Dartmoor Wild Camping Debate Reignited by New Research
The long-standing tradition of wild camping on Dartmoor, a beloved national park in Devon, England, has come under scrutiny in recent years. A wealthy landowner, hedge fund manager Alexander Darwall, has been seeking to ban the practice, claiming it poses a significant fire risk. However, new research reveals that these claims may be unfounded, shedding light on the true causes of wildfires in the area.
According to data obtained through a freedom of information request, the majority of fires attended by the fire service covering Dartmoor over the past decade were started deliberately, rather than as a result of campfires going out of control. The data also shows a peak in wildfires during March and April, coinciding with the controversial practice of swaling – when landowners burn sections of the moor to create new growth for grazing animals.
Natural England has no evidence that wild camping has had a direct or cumulative adverse impact on the SSSI or SAC conditions which are more largely influenced by wider land management practices.
Wesley Smyth, Natural England area manager
Furthermore, the data reveals that wildfires are not occurring in significant numbers within the special areas of conservation (SAC), which are the areas Darwall claimed to be most concerned about protecting from damage caused by campers. Over the 10-year period, only 23 out of 307 fires (7%) were within the SAC, despite these areas largely overlapping with the most popular wild camping spots.
Landowners’ Burning Practices Called into Question
The research has also drawn attention to the role of landowners’ burning practices in causing wildfires on the moors. According to Wesley Smyth, the Natural England area manager charged with monitoring Dartmoor’s environmental state, excessive moorland burning by land managers is a significant contributor to out-of-control fires.
On occasion where burning management undertaken by landowners and commoners has got out of control this can sometimes be reported as wildfires.
Wesley Smyth, Natural England area manager
Critics argue that this practice, known as swaling, not only increases the risk of wildfires but also releases carbon into the atmosphere and degrades important peatland, which serves as a vital carbon sink. The new data supports these concerns, showing a clear correlation between the peak wildfire season and the time when landowners typically burn sections of the moor.
Preserving the Right to Wild Camp
For many outdoor enthusiasts, the right to wild camp on Dartmoor is a cherished tradition that fosters a deep connection with nature. As the last remaining place in England where this activity is permitted without landowner permission, Dartmoor holds a special place in the hearts of campers and hikers alike.
Wild camping has long been celebrated as a way for people to develop a respect for the land. It provides experiences which deepen our relationship with nature and is a vital conduit through which we can learn to care for the natural world and each other.
Lewis Winks, The Stars Are For Everyone campaign group
Supporters of wild camping argue that the practice instills a sense of responsibility and stewardship for the environment. By immersing themselves in the natural world, campers gain a deeper appreciation for the delicate ecosystems they inhabit and are more likely to take steps to protect them.
The Future of Wild Camping on Dartmoor
The ongoing legal battle over the right to wild camp on Dartmoor has reached the Supreme Court, with a ruling expected in the coming weeks. The court’s decision will have far-reaching implications not only for Dartmoor but for access to green spaces throughout England.
As the debate continues, the new research on wildfire risks has provided valuable insight into the complex issues surrounding land management and public access. While landowners have a responsibility to protect the environment, it is clear that wild camping itself is not the primary threat to Dartmoor’s delicate ecosystems.
Ultimately, finding a balance between conservation and responsible public access will be key to preserving Dartmoor’s unique character for generations to come. By working together and basing decisions on sound scientific evidence, landowners, outdoor enthusiasts, and conservation groups can ensure that the wild beauty of Dartmoor remains accessible to all who seek to experience it.
