The Commons
 | The commons are areas of open unenclosed moorland, that are privately owned but which other locals have rights to put their livestock on. This is referred to as common rights. The commons are areas of semi-natural vegetation and because of their unimproved nature there are extensive archaeological landscapes. In fact, Dartmoor has amongst the finest prehistoric remains in North West Europe. Read more in the Archaeological Heritage section of this web site. |
The semi natural vegetation is also quite rare and because of this much of the moorland is designated not only nationally as Sites of Special Scientific Importance (SSSIs) but also has international recognition as a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). Read more information about the ecology of the commons.
The public also has a right of access on foot and horseback. This right of access is governed by the Dartmoor National Park Byelaws. Not all the common is suitable for riders as much of the moor is very boggy. Read more information about access and riding opportunities. For more information about the commons of Dartmoor read the Dartmoor Commons Factsheet.
Dartmoor is unique in having its own Commons Act. The Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 provides for the setting up of a Commoners' Council. This is a Statutory Body that has responsibility for the good husbandry of the commons. Membership to the Council is made up of representatives from the local Commoners' Associations, the Duchy of Cornwall, a vet, and two common land owners.
The Dartmoor Commoners' Council Regulations 
(22Kb - PDF Help) were prepared under Section 5 of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985.
Most of the commons are now part of an agri-environmental scheme run by the Department of Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra). This scheme is a partnership between commoners, landowners and Defra to ensure that these areas are managed in such a way to maximise their conservation interest. To aid this process all the statutory agencies (English Nature, the Environment Agency, English Heritage, Forestry Commission, Defra, Dartmoor National Park Authority) that have an interest in the management of the moorland got together to agree a common vision for the future to 2030. This new Vision is a grazed landscape very much similar to what can be seen today, that is so prized by conservationists and public alike. The Dartmoor Commoners Council have joined the partnership and delivery of the vision is expected in the main to be achieved by tweaking existing ESA management prescriptions. Read more about the Vision.
