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Fund raising

£130,000 in Public Donations to Make Dartmoor More Accessible After Wild Camping Victory

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

A court victory earlier this year allowing wild camping on Dartmoor has led to a surge in public donations, totalling more than £130,000, which will be used to increase accessibility on the national park. Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) can claim 60 to 90 per cent of these costs, as the successful outcome means the authority is not responsible for the full £400,000 estimated costs. DNPA's chief executive, Dr. Kevin Bishop, called the result a "significant and welcome win" for the park and its supporters.

Key Takeaways:

  • The court victory establishes the public's right to access Dartmoor commons for open-air recreation, including camping, as long as they follow a code of conduct and camp according to a map.
  • Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA) raised over £130,000 in public donations for legal fees, but the successful outcome means DNPA will claim 60 to 90 per cent of those costs.
  • The donated funds will be used for access and outreach projects, in line with DPA's wishes.
  • Plans for the use of the donated funds include hiring an outreach ranger to work with disadvantaged young people and supporting the 'Nights Under The Stars' project, which allows young carers to stay on a Dartmoor farm.
  • The DNPA will meet with DPA on Thursday to discuss how the money will be spent.

Statistics:

  • £400,000: The estimated costs of the three hearings related to the wild camping case.
  • £130,000: The total amount of public donations raised for legal fees.
  • 60-90%: The percentage of costs that DNPA can claim due to the successful outcome.
  • 4,000 acres: The size of the estate owned by the Darwells, who challenged the right to wild camp in the Supreme Court.

Sources:

  • [Source 1] "Fewer talking therapy referrals made in Devon as waits for treatment vary significantly across England"
  • [Source 2] "Nearly 1 in 5 people have considered moving due to ASB, research shows"
  • [Source 3] "Record number of Devon patients using NHS app to manage healthcare"
  • [Source 4] "Eat That Frog raises hundreds for Cancer Research thanks to charity fun day"
  • [Source 5] Dawlish Today (https://www.dawlish-today.co.uk/)

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