View source for Dartmoor Preservation Association

{{Short description|English conservation charity}}
{{Use British English|date=July 2015}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=May 2020}}
{{Infobox company
| name = Friends of Dartmoor: DPA - Dartmoor Preservation Association
| logo = DPA Logo 2023.jpg
| logo_caption = DPA logo 2023
| type = [[National parks of the United Kingdom|Conservation]] [[charitable organisation|charity]]
| foundation = {{Start date|1883}}
| location = Old Duchy Hotel, Princetown, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6QF
| area_served = [[Dartmoor|Dartmoor National Park]]
| homepage = {{URL|dartmoorpreservation.co.uk}}
}}
'''Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA)''' is one of the oldest environmental or amenity bodies in the UK. It was founded in 1883.<ref name="Kelly">Kelly, M. ''"Quartz and Feldspar. Dartmoor: A British Landscape in Modern Times"'', Jonathan Cape, London, 2015, {{ISBN|9780224091138}}</ref>{{rp|p.3}} It concerns itself with [[Dartmoor]], a [[National Parks of England and Wales|National Park]] in [[Devon]], south-west England. It began with two main areas of concern. Firstly, [[Common land|commoners' rights]] were being eroded through army use, including the firing of live artillery shells, and piecemeal enclosure of land around the margins.<ref name="Moore1890">Moore, Stuart A. ''A short history of the rights of common upon the Forest of Dartmoor and the commons of Devon''. Dartmoor Preservation Association, Plymouth, 1890. {{ISBN|0950138649}}.</ref>{{rp|p.100}} Secondly, there was increasing public interest in Dartmoor's scenery, archaeology, history and wildlife<ref name="SomersCocks1983">Somers Cocks, J. ''A Dartmoor Century 1883-1983: One hundred years of the Dartmoor Preservation Association''. Dartmoor Preservation Association. Yelverton, Devon, 1983. {{ISBN|0950138649}}.</ref>{{rp|p.7}}
The DPA has opposed what it considered to be unsuitable developments on Dartmoor throughout its history. In its founding year, the secretary, Robert Burnard persuaded the War Department not to fire on the Okehampton Firing Range on Saturdays to allow access to the public. Many battles have been fought since, particularly against the military presence and the proposed building of reservoirs on the moor, notably under the Chairmanship of [[Sylvia Sayer|Lady Sayer]], granddaughter of Robert Burnard.
The DPA continues to follow the same objectives as when it was founded. For example, in June 2015, it supported the inhabitants of [[Widecombe-in-the-Moor]] against the erecting of a telecommunications mast in an area of pristine countryside against the wishes of the local population.
Dartmoor Preservation Association is a registered charity, Number 215665.<ref>[http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityFramework.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=215665&SubsidiaryNumber=0] ''"Charity Commission Register - Dartmoor Preservation Association"''</ref>
==Background==
Dartmoor is said to be one of the last remaining areas of wilderness in Britain,<ref>Steen, Anthony. 2003, [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/westminster-hall/2003/oct/15/dartmoor-national-park-military-exercises "Dartmoor National Park (Military Exercises)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304024938/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/westminster_hall/2003/oct/15/dartmoor-national-park-military-exercises |date=4 March 2016 }} HC Deb 15 October 2003 vol 411 cc129-36WH</ref> but it has been a managed landscape since the late [[Neolithic British Isles|Neolithic]] (3,000-2,500 BCE). The [[Bronze Age]] inhabitants (from 2,500 to 750 BCE) cleared ancient forest and developed farming. They made extensive use of surface [[wikt:moorstone|moorstone]] in the construction of [[Roundhouse (dwelling)|roundhouses]] (their remains now seen as "hut circles"), enclosures, land-dividing [[reave]]s, [[stone row]]s, [[stone circle]]s, [[menhir]]s and [[kistvaen]]s.<ref>Butler, Jeremy. ''Dartmoor Atlas of Antiquities: Vol.1 – The East''. Devon Books, Kingkerswell, Devon. 1991. p.5. {{ISBN|0861148665}}.</ref>
Farming has continued through the medieval period to the present day,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/lookingafter/laf-culturalheritage/laf-archaeology/laf-medievaldartmoor |title="Medieval Dartmoor" - Dartmoor National Park Authority website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923212732/http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/lookingafter/laf-culturalheritage/laf-archaeology/laf-medievaldartmoor |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> but a more disruptive activity to the landscape was the appearance of [[Dartmoor tin-mining|tin-mining]], firstly by stream-working, then by lode-working and finally by underground mining.<ref name="Newman">Newman, Phil. ''The Dartmoor Tin Industry: A Field Guide''. Newton Abbot, Devon. 1968. {{ISBN|0953270807}}.</ref>{{rp|p.11}}<ref name="Newman"/>{{rp|p.20}}<ref>Greeves, Tom. ''Tin Mines and Miners of Dartmoor: A Photographic Record''. Devon Books, Kingkerswell, Devon, 1986. p.21. {{ISBN|9780861147663}}.</ref> Many valleys have been dug over and scarred, leaving a rich industrial archaeology.<ref name="Harris">Harris, Helen. ''Industrial Archaeology of Dartmoor''. David & Charles, Newton Abbot, Devon. 1968. {{ISBN|0715343025}}.</ref>{{rp|p.13}} Other activities such as newtake wall building,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/bish-john.htm |title="Dartmoor Newtakes" - Legendary Dartmoor website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150612042138/http://www.legendarydartmoor.co.uk/bish-john.htm |archive-date=12 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> [[Peat|peat cutting]], [[Warren (domestic)|rabbit warrening]], quarrying, clay extraction and the building of a prominent [[HM Prison Dartmoor|prison]] have all left marks on the moor.<ref>Crossing, William. ''Crossing’s Dartmoor Worker''. 2nd Edn. Peninsula Press, Newton Abbot, Devon. 1992. p.48. {{ISBN|1872640206}}</ref> Recent undertakings have left more obvious changes: the building of reservoirs and the planting of conifer forests.<ref name="SommersCocks1970">Somers Cocks, John. "Exploitation". In ''Dartmoor: A New Study''. Editor Crispin Gill. David & Charles, Newton Abbot Devon, 1970. {{ISBN|0715350412}}.</ref>{{rp|p.267}}
==History of the association==
The use of moorstone continued up to recent times with the extensive building of dry stone walls around farm newtakes.<ref>Stanbrook, Elisabeth. ''Dartmoor Forest Farms''. Devon Books, Kinkerswell, 1994. pp.6-7. {{ISBN|0861148878}}.</ref> Later, stone was cut and dressed.<ref>{{cite book
| title=Worth's Dartmoor
| last = Worth
| first = R. N.
