26 June 2007
Working together for the future of Dartmoor
Fresh ways in which Dartmoor’s landscape and special qualities are to be conserved, enhanced and enjoyed are up for consideration, as the Draft Dartmoor National Park Management Plan is widely distributed for public consultation. The Management Plan embodies a Vision for Dartmoor in 2027 on which long term ambitions and short term goals are focused: |  |
‘At the very centre of Dartmoor stands one of the many great granite outcrops which give this National Park its unique character. Gaunt against the skyline, it appears like a huge monument to the primeval world, surrounded by the wind-tugged heather. But it is not just the rock itself that is impressive. Go there and you will be surrounded by the ancient landscape of deep valleys and rock-crested hills, long-established hill farms and the buried remains of our Bronze Age predecessors. You can follow the horizon full circle, turning beneath the vast freedom of the sky, while breathing the pure, clear air of the moor. To be there gives you the reassurance that the world need not be over-crowded, polluted and dominated by consumerism. If a glint of sunlight catches a distant tractor, reminding you that this is part of a working community, it is nevertheless still a place where you can find solitude and nature thrives. Few depart without a better sense of themselves and what they cherish most, despite the pressures of the modern world.’
Eighteen ambitions for 2027 are grouped under the themes of Sense of Place, Access for All and Business and Community. Within each ambition are a number of five-year goals, which will help deliver the Vision, and lists of actions to achieve those goals.
Threading through the Management Plan are a number of important cross-cutting themes, reflecting critical current issues that have emerged from stakeholders during the preparation process - climate change, the future of upland farming, transport and social inclusion and diversity.
| Although produced by Dartmoor National Park Authority, the National Park Management Plan is not just for that organisation alone. This is a Management Plan for all who have an interest in Dartmoor’s future and the creation of sustaining partnerships between agencies and local communities will be essential to the successful delivery of the ambitions and goals therein. In responding to the Management Plan, consultees are encouraged to offer their own commitment and contribution to the achievement of its goals. |
Nigel Hoskin, Chairman, Dartmoor National Park Authority, said:
‘We want to be quite sure that we have the best possible Management Plan for Dartmoor over the next five years. It will shape the activities of many different people until 2012 and it will span the 60th anniversary of Dartmoor as a National Park; few would deny that the purposes and values of national park status have never been more pertinent that they are in this present age. Dartmoor’s special qualities can only be sustained by an active local community in a state of well being, working together along with all who visit and value everything that is Dartmoor.'
The Dartmoor National Park Authority welcomes all views on the Draft Management Plan; the closing date for public consultation is 6 August 2007.
If you have any comments to make on the Draft Management Plan please send them by post to:
National Park Officer,
Management Plan
Dartmoor National Park Authority
Parke
Bovey Tracey
Newton Abbot
Devon
TQ13 9JQ
Email: manplan@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
The Dartmoor National Park Management Plan can be viewed at local libraries, Dartmoor National Park Authority Information Centres and online at www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk.
Ends
For Further Information
John Weir, Head of Head of Education, Information and Communication Service
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Notes for Editors
The Draft Management Plan is the outcome of the extensive involvement of those who have an interest in Dartmoor’s future, including statutory agencies and representatives from local communities, amenity and special interest groups.
The process of producing the Draft Management Plan began with a conference in April 2006 and was followed by a series of workshops which celebrated the special qualities that Dartmoor possesses, identified issues that may affect its future, and explored ways of moving forward.
The Draft Management Plan has been prepared by Land Use Consultants in conjunction with a project team of Dartmoor National Park Authority staff, guided by a steering group comprising the Authority’s Senior Management Team and National Park Authority Members.
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are now available on the Authority's website
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority (see www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on News).
News Releases from all UK National Parks
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 33,000 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 26 June 2007
Page updated 25 June 2007
