Dartmoor NP is turning 75 – and they’re celebrating!
Dartmoor National Park was officially designated on 30th October 1951, which means that it’s turning 75 this month!
They’re asking for the public to get involved by sharing their Dartmoor memories and celebrating with them. Let’s look at this birthday and how you can get involved!
Where the National Parks idea came from
Dartmoor was one of the UK’s first national parks, but not the first – that was the Peak District.
The story of the National Parks begins 19 years before the Peak District – and Dartmoor – became one. In 1932, the Kinder Scout Tresspass was organised by a group of young hikers. They wanted to push the belief that the outdoors should be accessible to all.
After World War Two, this action eventually resulted in the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act of 1949, which ultimately led to the framework of Britain’s National Parks and National Landscapes.
Dartmoor is one of 15 National Parks across the UK with this status today!
Dartmoor’s landscape
But, of course, Dartmoor is much older than its national park status! In fact, there is evidence of over 10,000 years of human activity here today. Plus, it has fascinating geological history.
How to join the celebrations
Dartmoor National Park Authority is marking the anniversary with a year of events and activities, which cumulate this month!
- 75th Anniversary Prize Draw
- Guided walks and talks led by the Dartmoor National Park Ranger Team
- Limited edition products at the Haytor and Postbridge visitor centres
- A special edition of the Enjoy Dartmoor visitor magazine
- Family-friendly events running throughout the year
They’re also asking anyone who has a link to Dartmoor to share their own stories, photos and memories on social media using #DNP75.
The prize draw, and a report on 75 years of National Parks
The 75th Anniversary Prize Draw is packed with prizes donated by local businesses and partner organisations.
It’s operated by Dartmoor Futures, a charity set up to support people and nature on Dartmoor, with proceeds going toward that work.
Tickets cost £2 each, 3 for £5, or 10 for £15, available at the Haytor and Postbridge visitor centres or online.
The four oldest National Parks
Because Dartmoor National Park was inaugrated in the first wave of National Parks, it’s one of four that is marking its 75th birthday this year.
The four parks are:
- Peak District
- Lake District
- Eryri (Snowdonia)
- Dartmoor
They have jointly published an independent report, written by Andrew McCloy, describing National Park landscapes as “vital” for the nation’s connection with nature. The full report, “75 years of National Parks: A Celebration and a Look Forward,” is free to read online.
Read more about Dartmoor
If you’re planning a visit during this special year, I have a few posts about Dartmoor that will help!
- my full list of things to do in Dartmoor
- an epic 3 Days in Dartmoor Itinerary
- what you need to know about wild camping on Dartmoor
- Discover Dartmoor’s Hairy Hands
- Dartmoor Rules (things you should NOT do here)
- How to visit Becky Falls
- How to take an Exeter to Dartmoor Train Day Trip
- Discover Grimspound, an ancient Dartmoor settlement
- my list of things to Do in Okehampton
- the beautiful Lydford Gorge on the edge of Dartmoor
- the historic Postbridge Clapper Bridge on Dartmoor
- wonderful things to Do in Lydford
