http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news en-us Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:04:00 +0100 Tue, 24 Aug 2010 22:04:00 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/rss CWCMS info@dartmoorsociety.com info@dartmoorsociety.com 3600 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry32 The Dartmoor Society is hosting a special day at the Nicholls Hall, Lydford from 10.00am on Saturday 4th September, which will appeal to all who have an interest in Dartmoor artists, whether historical or contemporary. Speakers will include acclaimed artist Nick Collier, former Director of Arts at Kelly College, on artists inspired by the Lydford area since the 18th century, and  art teacher 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 of artwork in the Nicholls Hall. Participants will make their own arrangements for lunch. Dr Tom Greeves, Chairman of the Dartmoor Society, said, ‘This will be a unique event, held in Lydford, the ancient capital of Dartmoor, celebrating artists connected with the village and western Dartmoor. Artists William and F.J. Widgery are hugely popular and had intimate links with Lydford. The day includes a moorland walk to visit places where the Widgerys actually painted, and also a demonstration of their techniques. Displays will enhance the whole experience’. Programme 10.00 – Arrival & Displays.10.20 – Welcome.10.25 – Nick Collier: ‘Painters of Western Dartmoor, Past & Present’.11.15 – Coffee & Displays.11.45 – Martin Stephens-Hodge: ‘The Widgerys from the perspective of a modern artist’.12.30 – Lunch – participants to make their own arrangements.13.45 – Assemble at High Down for a Visit to the Lyd Valley with Lucy Turmaine.16.15 – Cream Tea at Lydford House Hotel.17.00 – Finish. Booking is essential. The cost of the day (including coffee) is £4 members/£5 non-members, with a chance to book a cream tea separately for an additional £4. For more details or to book please see our Events page. Tue, 24 Aug 2010 21:57:41 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry32 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry31 Brief reports expressing our concerns about works to ‘rewet’ Dartmoor’s blanket peat have appeared in Newsletter 34, pp5–7 and 35, p13. A new phase of activity is about to be launched. A 5½-page report went to Dartmoor National Park Authority on 8 January 2010, revealing that between £1 million and £1.3 million is to be allocated to Dartmoor National Park by South West Water towards a 5-year project commencing on 1 April 2010, now titled ‘Mires on the Moors Project’. The project will ‘develop plans for and implement restoration of around 110 hectares of blanket bog within the Forest of Dartmoor, in consultation with stakeholders.’ The report states baldly that there are areas ‘where erosion is seriously reducing the quality of Dartmoor’s blanket bogs’ and that ‘most of Dartmoor’s blanket bogs have been damaged or threatened by encroaching erosion’. We have requested data and evidence to support these statements and so far have been sent some rather unconvincing ground images. We are seeking further evidence to support these claims. Dr Tom Greeves wrote to Dr Kevin Bishop, Chief Executive of DNPA, in January 2010 requesting formally that The Dartmoor Society should have representation on the proposed Project Board, especially as we are the only body to have organised highly relevant public debates on Dartmoor’s Vegetation (2006) and Dartmoor’s Water Resources (2008), as well as hosting a Research Lecture on ‘Climatic & Environmental Change on Dartmoor’ by Dr Ralph Fyfe in 2007 – all of which have been published in our Newsletter and/or website. He replied saying that he would be ‘keen to ensure that we find a mechanism whereby the experience, enthusiasm and contacts of Dartmoor Society members can be used to support and guide the Dartmoor Mires Project along with the views of other partners’, and said that he would discuss our formal request with funding partners in mid-February. Of significant concern is the fact that existing works on Amicombe Hill and Blackabrook Down, and proposed works on Winney’s Down, are all ‘Works on Common Land’ and fall under the remit of the Commons Act 2006. Large quantities of timber are involved in making the dams (some 200 on Blackabrook Down alone), carbon-emitting vehicles are used, and the turf itself is partly broken to consolidate dams. Consent from the Secretary of State (via the Planning Inspectorate) is required (Commons Act 2006 Section 38) for ‘restricted works’ which include ‘any that prevent or impede access to or over the land. They include fencing, buildings, structures, ditches, trenches, embankments and other works, where the effect of those works is to prevent or impede access’. Several graziers are very concerned about the impact of the dams on grazing, on the lears (traditional grazing areas to which animals are attached), and difficulties for movement of cattle and sheep through the newly wetted zones. There are also issues affecting archaeological features and general access for the public. Unlawful works under the Act include those that ‘could compromise the cultural, conservation or recreational value, or the openness of the common.’ On 2 December 2009 Professor Ian Mercer stated at a meeting of the Commoners’ Council (of which he is Chairman) that ‘the damming [on Amicombe Hill and Blackabrook Down] has not gone through the right legal processes’. Dr Tom Greeves wrote to Prof. Mercer on 9 December requesting ‘that the Commoners’ Council, as the statutory body with responsibility for management of the commons of Dartmoor, takes the lead in ensuring that formal application is made by all parties concerned to the Secretary of State for existing and any future planned works on the blanket bog of Dartmoor’. Not surprisingly, Natural England apparently believes the works are exempt. However, this has not been put to the test and, under the Commons Act 2006, ‘Anyone undertaking exempt works must confirm that those works come within the terms of the exemption by posting a notice on site and informing the Secretary of State’. To our knowledge no such notice has been posted at Amicombe, Blackabrook or Winney’s Down. Under the Act ‘if works are carried out that go beyond the scope of an exemption, then any person may take enforcement action against them’. We believe that application for consent for these works should be made. Under the Act, ‘Applicants must advertise their proposals and make copies of plans available for inspection locally so that the public can make representations’. There is scope for a public local inquiry or hearing and it seems that such an inquiry would be appropriate in this case, given the scale of the works involved, uncertainties about their purpose and efficacy, and significant concerns among graziers and the general public relating to grazing, access and cultural heritage. We have no objection to the pure research elements of the project (e.g. dating of the peat) but believe the project as a whole is yet another instance of external bodies interfering on Dartmoor, driven by the availability of large sums of money. The momentum derived from funding, the fashionable pursuit of carbon management and the ‘partnership’ label can, as appears to have happened in this case, lead to a high-handed and arrogant approach, lacking in sensitivity to the traditional users of the ground, and the land itself, which would not have been tolerated if another body had suggested such works on common land. Professor Mercer is seeking further guidance and clarification from the Planning Inspectorate. Meanwhile, we ask members to be alert to any advertised notices for consent, or exemption from consent, on the ground or in newspapers. We welcome any information regarding these notices or any comments from members regarding the project in general. Tom Greeves Thu, 05 Aug 2010 20:37:18 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry31 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=06#blogEntry30 The Dartmoor Society (hereafter ‘The Society’) was established in 1998 and now has more than 600 members.  It is not a ‘national park’ society but is ‘an independent voice for those who find Dartmoor a source of livelihood or inspiration’. Its charitable aims are educational in the broadest sense. The Society notes [final para of ‘Context’] that the European Landscape Convention definition of landscape is claimed to form the basis of the approach to management of AONBs and National Parks in England, emphasising ‘the integration of people and nature over time, and the importance of involving local communities living in or near them in their management’. While applauding the principle, the Society finds that actual management, at least in the context of Dartmoor, falls far short of this ideal. Paragraph 4 under ‘Issues’ states that the ‘character of designated landscapes is generally being maintained or enhanced’, based on evidence from the mid-1990s. The Society believes this statement is now woefully out of date as the management of the moorland areas of Dartmoor have reached a critically damaging state (especially in terms of hill farming culture, the cultural heritage and access – see below). There needs to be impartial research to assess the present condition of designated landscapes in terms of human culture as well as ecological health. The Society believes (re paragraph 5 under ‘Issues’) that there is a fundamental problem with the ‘natural beauty designation criterion’ of protected landscapes and that this needs radical reappraisal and probably new legislation. IUCN ‘Category V Classification’ (paragraph 8 under ‘Issues’). The Society is surprised at the claim that there is ‘insufficient attention to nature conservation objectives’ in protected areas. On Dartmoor the opposite is true, with ‘nature conservation’ dominating agricultural and land management policy relating to moorland, with a consequent detrimental effect on hill farming, on cultural heritage and on access, largely through a rapid overgrowth of vegetation. If a new principle was established that nature conservation should ‘take priority over other objectives in cases of conflict’ this would exacerbate the situation on Dartmoor and would undermine and limit ‘holistic’ approaches which integrate nature and culture. The Society believes that greater emphasis needs to be placed on nature conservation, and other conservation measures, in the ‘ordinary’ landscape and unprotected areas of country, town and city, in order to prevent so-called protected landscapes becoming ‘reserves’ surrounded by increasingly degraded landscapes. Policy 1 – the mention (regarding England’s ‘nationally protected landscapes’) of ‘a healthy and accessible natural environment’ without reference to any other interests (e.g. cultural environment) is flawed as it