DNP ENJOY DARTMOOR 2024 digital - Flipbook - Page 10
On 16 December, the Government passed the National Parks and Access
to the Countryside Act enabling the establishment of National Parks.
A television mast is built at North Hessary Tor, Princetown, despite
impassioned objections from Dartmoor Preservation Association and the
Campaign for Rural England. An appeal against the decision failed.
Meldon Reservoir, the
last reservoir to be built on
Dartmoor, officially opens.
In December 2024 we
celebrate the 75th
anniversary of the National
Parks and Access to the
Countryside Act. Put
forward in 1949, this act
provided the framework in
which our National Parks
and National Landscapes
were shaped.
Take a journey with us down the
River Dart, which gives Dartmoor
its name, and discover important
moments in our National Park’s
history over these years. At 75
kilometres long, the River Dart
rises high on Dartmoor and flows
through the landscape to the sea
at Dartmouth.
As we reflect on the milestones that
have passed, we also look forward
to the future of Dartmoor and
ways in which we can renew the
people’s charter that underpins our
National Park. A charter for health
and happiness, where natural beauty,
wildlife and cultural heritage are
conserved, sustained, and enhanced
for all to appreciate and enjoy.
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The Wildlife and Countryside Act
is passed. It is the first comprehensive
protection of listed species and habitats
and includes conservation schemes like
Countryside Stewardship.
A30 Okehampton bypass
officially opens. This section
of road briefly enters Dartmoor
National Park.
The Dartmoor Commons Byelaws come into effect. Rangers now have
extra powers to help regulate the general public’s use of common land.
Dartmoor National Park’s ‘Ranger Ralph’ club is launched
for young nature enthusiasts between the ages of 5-12 years.
An excavation at Whitehorse Hill uncovers a cist filled with
fascinating finds. Researchers unearth various artefacts including
fragments of ancient pottery and tools, which significantly further
our understanding of how people lived in the Early Bronze Age. The
internationally important find, and its story, can be explored at our
National Park Visitor Centre at Postbridge.
30 October marked the 70th anniversary of
Dartmoor’s designation as a National Park.
dartmoor.gov.uk