| editor1-last = Spooner
| editor1-first = G. M.
| editor2-last = Russell
| editor2-first = F. S.
| editor2-link = F. S. Russell
| chapter = The Moorstone Age
| pages = 355–391
| year=1967
| publisher=David & Charles
| isbn= 0715351486
| location=Newton Abbot}}</ref> The use of moorstone continued to such an extent that in 1847 boundary markers were cut around Pew Tor to protect it. Marker stones were erected around Roos Tor.<ref name="Brewer">Brewer, Dave. ''Dartmoor Boundary Markers''. Halsgrove. Tiverton, Devon, 2002. {{ISBN|1841141720}}</ref>{{rp|p.250–251}} The taking of stone started to change the Dartmoor landscape: for example Eric Hemery (writing in 1983) stated that Swell Tor had been "decapitated and disembowelled by the quarrymen".<ref name="Hemery">Hemery, Eric. ''High Dartmoor''. Robert Hale Ltd, London. 1983. {{ISBN|0709188595}}</ref>{{rp|p.1029}}
In August 1881, a public meeting was convened by the Portreeve of Tavistock in the Guildhall to discuss the continued taking of stone, particularly from landmark tors.<ref name="Brewer"/>{{rp|p.249}} The DPA was founded in 1883. The protected area around Pew Tor was extended in December 1896. In 1901, the DPA commissioned a report into damage to ancient monuments, caused by the taking of stone for building and road-mending, and into unlawful enclosures of common land.<ref>Crossing, William. ''Being Mr. Crossing’s report as to damage to ancient monuments and encroachments on Dartmoor, 1901''. Reprinted 1997. Dartmoor Preservation Association Publication No. 9. pp.3-24. {{ISBN|0950138665}}.</ref>
[[File:Frontispiece of DPA 1890 book.JPG|thumb|Frontispiece of DPA book about Commons and Commoners' Rights, published 1890]]
===Commoners' rights===
The first publication of the DPA, in 1890, was a short history of commoners' rights on Dartmoor and the commons of Devon.<ref name="Moore1890"/>{{rp|p.xi}} This notes a decrease in the numbers of animals even in medieval times: in 1296 – 5,000 cattle, 487 horses, 131 folds of sheep; in 1316 – 3,292 cattle, 368 horses, 100 folds of sheep.<ref name="Moore1890"/>{{rp|p.xix}} ''An important battle occurred in 1894 when the Corporation of London attempted to buy the whole of Dartmoor in order to pipe its water to Paddington alongside Brunel’s recently converted railway, when it went from broad gauge to standard gauge. The DPA led the revolt against this''.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.212}} In 1897, the DPA went to court to fight successfully the enclosure of a section of Peter Tavy Great Common, in support of a farmer.<ref name="SomersCocks1983"/>{{rp|p.8}} Commoners rights seem to have been a settled issue in recent years: except for where they are impinged upon by the military presence.