has little meaning on the ground. The statement (para 2) that ‘England’s system of landscape designations affords the highest level of statutory protection for our nationally important landscapes’ is highly debatable. What precise protection does national park or AONB status bring? – on Dartmoor and elsewhere a ‘national park’ label has done nothing to protect hill farming culture nor has it prevented the calamitous overgrowth of vegetation on much of the moorland. There needs to be a debate as to whether national park and AONB designations are really appropriate in the 21st century when there is an urgent need to treat all land with equal care in respect of our natural and cultural heritage. Policy 2 – the stated aim that protected landscapes ‘should demonstrate exemplary environmental management’ is a principle the Society supports but, within Dartmoor, despite 60 years of existence as a national park, this goal seems almost as far away as it was in 1951 (when Dartmoor was designated) with the national park being openly hostile to some environmentally sustainable enterprises, and having a very poor record on conservation of historic buildings (especially those of more recent  date), having a housing policy that has allowed a great increase in dwellings, and being generally ineffective when dealing with Natural England and/or DEFRA. Policy 3 – the Society welcomes the acknowledgement of ‘the legally vague concept of “natural beauty” ’ (para 3). This should be done away with altogether as almost meaningless. What is meant by ‘a more transparent and meaningful duty of care’ (para 4)?  Policy 4 – the Society welcomes the statement (para 3) that ‘the family of landscape designations cannot grow indefinitely’. There are far too many overlapping and confusing designations. What is needed is overarching legislation that protects every piece of land from inappropriate development by requiring a period of pause and rigorous analysis of information about the qualities that that land contains (in terms of ecology and culture in the broadest sense). As a starting point in the planning process there should be a presumption against development until its proposed benefits can be demonstrated as overriding any ecological and cultural values the land contains. Policy 5 – Heritage Coasts. The Society has no specific view on this policy. Policy 6 – the Society welcomes the statement (para 2) that ‘agri-environment schemes must be clearly working’. In the case of Dartmoor’s moorland, they have been disastrous in the past 15 years or so. Natural England and DEFRA should in future play a purely advisory role, assisting the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council. The latter has a statutory brief (under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985) to manage the moorland, which is reinforced in Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Management Plan 2007-2012 (December 2007), p.31 which states ‘Under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, the Dartmoor Commoners’ Council governs the exercise of common rights, animal husbandry and vegetation management on the commons’. This seems clearcut, but Natural England and DEFRA have usurped this role and have applied quite inappropriate land management and husbandry policies (re grazing and burning) with (in the words of a Dartmoor hillfarmer) ‘total ignorance and frightening arrogance which has left a deep wound on both Dartmoor and the farming community.’ Policy 7 – European Landscape Convention. The Society endorses the need for ‘Exemplary management, knowledge and good practice’ of all landscapes, and advocates a radical change in the whole culture of management of protected landscapes. The Society believes that the very label ‘national park’ can lead to woolly, comfortable and mediocre thinking, and that there needs to be debate about removing it, as being both unnecessary and potentially damaging for the sound management of Dartmoor and the non-designated areas surrounding it. Tom Greeves Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:29:17 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=06#blogEntry30 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=06#blogEntry29 In Newsletter 35, June 2009 p.14, reference was made to the comments made on the new  Development Management & Delivery Development Plan Document 2006–2026 (DMD). The aim of the new document is to provide ‘extra detail’ and ‘more strategic guidance’ for the Core Strategy policies. Dr Tom Greeves has responded to the consultation document on behalf of The Dartmoor Society and the full response is shown below. The present document is in three separate A4 parts, totalling 106 pages. No fewer than 69 Topics are highlighted, often with multiple questions which the consultee is invited to answer. Reference is often made to policies which are set out in detail in the DNP Local Plan First Review 1995–2011 (adopted October 2004) and summarised on pp.76–82 (Annex 1) of the Core Strategy. Specific response to selected Topics in Part I – Development Management Policies Topic 1 – regarding renewable energy there is an urgent need for a DNPA policy to draw up and implement a Renewable Energy Strategy for the whole of the national park. There should be a policy which encourages ‘permaculture’ developments (such as that at Steward Wood near Moretonhampstead) as a means of demonstrating alternative ways of living that have minimal