Dartmoor National Park Authority

Long Term CRoW Restrictions - West Dart River, Bagtor Down and Yarner Heath
Information Sheet 9

At 28 August 2005, there will be three permanent or annually recurring restrictions in place or planned within Dartmoor National Park. This Information Sheet gives you the background and details about these restrictions. All of these restrictions have been put in place by DNPA for nature conservation reasons.

General Background to Dartmoor National Park Authority Nature Conservation Restrictions

English Nature has given the National Park Authority advice on all areas in the National Park where there was a potential for new access to have a negative impact on habitats, species, or other vulnerable features. The National Park Authority and English Nature had extensive discussions in 2004-05 about how to manage access to minimise any damage to nature conservation interests. In most cases it was decided that it was possible to manage access without the need for any formal restriction. However, in three cases, because of the type of wildlife present or the level of predicted use, it was felt that there would need to be a formal restriction to prevent harm to wildlife. All three restrictions were approved by members of the Dartmoor National Park Authority in May 2005.

For the exact extent of the restricted areas, see maps.

The restriction does not apply to rights of way (there are three bridleways in the restricted area). People can take dogs (under close control) on the rights of way – but they (and the dog) must stay precisely on the line and width of the right of way.

Guide dogs and hearing dogs are not included in the restriction.

Why is there a need for the Restriction?

The restriction on access with dogs is to prevent disturbance to breeding otters and salmon spawning grounds. Otters have established a number of holts at various locations along the river where there was previously no public access. The Environment Agency has also established that there are several areas of prime salmon spawning grounds in the river. The National Park Authority and English Nature have agreed that dogs posed a threat to these sensitive species and habitats.

Background to the Restriction

Members of Dartmoor National Park Authority considered the matter in May 2005 and decided that an exclusion of dogs was the most appropriate restriction (rather than a lesser restriction to keep dogs on leads). There are regulations governing introducing restrictions of over six months continuous duration. As required by the regulations, the Authority carried out a full public consultation during May to July 2005. After considering the responses for and against its proposed restriction, the Authority decided to put the restriction in place.

Dogs will be allowed on the linear route during the restricted period but they must be kept on a short lead (in line with the general CRoW Act rule to keep dogs on a lead from 1 March to 31July).

Why is there a need for the Restriction?

Bagtor Down is exceptionally important for curlew, which is locally very rare. This species is particularly prone to disturbance. It is critical to safeguard the species during the main bird breeding season (1 March to 31 July). Therefore during this period, people are being restricted to a route on the east side of the site, away from the area where curlew are likely to be present.

Why Is There A Need For The Restriction?

Yarner Heath contains populations of nightjar. The breeding season for nightjar is longer than for most birds, and extends through August. Therefore the national restriction to keep dogs on leads from 1 March to 31 July would not be sufficient to prevent disturbance during the particularly sensitive time of the breeding season. Therefore, on this site, the period during which dogs must be kept on a lead has been extended for an extra month.

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Page updated 23 November 2005