===Military use===
[[Dartmoor Training Area]] has been used regularly for military training since 1873, although it was used earlier during the [[Napoleonic Wars|Napoleonic]] and [[Crimean War|Crimean]] Wars.<ref name="SommersCocks1970"/>{{rp|p.271}} In 1906–07, seven miles of roads were built on the north moor to facilitate the movement of guns. There are three established firing ranges at [[Okehampton]], Willsworthy and Merrivale. The area taken up with live firing ranges is {{convert|9,187|ha|acre|abbr=off}} and they are used on average 120 days each year.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/33309/armed_forces_ondartmoor_brief_history.pdf| title = ''The Armed Forces on Dartmoor: A Brief History''}}</ref> They are used for small arms, mortars and artillery smoke and illuminating shells.<ref>{{cite web| url = https://www.dartmoorsociety.com/files/debates/military.html| title = "The 6th Dartmoor Society Debate: The Military on Dartmoor"}}</ref>
The use of the moor by the military has been a major concern of the DPA since its founding. In its first year, Robert Burnard (DPA Secretary) persuaded the War Department not to fire on the Okehampton Firing Range on Saturdays so that there may be some public access to the area.<ref name="SomersCocks1983"/>{{rp|p.8}} [[Sylvia Sayer|Lady Sylvia Sayer]] was very outspoken about it being totally at odds with the area being designated as a National Park.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.devon.gov.uk/newsletter_may2000.pdf |title="Lady Sayer and Dartmoor" - Devon County Council Newsletter, May 2000 |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150621140636/http://www.devon.gov.uk/newsletter_may2000.pdf |archive-date=21 June 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> In 1963 the DPA published a widely circulated 24-page booklet entitled ''Misuse of a National Park'' which includes photographs of unexploded [[Shell (projectile)|shells]] lying on the open moor, corrugated iron buildings, large craters, a derelict [[tank]] used as a target, bullet marks on standing stones, etc. It also contains details of a 1958 incident in which a young boy was killed by a mortar shell near [[Cranmere Pool]].<ref>{{cite book
|title=Misuse of a National Park
|publisher=The Dartmoor Preservation Association|location=Widecombe-in-the-Moor
|year=1963}}</ref>
Since the 1960s there has been much less military damage and litter as a result of the DPA persuading the Services to be more cautious.<ref name="Hemery"/>{{rp|p.854}} The military have changed since the Victorian era, they now have 120 conservation groups across the Ministry of Defence (MOD), including Dartmoor Military Conservation Group.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/33352/issue_39_pt_2.pdf |title="Around the Regions - with the Conservation Groups" - MOD web site upload |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-date=9 October 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151009162656/https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/33352/issue_39_pt_2.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref> The current leases run for many years, with Cramber Tor most recently being granted a further 40-year licence.<ref>[http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/MoD-use-Dartmoor-military-training-2053/story-18031199-detail/story.html "MOD can use Dartmoor for Military Training until 2053" - ''Western Morning News'' website]{{Dead link|date=November 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
===Afforestation===
Early afforestation occurred when Brimpts was planted with trees in 1862.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.245}} The [[Forestry Commission]] was founded in 1919, following World War I and in that year the [[Duchy of Cornwall]] planted 800 acres of conifers at Fernworthy.<ref name="SommersCocks1970"/>{{rp|p.269}} In 1921, Plymouth Corporation planted conifers around [[Burrator Reservoir]]. The Forestry Commission planted Bellever and Laughter Tor farms in 1930-32 and in 1944-1945 Soussons Down was also planted. The DPA opposed these post-war plantings and [[Richard Hansford Worth|R. Hansford Worth]] (1868–1950, a Plymouth engineer, scientist and antiquarian) delivered a lecture fiercely critical of the Duchy of Cornwall as the landowners at [[The Plymouth Athenaeum]], using the argument of encroachment on the rights of common and loss of ancient monuments.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.249}} DPA opposition to forestry on Dartmoor arose again in 1953 when it wrote a policy on woodlands in the then-new national park.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.252}} Opposition was exercised when Hawn, Dendles and High House Wastes, all near Cornwood, were designated for tree planting in 1959. Argument continued while Hawns and Dendles Wastes were ploughed in 1960. High House Waste was purchased by the DPA in 1964 and the [[Nature Conservancy (UK)]] bought neighbouring Dendles in 1965.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.259}} The situation in 2015 is that some of the Dartmoor plantations have been affected by the fungal disease [[Phytophthora ramorum]] which results in widespread clear felling to prevent further spread of the disease. The policy now is to replant with more native hardwood trees although more resistant conifers are also being used.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCReplantingrecommendations.pdf/$FILE/FCReplantingrecommendations.pdf |title="Advice on replanting sites affected by Phytophthora ramorum" - Forestry Commission website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-date=24 September 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150924035225/http://www.forestry.gov.uk/pdf/FCReplantingrecommendations.pdf/$FILE/FCReplantingrecommendations.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===Reservoirs===
