Dartmoor National Park Authority
The Authority exists to secure for the public good the conservation, enhancement, enjoyment and understanding of the special qualities of Dartmoor, its landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage. Our role is clearly defined by Parliament in our two statutory purposes, which are to:
- conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park
- promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the National Park by the public
In carrying out this work, we are also required to meet a socio-economic duty, namely:
- seek to foster the economic and social well-being of local communities within the National Park
Some of what we do
- we operate three National Park Information Centres
- we support and work with communities within the National Park
- we operate a Ranger service to provide practical support
- we employ tourism, information and education officers and run a variety of events such as guided walks and educational activities
- we employ archaeologists, ecologists, arboriculturalists, planning & enforcement officers and historic buildings specialists to help care for Dartmoor’s biodiversity, landscapes and special habitats, archaeology, listed buildings, built environment and cultural heritage
- we own & manage land on Dartmoor, including woodland and commons, and operate a number of car parks and toilet facilities
- we maintain and manage the network of footpaths and bridleways across Dartmoor and seek to develop and maintain opportunities for greater public access to the countryside, encouraging responsible use recreation and tourism
Our objectives for 2010/11:
- to maintain a viable farming community that delivers a range of public benefits;
- to promote development that is good for Dartmoor
- to maximise access and understanding for all
- to show leadership in tackling energy use and emissions and managing climate change
- to improve our planning and performance management
- to deliver sustainability
- to maximise our use of human & financial resources
- to promote the work of the Authority and enhance understanding of what we do;
Page updated 24 June 2010
