Dartmoor campaign-groups urge National Park Authority to back call for inquiry into military training on Dartmoor

1 March 2007

The Dartmoor Preservation Association (1) and the Council for National Parks (2) have called on members of the Dartmoor National Park Authority to back their call for a public inquiry into military training on Dartmoor.  The authority will discuss military training on Dartmoor at its meeting on Friday 2 March.

Says Ruth Chambers, Acting Chief Executive of the Council for National Parks: ‘The Council for National Parks has recently published a research report, A continuing need? Military training and the Dartmoor National Park, in which it highlights the fundamental conflict between some military training-activities and National Parks. 

‘In particular, it calls for an independent inquiry into military training on Dartmoor, as part of the consideration of the review of the licences between the military and the Duchy of Cornwall, which expire in 2012.  Military training on Dartmoor involves live firing which restricts public access and results in buildings, roads, flagpoles, signs and other general clutter – all an eyesore in this wilderness, and in conflict with National Park purposes.

Says Jonathan Cardale, Chief Executive of the Dartmoor Preservation Association ‘We are not arguing against maintaining our armed forces at the necessary level, and providing them with the training they need.  But we are concerned that there has not been an independent inquiry into the military’s use of the Dartmoor National Park, since the Sharp Report some 30 years ago.  The licences have been renewed time after time, without any opportunity to judge whether it is appropriate – from the public or the military’s point of view – for the military to train on Dartmoor.  This is a National Park, renowned for its natural beauty and the peace and wilderness it provides for the public.

‘Such an inquiry would not only give full consideration to whether it is appropriate for the military to continue using Dartmoor, but would also examine ways in which the impact of training might be reduced and public access increased, even if the inquiry decides that there is no alternative for the moment but to renew the military training licence in 2012.

‘We are greatly encouraged that the National Park Authority officers in the paper for Friday’s meeting, are recommending to members that they welcome the Council for National Parks’ report.  The officers reiterate the Authority’s position: “to retain the principle of ultimate withdrawal of military use damaging to national park purposes on Dartmoor, as soon as this can be achieved consistent with the nation’s defence needs”.

‘We hope to be able to work with the authority in seeking the best possible solution for Dartmoor, and that the authority will agree with us that this is most suitably achieved through a public inquiry.’

Notes to editors

1.  The DPA is a charity that works to protect the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Dartmoor, to preserve a landscape can be enjoyed by the nation.

2.  CNP is the national charity which works to protect and enhance the National Parks of England and Wales and areas that merit National Park status and promote understanding and quiet enjoyment of them for the benefit of all.

For further details contact

Jonathan Cardale, DPA Office: 01822 890 646,  Home: 01803 752 873,  Mobile: 07719 595 809

Ruth Chambers, CNP Tel 07769 676 397

David Murray, CNP Tel 020 7924 4077 ext. 232

For press queries please contact:
Ruth Chambers, Head of Policy on
020 7924 4077 ext. 222