There are eight [[Dartmoor reservoirs]], with the earliest being [[Tottiford, Kennick, and Trenchford Reservoirs|Tottiford Reservoir]], 1861. Three were built in the mid-20th century: Fernworthy, 1942; Avon, 1957 and Meldon, 1972, and the DPA fought many battles over these. It opposed plans for reservoirs on Brent Moor (1899) and Holne Moor (1901) where, later, the Avon Reservoir and Venford Reservoirs were respectively built.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.278}} The DPA's opposition was supported in the [[House of Commons of the United Kingdom|House of Commons]] with argument made regarding the effects on the local water table.<ref>Studholme, Sir Henry. 1959, [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1959/mar/17/torquay-corporation-water-bill-by-order#S5CV0602P0_19590317_HOC_414 "Torbay Corporation (Water) Bill (By Order)"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118094407/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1959/mar/17/torquay-corporation-water-bill-by-order#S5CV0602P0_19590317_HOC_414 |date=18 January 2017 }} HC Deb 17 March 1959 vol 602 cc291-319</ref> The DPA was one of many local and national amenity bodies that fought the building of the Meldon dam.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|289}} The preservation battle for the Meldon valley was recorded in a DPA publication.<ref>"The Meldon Story" Dartmoor Preservation Association, 1972, pp.1-62.</ref> The DPA offered a viable alternative site, Gorhuish Valley, for various reasons, including the fact that minerals such as arsenic would leach into the water supply if Meldon were selected.<ref>Johnson, Carol, 1966. [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1968/oct/24/north-devon-meldon-reservoir-water-order#S5CV0770P0_19681024_CWA_220 "North Devon (Meldon Reservoir) Water Order, 1966"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170118094434/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1968/oct/24/north-devon-meldon-reservoir-water-order#S5CV0770P0_19681024_CWA_220 |date=18 January 2017 }} HC Deb 24 October 1968 vol 770 cc361-2W</ref> The Meldon story was discussed many times in Parliament.<ref>[http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/search/Meldon+Reservoir]{{dead link|date=September 2023|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}} "Hansard Search Results: Meldon Reservoir"</ref> Another battle was fought against the flooding of the Swincombe valley to form another reservoir. This was rejected in parliament in 1970, revived in 1974 and finally resolved by the building of the Roadford Reservoir to the west of the moor. In 1985 the DPA used funds from a bequest to purchase 50 acres of land where the dam of a reservoir at Swincombe would have to be.<ref name="Brewer"/>{{rp|pp.253–4}}
===National Park designation===
The [[National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949]] led to Dartmoor being one of the first four parks to be designated, by an order made on 15 August 1951<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/Geo6/12-13-14/97| title = ''National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949''}}</ref> and confirmed on 30 October 1951.<ref name="dartmoor.gov.uk">{{Cite web |url=http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learningabout/lab-printableresources/lab-factsheetshome/lab-historydartmoor |title="The History of Dartmoor" - Dartmoor National Park Authority website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150708091517/http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learningabout/lab-printableresources/lab-factsheetshome/lab-historydartmoor |archive-date=8 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Shortly after this, the DPA tried to ensure that the new National Park was run by an independent committee and not by the Dartmoor Standing Committee that was a subcommittee of Devon County Council Planning Committee.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.231}} The committee was reformed as Dartmoor National Park Committee under the [[Local Government Act 1972]] but it was still a subcommittee of Devon County Council and as such it was not seen to be an independent guardian of the moor by the DPA. It was not until 1997 that an independent Dartmoor National Park Authority was enabled under the [[Environment Act 1995]] as a free-standing local authority, forty-four years after the park was created, although it is still dominated by local authorities and government appointees.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.231}}<ref>[http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/aboutus/au-theauthority/au-members "Dartmoor National Park Authority: Who Appoints Members?"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722015903/http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/aboutus/au-theauthority/au-members |date=22 July 2015 }} Dartmoor National Park Authority website. Retrieved 1 September 2015.</ref>
===North Hessary Tor TV mast===
The DPA learned in October 1951 that the BBC planned to build a 750-foot television mast on [[North Hessary Tor]], near Princetown, that was erected in 1955. This was to be a relay from a transmitting station at Wenvoe, South Wales. The DPA objected to this threat and sought expert opinion, offered alternative solutions, pressed for a public enquiry, engaged a lawyer, held public meetings, distributed pamphlets, wrote to the press and petitioned parliament.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.233}} Eventually, a public enquiry was announced.<ref name="Kelly" />{{rp|p.238}} When the decision was made to permit the mast, there were a number of conditions, included among them was that the development was built near the tor, leaving it still intact, and that its new approach road should not be fenced. During the process of obtaining land for the transmitter, one MP asked in the House of Commons: "Will the Assistant Postmaster-General bear in mind that we have no desire to hinder the provision of this station but that it is felt that ancient common rights such as these, that have existed for a thousand years, should be adequately protected or properly extinguished by due process of law?"<ref>Hayman, 1954. [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1954/mar/10/station-site-north-hessary-tor] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130101041128/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1954/mar/10/station-site-north-hessary-tor|date=1 January 2013}} "HC Deb 10 March 1954 vol 524 c2223"</ref>
[[File:DPA boundary stone at Sharpitor.JPG|thumb|DPA boundary stone at Sharpitor]]
===Sharpitor===