impact on the environment. At this stage such developments should be given temporary permissions (with the possibility of renewal) so that their achievements can be properly monitored. Topic 2 – a Moorland Policy is needed which is more flexible than Local Plan (LP) Policy ML1 in order to reflect the needs of genuinely sustainable moorland communities. This policy should include the possibility of small-scale stone-cutting, peat cutting and even mineral exploitation to provide specific resources for local needs. Topic 6 – Built Environment. The Society would support a policy which identified buildings of ‘special local interest’ which might not be listed under national criteria. There is an urgent need to recognise the importance of 20th century buildings, including those built of non-‘traditional’ materials and form, which are part of the social and architectural history of Dartmoor. Topic 8 – it would certainly be useful to have policies on carbon reduction and energy efficiency measures and satellite dishes on historic buildings, and on public art. Topic 9 – Heritage Assets. Policies committing DNPA to provide detailed information to the parish level about the historic and cultural environment of each settlement and parish would be welcome e.g. on the parish boundary, on tithe map field names, on known archaeological features and on historic buildings. A policy is needed which recognises that new discoveries and interpretations will continually be made. Topic 10 – Premier Archaeological Landscapes. There is no need for specific development management policies for these areas as their wellbeing depends largely on sufficient numbers of grazing animals and a regular programme of swaling. In other words, their management is inextricably linked to the wellbeing of farming communities. Topic 11 – Pre-development archaeological evaluation.  LP Policy AH5 needs refining with the effect that ground evaluation should take place even if nothing is recorded on the Historic Environment Record – this will give the opportunity for new discoveries to be made. Topic 13 – Peat Deposits. These in themselves will be sufficiently protected by other policies, but a policy stating the intent to carry out research on peat and human uses of it over millennia would be welcome, as our knowledge is very limited at the moment. Topic 20 – Primary Shopping Areas in Local Centres. It would be useful to have a policy which defines these. Topic 25 – Extensions and alterations to dwellings. The Dartmoor Society since its inception has consistently argued that constraints should be imposed on extensions and alterations which enlarge modest dwellings so that they become unaffordable, so a policy to this effect would be welcome. A policy which recognised the inherent integrity of any building as built would be useful. Topic 26 – Replacement Dwellings. We would support a policy which tightened control over replacement dwellings which have often led to the loss of modest and historic structures (especially bungalows). 3. Specific response to Topics in Part II – Settlement & Site Specific Policies Topic 1 – Development Boundaries. Rather than a defined development boundary it might be more useful to have, for each settlement,  a map showing where development should not take place i.e. on key open spaces, historic features etc. The fundamental principle should be one of a presumption against development, unless very cogently and rigorously argued. Topic 4 – Open Space. Yes, it is vital that there should be a policy which defines and protects significant open spaces within settlements. 4. Other Issues 4.1. Population – many of our current environmental problems are caused by the pressure of people. With world population due to rise to around 9 billion very soon, it would be appropriate to have a policy statement about the size of a residential population within the national park and their rates of consumption of resources both local and further afield. 4.2. Housing – we remain deeply concerned as to how DNPA is going to be able to limit permissions to the guidance in the Regional Spatial Strategy of 50 new dwellings per annum within the national park 2006–2026 (i.e. a total of 1000 new dwellings over the 20-year period). On 22 May, Chris France, Director of Planning & Sustainable Development told a ‘Forum’ meeting that 247 new dwellings had already been granted permission in the two years 2006-2008, and admitted that the current rate was running at 2 ½ times the guidance rate. The public will quite rightly be sceptical of the decision-making process if the guidance figures are not adhered to. 4.3. Biodiversity – we urge caution in the tendency to emphasize the exceptional species and habitats. Many species sites and occurrences on Dartmoor are of international importance because of the loss of habitats elsewhere. Policies are needed which protect the ordinary and commonplace fauna and flora which provide the basis for a healthy ecosystem. 4.4. Sustainable communities – there is an urgent need for DNPA to quantify the loss of services and facilities within the national park over the past 50 years, and to develop policies to protect and expand what little remains. 4.5. Prudent use of resources – this is a fundamental concept, promoted by the Dartmoor Society. It is good to see mention of water (Part I p.33) but there should also be mention of, and policies relating to, timber, stone, soil and minerals. 