An independent voice and a forum for debate for those who find Dartmoor a source of livelihood or inspiration

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Forthcoming Events

The following events have been organised for 2010. More details can be found in our Newsletters. Please note that some events are members only and are indicated as such below. Booking forms for future events are available on the website once the current newsletter has been sent out with forms.

To book a place on any of the events please sign in to the Member Centre and click the Book Event button. When you are signed in you will see Book Now buttons below which can also be used to book online.

Alternatively you can download, print and post a booking form.


Lydford Arts Day

Saturday 4th September, 10:00am – 5:00pm, Nicholls Hall, Lydford

A celebration of Lydford artists and the Widgerys

Speakers will include acclaimed artist Nick Collier on artists inspired by the Lydford area since the 18th century, and Martin Stephens-Hodge on Dartmoor painters father and son William Widgery (1826–1893) and Frederick John Widgery (1861–1942). In the afternoon artist Lucy Turmaine will demonstrate artist’s techniques at a moorland location favoured by the Widgerys (this will involve a rough moorland walk totalling 2–3 miles from High Down), and the event will end with an optional cream tea at the Lydford House Hotel (built for William Widgery).

There will be displays in the Nicholls Hall. Participants will make their own arrangements for lunch. Booking is essential.

£4.00 per person (including coffee) or £5 for non-members, with a chance to book a cream tea separately for an additional £4

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Exmoor Mires Restoration Project

Saturday 18th September, 11:00am – 4:00pm, meet at crossroads at Kinsford Gate (SS 739366) north of Heasley Mill, North Molton

Dr David Smith, Mires Restoration Project Officer, Exmoor National Park, has invited members of The Dartmoor Society to visit Exmoor to look at the work they have been doing for four years to ‘rewet’ some 300ha of moorland. This will be a very good opportunity to compare work on Dartmoor with that on Exmoor. A selection of sites will be visited, both restored and some yet to be worked on.

Bring a picnic lunch and clothing suitable for moorland walking, 3–5 miles. Wellington boots recommended. Dogs welcome but must be kept on leads at all times.

No charge but please book so that we have an idea of numbers and can arrange car sharing where possible.

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13th Dartmoor Society Debate - What Future For Dartmoor's Woodlands?

Saturday 23rd October, 9:45am – 5:30pm, Dolphin Hotel, Bovey Tracey & Yarner Wood

Dartmoor’s woodlands are astonishingly varied and include ecological and cultural evidence of thousands of years of natural and human adaptation and use. Indigenous broadleaved valley woodland contrasts with the high moorland coniferous plantations of the 20th century. This day is intended as a celebration of these woodlands and an opportunity to discuss their future as sustainable resources. A field trip to Yarner Wood (England’s first National Nature Reserve) will explore modern management of both the natural and cultural environment.

9.45 am WELCOME

10.00 am Norman Baldock, Principal Ecologist, Dartmoor National Park Authority: ‘The Wildlife of Dartmoor’s Woodlands’

10.30 am Dr Tom Greeves, cultural environmentalist:
‘The Cultural Content of Dartmoor’s Woodlands’

11.00 am Coffee

11.30 am Sustainable Management of Dartmoor’s Woodlands – 5 x Case Studies:

  • Adrian Colston, General Manager, National Trust, Dartmoor: ‘Management of the Teign Valley Woodlands’
  • Chris Marrow, Forest Management Director, Forestry Commission: ‘The Management of the Forestry Commission’s woodlands on Dartmoor’
  • Steward Wood Community: ‘Living in a Sustainable Woodland’
  • (plus 2 x other speakers to be confirmed)

1.15 pm Buffet Lunch

2.00 pm Depart for visit to Yarner Wood (Guide: Simon Lee of Natural England)

4.00 pm Return for cream tea

4.30 pm Discussion

5.30 pm Close

Prior booking essential.

£15.00 per person (£17 for non-members) to include, coffee, buffet lunch and tea, and coach transport to and from Yarner Wood.

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Research Lecture: 'Sustainable Carbon Management of British Blanket Peatlands: a case Study on Dartmoor' by Lauren Parry

Wednesday 17th November, Exeter University

Details to be confirmed.

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Dartmoor Society Revel with Wren Music and others

Saturday 11th December, 7:30pm, Chagford Jubilee Hall

Details to follow.

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