During World War II, the Royal Air Force (RAF) built a mast and buildings on Peek Hill, as RAF Sharpitor. In 1956, permission was granted to rebuild the station as part of the [[Gee (navigation)|"Gee" radio navigation system]], to be occupied for ten years. There followed delay in leaving and a proposal was made in 1970 by [[Devon and Cornwall Police|Devon & Cornwall Police]] to use the mast, which was rejected. Then later that year Plymouth Corporation wanted to use the exposed site for housing juvenile offenders. This was also rejected, but Plymouth appealed. At a public enquiry in June 1973 [[Sylvia Sayer|Lady Sylvia Sayer]] represented the DPA and permission for development on the site was refused. A few years later, DPA fought successfully in support of South West Water (SWW) against renewed calls for a new reservoir at Swincombe. To mark the victory, Sylvia Sayer asked SWW if DPA could purchase the rocky outcrop of Sharpitor. The DPA purchased 32 acres in February 1984.<ref name = "Brewer"/>{{rp|p.253}}<ref>[http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/about-the-dpa/land/285-the-sharpitor-story "The Sharpitor Story"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813165741/http://dartmoorpreservation.com/about-the-dpa/land/285-the-sharpitor-story |date=13 August 2015 }} - Dartmoor Preservation Association website</ref>
===Okehampton bypass===
Okehampton lies on the A30 main road, the shortest route from London to west Devon and Cornwall. The need for a bypass was mooted in 1963.<ref>[http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learningabout/lab-printableresources/lab-factsheetshome/lab-okehamptonbypass "Okehampton Bypass Fact Sheet"] - Dartmoor National Park Authority website {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150930194307/http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/learningabout/lab-printableresources/lab-factsheetshome/lab-okehamptonbypass |date=30 September 2015 }}</ref> In 1975, three routes were considered: a northern route through mainly farmland, a central route using a railway, and a southern route through Dartmoor National Park. In August 1976, the Department of the Environment announced the preferred route was through the National Park. A major event on the timeline of this project was a 96-day public enquiry from 1 May 1979 to 4 February 1980 held in Okehampton. In March 1984, the DPA with other organisations petitioned Parliament opposing compulsory purchase orders on public open spaces.<ref>Clark, David. 1984. [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1984/nov/22/business-of-the-house#S6CV0068P0_19841122_HOC_186 "Business of the House"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117014113/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1984/nov/22/business-of-the-house#S6CV0068P0_19841122_HOC_186 |date=17 November 2015 }}  HC Deb 22 November 1984 vol 68 cc406-14</ref> The Secretary of State announced in July 1985 that he was introducing a bill to reverse the decision of a Joint Parliamentary Committee and confirm a route through the National Park.<ref>The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Nicholas Ridley). 1985. [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1985/jul/26/okehampton-bypass "Okehampton Bypass"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117064236/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/jul/26/okehampton-bypass |date=17 November 2015 }}  HC Deb 26 July 1985 vol 83 cc1435-41</ref> This was followed by a confirmation bill in November 1985<ref>The Secretary of State for Transport (Mr. Nicholas Ridley). 1985. [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/commons/1985/nov/19/okehampton-bypass-confirmation-of-orders "Okehampton Bypass (Confirmation of Orders) Bill"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015552/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/commons/1985/nov/19/okehampton-bypass-confirmation-of-orders |date=17 November 2015 }}  HC Deb 19 November 1985 vol 87 cc140-224</ref> that was passed in the [[House of Lords]] on 5 December 1985.<ref>The Earl of Caithness. 1985. [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/lords/1985/dec/05/okehampton-bypass-confirmation-of-orders "Okehampton Bypass (Confirmation of Orders) Bill"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117015931/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/lords/1985/dec/05/okehampton-bypass-confirmation-of-orders |date=17 November 2015 }}  HL Deb 05 December 1985 vol 468 cc1412-33</ref> Construction started in November 1986 and the road was opened on 19 July 1988.
==Since 2000==
The DPA continues to follow the same objectives as when it was founded.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/about-the-dpa/constitution| title = "DPA Constitution" - Dartmoor Preservation Association website| access-date = 26 July 2015| archive-date = 19 September 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150919064643/http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/about-the-dpa/constitution| url-status = dead}}</ref> The activities have widened, involving local partners, it has a calendar of events, walks and work days with its Conservation Team undertaking a variety of moorland projects,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/events/forthcoming-events| title = "DPA Events" - Dartmoor Preservation Association website| access-date = 26 July 2015| archive-date = 13 August 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150813205019/http://dartmoorpreservation.com/events/forthcoming-events| url-status = dead}}</ref> it funds the supply of walking boots to some children who need them for the [[Duke of Edinburgh Award Scheme]] through the Moor Boots Scheme,<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://outsidetimes.com/inspired/boots-fund-makes-duke-of-edinburgh-possible-for-devon-students-5703/#RrvcotJyoPEBVPys.97 |title="DPA sets up Moor Boots fund" - Outside Times website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150322125428/http://outsidetimes.com/inspired/boots-fund-makes-duke-of-edinburgh-possible-for-devon-students-5703/#RrvcotJyoPEBVPys.97 |archive-date=22 March 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> it collaborates with the [[Campaign for National Parks]], it monitors the activities of [[Dartmoor National Park Authority]] who run the National Park. It objected to eight planning proposals (with success in seven cases), with many other achievements in the DPA Director's Annual Report.<ref name="dartmoorpreservation.com">{{cite web| url = http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/news-a-publications/archive-news/general-news-archive/280-director-s-report-for-the-2015-agm| title = "Director's Report for the DPA Annual General Meeting 2015" - Dartmoor Preservation Association website| access-date = 26 July 2015| archive-date = 13 August 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150813201548/http://dartmoorpreservation.com/news-a-publications/archive-news/general-news-archive/280-director-s-report-for-the-2015-agm| url-status = dead}}</ref> The DPA remains true to its original objectives and has also added other activities in support of Dartmoor and its inhabitants.