4.6. Inset Maps for Rural Settlements (Part II p.11) – yes, maps are definitely needed for each Rural Settlement and each should have a Conservation Area or ‘special policy area’ marked. See also 3. Topic 1 above. 4.7. Lydford (Part II p.40) – the ‘late, unremarkable and modest’ buildings of Lydford actually add greatly to its character and are of historic interest in their own right. 4.8. South Zeal – Ramsley Mine should be included in any Conservation Area because of its importance to the community. 4.9. Walkhampton – no mention is made of the proposed Conservation Area which was put out for consultation in 2008. 4.7. Corrections – ‘concentric slopes’ (Part II p.20) needs rewording. The term ‘burgage plot’ is incorrectly used re Horrabridge (p.26), South Brent (p.32) and Sticklepath (p.44) as none of these settlements was ever a borough. 5. A Proposal for a Sustainable Future The Dartmoor Society advocates that each settlement, large or small, within the national park, should have a policy document drawn up which sets out where the fundamental resources of a) energy supply, b) clean water and c) construction materials for sustaining that community will come from in the next 20 years. Wed, 02 Jun 2010 20:27:21 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=06#blogEntry29 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=05#blogEntry27 The Dartmoor Society has been kindly offered space by South West Lakes Trust at an Open Day on Sunday 20th June at Burrator Lodge. Are there any members who would be prepared to man a table between 11am–4pm (setting up 9am–10.30am)? We are ideally looking for people who have some knowledge of the Society and its involvement with Burrator, the Iron Store etc, but briefing notes could be provided! There is a small display (on folding panels) which would be available, plus membership leaflets etc, including calendars and, hopefully, Christmas cards for sale. A great chance to engage with the general public! If anyone is interested (even if for only part of the day) please contact Tom Greeves on 01822 617004 or info@dartmoorsociety.com ASAP and at the latest by 8th June. Thu, 27 May 2010 11:31:58 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=05#blogEntry27 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry26 We are pleased to announce that the Member Centre on our website is live. Members can now sign in securely to update their contact details and book events online. For security we have given each member an automatically generated password not known to anyone. The first time you use the Member Centre simply enter your email address and click the Email Password button to receive your initial password. It can be changed to something more memorable after you have signed in. To get started go to the sign-in page and follow the instructions. Fri, 14 May 2010 09:31:34 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry26 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry25 The 13th Dartmoor Society Award was presented by Chairman Dr Tom Greeves at the Society’s Annual General Meeting held at Manaton on 17th April. The Award is made annually to individuals or groups who, in the opinion of the Society, have made a special contribution to Dartmoor. The Award is in the form of a ceramic plate uniquely crafted by potter Penny Simpson of Moretonhampstead and calligrapher Susanne Haines of Bovey Tracey. Charlotte Faulkner’s plate is inscribed with the words ‘The Dartmoor Society Award 2010 – for Charlotte Faulkner for her devotion to the cause of hill ponies’. Charlotte has for more than ten years spearheaded a campaign to give the traditional hill ponies of Dartmoor the recognition they deserve for their importance to the grazing management of the moor, and their wonderful qualities as riding pets, so that they obtain fair prices at the annual pony sales. She established the Dartmoor Hill Pony Association, and the Friends of the Dartmoor Hill Pony, from her Dartmoor farm base. She and her ponies are well-known at Devon County Show, and each year she also organises the fundraising 50-mile Dartmoor Challenge. Dr Tom Greeves said, ‘Charlotte’s enthusiasm and passion for the hill ponies of Dartmoor is inspirational, and her work on their behalf, which has successfully raised their profile nationally and beyond, is hugely admired by all who have an interest in the future of Dartmoor’s most iconic, well-tempered, and ecologically best adapted beasts.  It gives me enormous pleasure to present this Award on behalf of the Dartmoor Society and indeed the wider Dartmoor community.’ Thu, 06 May 2010 23:12:00 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry25 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry24 In a new venture for the Dartmoor Society, we will be running an event in June that is only advertised on the website. The reason for this is that we received a positive response from South West Water to run an event on their property, but the information arrived too late for inclusion in the Newsletter. Rather than miss out on the opportunity to visit the Avon Dam we decided to tell people about it via the website. Full details are available on the Events page Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:23:32 +0000 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry24 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=03#blogEntry23 Soon you will be able to sign in to this website to book events and update your