmoor folk musician Seth Lakeman. The audio walk is available to download onto your MP3 or iPod from Dartmoor National Park Authority’s web site (www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk).
 | Nigel Hoskin, Chairman, Dartmoor National Park Authority said: ‘A success story should always be ‘good news’ and I am extremely proud of the new Haytor Information Centre. We have achieved something which is totally in keeping with the protected landscape of the National Park, and yet provides the very best Centre in terms of fostering the understanding and enjoyment of this much visited part of Dartmoor. |
Everyone involved with the project has worked wonders to embrace a range of best practices in terms of sustainability, environmentally-friendly design and construction, accessibility and value for money. The results speak for themselves, and all I would ask for now is some good weather for the summer season so that the many visitors to Haytor can enjoy and benefit from this exciting facility.’
Satish Kumar said:
‘Dartmoor National Park is a spellbinding place, a place where I find inspiration, tranquillity and renewal. Each time I experience its hills, woodlands, river valleys, ancient wonders and wildlife I discover something new.’
‘The new Haytor Centre is a marvellous starting point from which to begin your own journey of discovery, experience some of the wonders of this special place, slow down and recover from the pace of daily life.’
‘I am delighted that Dartmoor National Park Authority has built the new Information Centre utilising so many sustainable options.’
The construction of the Haytor Information Centre and development of the range of new media has been aided by the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund.
The Information Centre is open daily throughout the summer from 10 am -5 pm.
Ends
For further information
John Weir, Head of Education, Information and Communications Service
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Notes for Editors
Satish Kumar
When he was only nine years old, Satish Kumar renounced the world and joined the wandering brotherhood of Jain monks. Dissuaded from his path by an inner voice at the age of eighteen, he left the monastic order and became a campaigner for land reform, working to turn Gandhi’s vision of renewed India and a peaceful world into reality.
In 1973, he settled in England, taking an Editorship of Resurgence magazine. He has been the editor ever since. He is the Director of Programme for Schumacher College, a residential international centre for the study of ecological and spiritual values.
In 2008, Satish Kumar presented the 50 minute BBC documentary Earth Pilgrim as part of the Natural World series. In the programme Satish introduced the elements of Dartmoor that most inspire him and contemplated the lessons they hold for humanity. A highly acclaimed documentary that mixed eastern philosophy with the western landscape of Dartmoor; the programme was watched by over 3.6 million people.
Visit www.resurgence.org (external link, opens new window)
Haytor Centre
The building was designed for Dartmoor National Park Authority by LSN architects of Newton Abbot. Imperial Construction Ltd commenced building work on 1 October 2007.
Interpretation panels were produced to Dartmoor National Park Authority design by South West Colour Laboratories Ltd, Paignton
More information on contractors/ suppliers is available in the Haytor Information Centre
Click here for background information on the building of the new National Park Information Centre at Haytor
Haytor Rocks and Haytor Down lie in the Parish of Ilsington. During the building of the new Centre, children from Ilsinton Primary School visited the construction site at various stages and explored the Haytor area with National Park Authority staff. Their responses to this outstanding landscape make up part of the interpretation to be found inside the Haytor Information Centre.
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 .
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
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They 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 33,500 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 7 July 2008
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Page updated 8 July 2008