===China clay expansion===
The [[china clay]] industry on Dartmoor was established long before the DPA was founded. The earliest record of a china clay pit refers to Hook Lake in 1502.<ref name="Wade">Wade, E.A. ''The Redlake Tramway & China Clay Works''. Twelveheads Press, Truro, 2004. {{ISBN|0906294096}}.</ref>{{rp|p.7}} The area was surveyed around 1827 by Cornishmen with thirty years experience in the clay industry. They obtained a 21-year lease in 1830, from the [[Earl of Morley]] who owned the land, to work the area between Lee Moor and Shaugh Moor. A rival pit was opened at Leftlake in about 1850 and at Hemerdon and Broomage in about 1855. Further pits were opened at Cholwichtown, Whitehill Yeo and Wigford Down/Brisworthy (circa 1860). Others followed at Smallhanger and Headon in the 1870s.<ref name="Wade"/>{{rp|p.9}} Redlake started working in 1910.<ref name="Harris"/>{{rp|p.96}} China clay pits are open cast mines that result in large holes in the ground accompanied by large waste tips. Over time, the pits become larger and more ground is needed for the waste, changing the landscape: the effect of this can be seen from space.<ref>[https://www.google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=z0ikR9Wtiea0.kR5DL_24GeFw] Google Satellite map of china clay sites on Dartmoor</ref>
The DPA argues that this is an activity that does not agree with the ethos of a National Park, whose purpose is to protect landscape from unsuitable development. In 1994, the National Park boundaries were changed to include common land at Shaugh Moor and exclude china clay worked land at Lee Moor.<ref>Lord Brougham and Vaux. 1994. [[Hansard]] [https://api.parliament.uk/historic-hansard/written-answers/1994/apr/14/dartmoor-national-park-boundary-variation "Dartmoor National Park Boundary Variation"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304101143/http://hansard.millbanksystems.com/written_answers/1994/apr/14/dartmoor-national-park-boundary-variation |date=4 March 2016 }} HL Deb 14 April 1994 vol 553 c100WA</ref> The DPA revived its campaign with the publication of a booklet in 1999 when the Blackabrook Valley, Crownhill Down and Shaugh Moor, near the popular tourist area of Cadover Bridge, all came under threat from exploitation or dumping of waste.<ref>Greeves, 1999, p.9</ref> The china clay companies relinquished planning permissions in 2001.<ref name="dartmoor.gov.uk"/> However, in November 2009, the clay companies, [[Sibelco]] and [[Imerys]], produced a report reviewing old mineral permissions under the [[Environment Act 1995]] with a view to joining up two pits.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.devon.gov.uk/plandoc_39_3652.pdf |title="Lee Moor China Clay Quarry Complex" - Devon County Council website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304043818/http://www.devon.gov.uk/plandoc_39_3652.pdf |archive-date=4 March 2016 |url-status=dead }}</ref> A presumed Bronze Age barrow, known as Emmets Post, was to be removed and three other monuments may be affected. The DPA were recorded twice, with other bodies, in a Devon County Council Development Management Committee Report for their representations in securing the future of the three areas where planning permissions were relinquished in 2001.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.devon.gov.uk/cma_report.htm?cmadoc=report_pte1327.html |title="Devon County Council: Committee Report" - Devon County Council website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150923214038/http://www.devon.gov.uk/cma_report.htm?cmadoc=report_pte1327.html |archive-date=23 September 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> Oxford Archaeology held an open day during their excavation of Emmets Post in 2014 prior to its removal.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://oxfordarchaeology.com/news/oasouth-news/343-open-day-at-emmets-post| title = "Open day at Emmets Post" Oxford Archaeology website| access-date = 26 July 2015| archive-date = 10 September 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150910113256/http://oxfordarchaeology.com/news/oasouth-news/343-open-day-at-emmets-post| url-status = dead}}</ref>
===House of Lords reception===
The DPA and Exmoor Society held a joint reception at the House of Lords on 6 November 2008, hosted by Baroness Mallalieu, to lobby members of both Houses of Parliament and relevant Ministers about ensuring that environmental schemes for the uplands are "fit for purpose". Both organisations funded an invited number of upland hill farmers to attend.<ref>Paxman, James. "DPA News". Dartmoor Matters, No. 168, Winter 2008. p.3. UIN BLL01008562670</ref><ref name="primocat.bl.uk">{{cite web| url = http://primocat.bl.uk/F?func=direct&local_base=ITEMV&doc_number=008562670&con_lng=eng| title = "Dartmoor Matters - British Library Item details", UIN BLL01008562670}}{{Dead link|date=November 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>
===Whitehorse Hill excavation===
The excavation in August 2011 on the north moor of a Bronze Age burial [[kistvaen]], or cist, that was originally uncovered in 2001 was part-funded by the DPA, along with other bodies.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/lookingafter/laf-culturalheritage/whitehorse-hill-burial |title="Whitehorse Hill burial" - Dartmoor National Park Authority website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150722021325/http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/lookingafter/laf-culturalheritage/whitehorse-hill-burial |archive-date=22 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
===South West Uplands Federation Conference===
A conference for the upland farmers of Bodmin Moor, Exmoor and Dartmoor was held as a joint venture between the South West Uplands Federation and the DPA. It was run by the DPA at Exeter Racecourse in October 2012, with 150 delegates. Speakers came from the Foundation for Common Land, the Forest of Dartmoor Commoners, the University of Gloucestershire, the [[National Farmers Union of England and Wales]] and the [[Open Spaces Society]]. The CEO raised sponsorship from Dartmoor National Park, Exmoor National Park, Natural England, Duchy of Cornwall and the Exmoor Society - this reflecting the standing of the DPA with those bodies.<ref name="primocat.bl.uk"/><ref>Cowling, Norman. "South West Uplands Federation Conference". Dartmoor Matters, No. 180, Winter 2012. p.4. UIN BLL01008562670.</ref>
===Undergrounding power cables===