details. However, to do this you need to register your e-mail address with us. Simply email your name, address and email address to webmaster@dartmoorsociety.com or post a note to the PO Box address on the Contact Us page. Once the system is up and running you will be sent your sign-in information. Wed, 03 Mar 2010 14:17:01 +0000 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=03#blogEntry23 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=02#blogEntry22 The visit to Dunsford Mills planned for February 20th was over-subscribed and is fully booked. A second date later in the year has been offered to everyone who tried to book for February; the second date is now also fully booked. The visit to the studio of Peter Randall-Page planned for 17th March is also fully booked. Thu, 11 Feb 2010 14:45:40 +0000 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2010&blogMonth=02#blogEntry22 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry20 Please accept my apologies that some members have been charged excess postage costs for delivery of the October Newsletter. If you would like your postal charges refunded please call me on 01822 853268 or e-mail info@dartmoorsociety.com. Despite checking at the Post Office before posting, we have found that the charges have been applied at varying rates and in some cases the newsletter was delivered without excess charges. The newsletter can be retrieved from the Post Office in person, or you can arrange for re-delivery online - details are on the card left by the postman. I apologise once again for both the cost and the inconvenience incurred. Carolyn Tiley, Newsletter Editor Tue, 27 Oct 2009 11:32:54 +0000 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry20 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry19 Four positions on the general committee are available for election at the AGM on 17th April 2010; three general committee places and the Honorary Secretary position. Full details and a nomination form are available in the October 2009 Newsletter. If you are interested in any of these positions and would like to find out more about what is involved please contact the Honorary Treasurer, Peter Fillingham. Sat, 24 Oct 2009 10:16:55 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry19 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry17 Website changes coming soon will allow members to update their own address details and book for events online.  The new system will need members’ up-to-date email addresses in order to create a unique account for each member. If you want to use this system and you have not already notified us of your email address, please do so via email or the PO Box, quoting your full name and address, as well as the email address you want to use to sign in to this website. Thu, 08 Oct 2009 16:50:07 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry17 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry28 A record of deaths and injuries caused by cars on the B3212 and B3357 1st January – 30th September 2009 Animal Number Event Pony 10 Killed Sheep 12 Killed Yearling 1 Injured Cow 1 Injured The 9 animals killed in 2009 on the B3212 Yelverton to Princetown road shows a 40% reduction on the 1999–2006 average of 15 a year. This may be due to the traffic speed management signs some of which are monitored by the National Park Authority. Apart from the fate of the animal concerned, hitting a large object does considerable damage to your car, so please drive at a speed appropriate to the conditions and drive particularly carefully on unfenced roads. Dr. Keith Strelling collated the information provided by Graham Colton, Peek Hill Farm, Mark Cole, Yellowmead Farm, Mary Alford, Moortown Farm and Philip Abel of Higher Godsworthy. Thanks to all concerned. Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:23:42 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=10#blogEntry28 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry16 The very popular Dartmoor Society Winter Revel is to be held again this year, on Saturday 5th December 2009, in the Jubilee Hall, Chagford, 7.30pm–11.30pm. The well-known local band ‘Footloose’, with guest appearances from Dartmoor singer Bill Murray and harmony group ‘Quintessential’, will provide entertainment and music for an evening of dancing, buffet supper (by Margaret Allin of The Victorian Pantry), and a raffle. Please bring your own drink (glasses provided). Tickets (£9 per person, to include supper) need to be purchased by 28 November from Sally’s (formerly Youd’s), The Square, Chagford (available from 1 November), or direct from The Dartmoor Society at PO Box 38, Tavistock PL19 0XJ (cheques payable to ‘The Dartmoor Society’). For further information please phone 01822 617004 or email info@dartmoorsociety.com. Mon, 28 Sep 2009 09:41:28 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry16 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=08#blogEntry15 Saturday 12th September 2009, 10am – 4.30pm, The Chapter House, Exeter Cathedral. Chairman: Revd Peter Beacham OBE, President of The Dartmoor Society, and Heritage Protection Director for English Heritage, who will set the scene in this 1100th anniversary year of the Diocese of Exeter. How are we to look after the wonderful legacy of ancient churches? How can clergy manage the needs of their scattered and often declining congregations? What can communities do to breathe new life into their churches