People passionate about Dartmoor can once again help shape the National Park's long-term ambitions through a major new public consultation.
“The review of the partnership plan aims to bring forward a comprehensive suite of outcomes and targets that articulate how collective efforts will ensure a thriving future for Dartmoor and its unique qualities.
"Coming in the 75th year of Dartmoor’s designation as a National Park, the next stage of public consultation represents an exciting opportunity for people who care for this incredible landscape to contribute to give their views. Do the proposed priorities reflect what matters most? Are any outcomes missing, or is there a target people feel is particularly important?
“This is an important opportunity for people to get involved. Feedback will inform how partners prioritise work to care for and protect Dartmoor in coming years. I'd urge anyone who cares for Dartmoor to have a say."
The Dartmoor Partnership Plan reflects the purposes and duty of the National Park. The draft plan outlines bold ambitions for how the landscape will be conserved, enhanced and enjoyed from 2027 to 2032. It covers nature, farming, cultural heritage, access, climate change, business and other key issues.
By law, every protected landscape must prepare a plan of this nature. They are prepared, published and reviewed every five years by National Park Authorities or National Landscapes (formerly called Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty).The current Dartmoor Partnership Plan, adopted in 2021, is being reviewed.
Because it is a long-term strategy for the place, not one single organisation, work is led by the Dartmoor Partnership Plan Board. The board brings together a wide range of organisations and individuals, all who care about Dartmoor and want to see it thrive.
From Monday 12 October, people can complete a questionnaire. This will be published on the Authority’s website. Paper copies will be available at the Authority’s main office at Parke and from the National Park Visitor Centres at Haytor and Postbridge. Large print is available on request by contacting partnershipplan@dartmoor.gov.uk
The Authority will also host drop-in sessions in key locations. Details will be shared soon. People can stay up to date by signing up for newsletters or following the Authority on social media.
Dartmoor is an iconic place of tor-topped moorland, river valleys, rare wildlife, rich archaeology, varied geology, upland farming and ancient customs. It is also a living, working environment with a myriad of landowners, land agents, commoners, farmers, charities, businesses, recreation organisations and communities.
Its many qualities meant it was officially designated as a National Park on 30 October 1951. The designation is for the benefit of the nation and in recognition of a landscape’s natural beauty, wildlife and historic interest.
Today Dartmoor is one of 15 National Parks in the UK. 2026 marks Dartmoor’s diamond anniversary, a milestone that’s being celebrated through a range of events and activities.
The Dartmoor Partnership Plan recognises the collective effort of many organisations, communities and individuals working together will help protect Dartmoor’s special qualities and deliver the purposes for which it was granted National Park status.
In 2025, a public survey brought in 2,654 responses highlighting priorities and challenges. These included climate change and biodiversity decline alongside opportunities for greater public access, active travel, nature restoration and sustainable farming.
This has been followed by workshops, discussions with farmers and talks with local organisations. Information has been collated into reports on the Partnership Plan website alongside review assessments and background papers. The final version of the plan which is expected to be formally adopted by the Authority in 2027.
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