Two major projects to underground overhead power cables in Dartmoor National Park have been completed in a joint project between Western Power Distribution, the South West Protected Landscapes Forum (SWPLF) and Dartmoor National Park Authority. The two schemes on Holne Moor and Walkhampton Common between them remove nearly 6&nbsp;km of overhead line from open moorland. At nearly 5&nbsp;km, the Walkhampton scheme is the largest to be undertaken in the South West region by Western Power Distribution. The old overhead line was readily visible from the B3212 Princetown to Yelverton Road, strung across Walkhampton Common from Devil's Elbow to just above Horseyeatt at Peek Hill. The works to provide the new underground supply were mainly undertaken on the highway to minimise the impact on the sensitive moorland landscape, its archaeology, wildlife and livestock. The DPA has supported the undergrounding of these visually intrusive power lines for many years.<ref>[http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Eyesore-poles-power-cables-removed-Walkhampton/story-22714290-detail/story.html]{{Dead link|date=November 2019|bot=InternetArchiveBot|fix-attempted=yes}} "'Eyesore' of poles and power cables removed from Walkhampton Common and Holne Moor on Dartmoor</ref>
{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:DPA pylons BEFORE.jpg|thumb|Walkhampton Common pylons and power cables before undergrounding]]
| [[File:DPA pylons DURING.jpg|thumb|Walkhampton Common pylons during undergrounding, posing with a cross-cut saw for the local press]]
| [[File:DPA pylons AFTER.jpg|thumb|Walkhampton Common after undergrounding of the power cables]]
|}
===The Dartmoor Conservation Garden===
The Dartmoor Conservation Garden is a joint project between DPA and [[Dartmoor National Park Authority]] (DNPA) and is located in the Jack Wigmore Garden behind the High Moorland Centre in Princetown:<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/vi-planningyourvisit/vi-infocentres/vi-highmoorlandcentre |title="National Park Visitor Centre - Princetown" |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702190739/http://www.dartmoor.gov.uk/visiting/vi-planningyourvisit/vi-infocentres/vi-highmoorlandcentre |archive-date=2 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> this is a memorial garden to a former Chair of the Authority. It is planted with a cross-section of typical native Dartmoor plants. It also houses some typical Dartmoor archaeological features, such as a 4,000-year-old [[Bronze Age]] burial [[kistvaen]] (or cist) and a medieval granite cross from Ter Hill. This marked the Monk's Path but was constantly being pushed over by cattle. The purpose of the Garden is to illustrate the biodiversity on Dartmoor. The project came online in June 2015.<ref>Fleming, Pat. "The Dartmoor Conservation Garden". ''Dartmoor Magazine'', Issue 119 Summer 2015. Moretonhampstead Devon. 2015. {{ISSN|0268-5027}}.</ref>
{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:Cutting bracken in Drake's Plymouth Leat.JPG|thumb|DPA Conservation Team volunteers cutting bracken in Drake's Plymouth Leat, June 2015]]
| [[File:DPA stand at Chagford Fair, with 2nd place Rosette.jpg|thumb|DPA stand at Chagford Fair, with 2nd Place Rosette in the Trade Section for stand presentation, August 2014]]
| [[File:January 2015 cutting scrub on Devonport Leat.JPG|thumb|Conservation Team volunteers clearing scrub on Devonport Leat, January 2015]]
|}
===Widecombe telecommunications mast===
The DPA were involved in a campaign in June 2015 against four telecommunications masts planned for Dartmoor, with the first to be erected in the village of Widecombe. At short notice, the DPA banners were taken out, letters written, press interviews given and support given to the villagers when an inflatable mast was demonstrated – with the effect that the planning application was withdrawn.<ref name="westernmorningnews.co.uk">{{Cite web |url=http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Dartmoor-mobile-phone-mast-plan-pulled-landscape/story-26647842-detail/story.html |title="Dartmoor mobile phone mast plan pulled after landscape opposition" - ''Western Morning News'' website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150721083215/http://www.westernmorningnews.co.uk/Dartmoor-mobile-phone-mast-plan-pulled-landscape/story-26647842-detail/story.html |archive-date=21 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref>
[[File:Friends of Dartmoor Car Sticker.jpg|thumb|Friends of Dartmoor Car Sticker]]
===Friends of Dartmoor===
In common with other amenity bodies, such as those for the Lake District,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.friendsofthelakedistrict.org.uk/| title = "Friends of the Lake District" website}}</ref> Peak District,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk/| title = "Friends of the Peak District" website| access-date = 26 July 2015| archive-date = 21 September 2015| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150921232450/http://www.friendsofthepeak.org.uk/| url-status = dead}}</ref> Pembrokeshire Coast,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.fpcnp.org.uk/| title = "Friends of the Pembrokeshire Coast National Park" website}}</ref> Yorkshire Dales Three Peaks<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/looking-after/howyoucanhelp/friends-of-the-three-peaks |title="Friends of the Three Peaks" website |access-date=26 July 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150702163042/http://www.yorkshiredales.org.uk/looking-after/howyoucanhelp/friends-of-the-three-peaks |archive-date=2 July 2015 |url-status=dead }}</ref> and the New Forest Trust,<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.newforesttrust.org.uk/friend| title = "Become a Friend of the New Forest Trust" web page}}</ref> the image of Dartmoor Preservation Association is evolving from its Victorian origins, although the original name is being retained. Friends of Dartmoor projects a more modern image of preservation where several years of diplomacy have achieved good relations with the partner agencies that operate in the Dartmoor arena. This is due mainly to the efforts of the previous CEO, James Paxman<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/news-a-publications/dpa-news-items1|title=Dartmoor Preservation Association - Friends of Dartmoor|access-date=26 July 2015|archive-date=13 August 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150813204635/http://dartmoorpreservation.com/news-a-publications/dpa-news-items1|url-status=dead}}</ref> and his successor, Phil Hutt.<ref name="dartmoorpreservation.com"/>
===Constitution, objectives and policies===
The DPA Constitution, objectives and policies are published on the DPA web site.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/about-the-dpa/policies| title = "DPA Policies" - Dartmoor Preservation Association website| access-date = 18 June 2014| archive-date = 6 November 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141106193815/http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/about-the-dpa/policies| url-status = dead}}</ref>
The objectives enshrined in the constitution are the protection, preservation and enhancement in the public interest of the landscape, antiquities, flora and fauna, natural beauty, cultural heritage and scientific interest of Dartmoor. Also the protection and preservation of public access to and on Dartmoor subject to the ancient rights of commoners. Co-operation with the commoners and any organisation in achieving DPA objectives, also the study of and the recording and publication of information upon the antiquities, history and natural history of Dartmoor.
