Dartmoor
Dartmoor was designated a National Park in 1951. In May 1963 Devon County Council appointed the first Warden for Dartmoor National Park and a local voluntary warden service was recruited. Assistant wardens were appointed to help manage a fast developing workload and volunteer help. Footbridges were built across rivers and streams. Signing, clearing and opening up of public rights of way commenced and litter was removed. During the 1970s Devon County Council established a Dartmoor National Park Department and the warden service was expanded to seven full time people. The first female Warden in a British National Park was appointed on Dartmoor.Seasonal staff were employed to assist in the busiest areas, a corporate uniform was introduced and the title of Warden changed to Ranger. |  |
 | The Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 gave a legal right of access onto common land for walkers and horse riders. Other areas of private land were entered into access agreements and a comprehensive set of byelaws are introduced. These are enforced by the Ranger Service. During the 1990s Dartmoor National Park became independent from Devon County Council and the role of the Ranger developed further with a diversity of educational conservation based work being completed in partnership with many other agencies. In the 21st Century, the Sector Rangers all manage locally based voluntary wardens and undertake a huge range of land management and community liaison work. The current Ranger team is committed to the challenge of looking after Dartmoor National Park but this cannot be achieved without the support of residents and visitors alike. |
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