Introduction to Dartmoor
 |
Windswept hawthorn trees at Holne Moor |
What’s so special about Dartmoor?
Dartmoor is the largest and highest upland in southern Britain and has been home to people for over 5,000 years. Together with the climate, weather and geology, the activity of our ancestors has shaped the landscape as we know it and helped create diverse habitats and in turn special animal and plant communities. Rocky tors, thickly wooded valleys, vast open moorland, bogs, flower-rich pastures and fast-flowing rivers all offer habitats to a variety of wildlife.
Because of its outstanding natural beauty, Dartmoor was designated as a National Park in 1951. This gives the Park special protection and the Dartmoor National Park Authority now has a statutory duty to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor and encourage the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Park by the public.
Species - Darmoor Specialities
Return to Wealth of Wildlife homepage.
Page updated 18 December 2006