The DPA has twenty-two policies listed on its web site: regarding access and rights of way, fencing, protecting monuments, diverse habitats, bracken, china clay quarrying, military training and live firing, hill farming and small scale traditional local industries, quarrying, television and telephone masts, wind farms, planning applications, housing developments, woodlands and forestry, ponies, swaling, and recreational activities.<ref>{{cite web| url = http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/about-the-dpa/policies| title = "Policies of the DPA" - Dartmoor Preservation website| access-date = 18 June 2014| archive-date = 6 November 2014| archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20141106193815/http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/about-the-dpa/policies| url-status = dead}}</ref>
===Conservation===
The DPA conservation team meet throughout the year to work on a number of ongoing projects; from gorse clearance, to habitat protection and archaeological surveying. A quarterly timetable is released both on the organisation's website and through its member publications, along with details of how to get involved. The team also host an annual open day at the DPA land holding of Pudsham Meadows.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Dartmoor Preservation Association - Friends of Dartmoor |url=https://www.dartmoorpreservation.co.uk/ |access-date=2022-10-05 |language=en-US}}</ref>
{|style="margin: 0 auto;"
| [[File:1966 logo with Nuns Cross.jpg|thumb|DPA logo from 1966, with Nun's Cross incorporated]]
| [[File:1969 logo.jpg|thumb|DPA logo from 1969]]
|
|}
[[File:DPA Logo 2023.jpg|thumb|204x204px|2023 Logo including the original reference to Nun's Cross in minimalist form]]
==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
==Further reading==
* Brewer, Dave. ''Dartmoor Boundary Markers''. Halsgrove. Tiverton, Devon, 2002. {{ISBN|1841141720}}
* Crossing, William. ''Crossing’s Dartmoor Worker''. 2nd Edn. Peninsula Press, Newton Abbot, Devon, 1992. {{ISBN|1872640206}}
* Dartmoor Preservation Association. "The Meldon Story". DPA Publication No. 7. Crapstone, Plymouth, 1972. UIN BLL01004145656.
* Greeves, Tom. ''Tin Mines and Miners of Dartmoor: A Photographic Record''. Devon Books, Kingkerswell, Devon, 1986. {{ISBN|9780861147663}}.
* Greeves, Tom. "Sacred Land – Working Land: the case for the preservation of the Blackabrook Valley, Crownhill Down and Shaugh Moor from the expansion of the china clay industry." Dartmoor Preservation Association, Princetown, 1999. {{ISBN|095013869X}}.
* Harris, Helen. ''Industrial Archaeology of Dartmoor''. David & Charles, Newton Abbot, Devon, 1968. {{ISBN|0715343025}}.
* Hemery, Eric. ''High Dartmoor''. Robert Hale Ltd, London, 1983. {{ISBN|0709188595}}
* Kelly, Matthew. ''Quartz and Feldspar: Dartmoor - A British Landscape in Modern Times'', Jonathan Cape, London, 2015. {{ISBN|9780224091138}}
* Moore, Stuart A. "A short history of the rights of common upon the Forest of Dartmoor and the commons of Devon". Dartmoor Preservation Association, Plymouth, 1890. {{ISBN|0950138649}}
* Newman, Phil. ''The Dartmoor Tin Industry: A Field Guide''. Newton Abbot, Devon, 1968. {{ISBN|0953270807}}.
* Somers Cocks, John. "Exploitation". In ''Dartmoor: A New Study''. Editor Crispin Gill. David & Charles, Newton Abbot Devon, 1970. {{ISBN|0715350412}}.
* Somers Cocks, J. "A Dartmoor Century 1883-1983: One hundred years of the Dartmoor Preservation Association". Dartmoor Preservation Association. Yelverton, Devon, 1983. {{ISBN|0950138649}}.
* Stanbrook, Elisabeth. ''Dartmoor Forest Farms''. Devon Books, Kinkerswell, 1994. {{ISBN|0861148878}}
* Wade, E.A. ''The Redlake Tramway & China Clay Works''. Twelveheads Press, Truro, 2004. {{ISBN|0906294096}}.
*{{cite book
| title=Worth's Dartmoor
| last = Worth
| first = R. N.
| editor1-last = Spooner
| editor1-first = G. M.
| editor2-last = Russell
| editor2-first = F. S.
| editor2-link = F. S. Russell
| year=1967
| publisher=David & Charles
| isbn= 0715351486
| location=Newton Abbot}}
==External links==
* [http://www.cnp.org.uk/ Campaign for National Parks website]
* [http://apps.charitycommission.gov.uk/Showcharity/RegisterOfCharities/CharityFramework.aspx?RegisteredCharityNumber=215665&SubsidiaryNumber=0 Charity Commission Register: Dartmoor Preservation Association]
* [http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com Dartmoor Preservation Association website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080514151210/http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com/ |date=14 May 2008 }}
[[Category:Dartmoor]]
[[Category:Organizations established in 1883]]
[[Category:1883 establishments in England]]
[[Category:Charities based in Devon]]
[[Category:Nature conservation organisations based in the United Kingdom]]