and chapels? Other speakers are The Venerable John Rawlings, Archdeacon of Totnes, members of Throwleigh parish and Harland Walshaw. Optional visits to the Cathedral Library, Grandisson Chapel etc will form part of the day. Time for open discussion will create a fascinating event, which will be of interest to everyone concerned with the future of religious activity and buildings on the moor. Please download and print the poster and flyer and distribute them as widely as you can to libraries, church notice boards, information centres, etc. See the Events page for details on how to book. Fri, 14 Aug 2009 20:26:51 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=08#blogEntry15 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry8 The Society still requires an Honorary Secretary. Their role will be to keep the records of the Society, to service the Executive Committee by preparing agendas and writing minutes of meetings, as well as booking halls for events etc. They will work closely with the other officers regarding correspondence and consultation documents, and will be responsible for dealing with the Society’s mail. Anyone who might be interested in taking on this important and stimulating role, at the heart of a dynamic and independent group, please contact Dr Tom Greeves on 01822 617004 (tomgreeves@btconnect.com) in the first instance. Tue, 26 May 2009 21:58:23 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news#blogEntry8 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry14 Following the report on p.4 of Newsletter 33 (October 2008), a public meeting hosted by Burrator Parish Council was held in Walkhampton on 23 October 2008, when there seemed to be some hope that Dartmoor National Park Authority and Maristow Estate (represented by Joe Hess) would consider some archaeological work in advance of development of the site. This was not how DNPA or the landowner read the tone of the meeting, and subsequent correspondence failed to resolve the confusion. However, at a constructive meeting on 27 January 2009 between Dr Tom Greeves, Dr Kevin Bishop (Chief Executive of DNPA) and Chris France (DNPA Director of Planning & Sustainable Development) it was agreed that DNPA would seek costings for an extended archaeological ‘watching brief’ on the ditched feature, which could take place in advance of any development. In principle The Dartmoor Society would be pleased to support such work with a small grant. The ‘translocation’ of the hedge cannot now take place until September 2009 at the earliest, owing to the imminent growing season. This will provide an opportunity to investigate the ditched feature over the summer. Tom Greeves Tue, 26 May 2009 21:57:34 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry14 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry13 Members with long memories will recall that, following a detailed suggestion by committee member and farmer Miles Fursdon, in 2005 the Society initiated meetings with county council engineers, DNPA archaeologist, and the parish councils of Holne and Widecombe-in-the-Moor to make very small adjustments to the parapet of medieval New Bridge (listed Grade II*) which crosses the R. Dart, in order to reduce the damage done by collisions, and to avoid costs and the resulting considerable inconvenience to local people when the bridge was closed for repairs. Newsletter 24 (October 2005) pp.3–6 gives a full report. All parties seemed interested and supportive of the proposals. Since 2005, despite reminders from the Society, there has been very little activity on behalf of the county council, but in 2008 they seemed keen to move things forward and carry out the necessary work. We have now received a letter dated 8 January 2009 from the Dept of Environment, Economy & Culture, Devon County Council, to let us know that English Heritage do not support alterations to the bridge. The English Heritage view is that “...we should adapt to the bridge, not the other way about. The Moor is special and all agree that it imposes constraints...what you propose, though ingenious, has no guarantee of being a long-term solution. Importantly, it is our view that what is proposed would damage the design and affect the character of the grade II* bridge, besides being the continuation of ‘death by a thousand cuts’. There is no need for such damaging change; however slight, it is incremental. Earlier widening should not be seen as a reason for continued widening. This is a traditional, well-built, much-loved bridge in a particularly picturesque setting; a renowned beauty spot on the Moor...We appreciate that you have given the matter considerable thought and attention and recommend that this is extended to an objective appraisal of non-destructive options, including better signage and fore-warning of the restrictions; tightening of the restrictions and physical restrictions...”. This is a very disappointing and somewhat patronising response, and much of what English Heritage states is open to question. The county council says it will now look at improved signing as the only option. A formal response by The Dartmoor Society will be considered. Tom Greeves Tue, 26 May 2009 21:57:13 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry13 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry12 Those who attended our Debate on What Future for Dartmoor’s Water Resources? last September will recall that Simon Bates of Natural England mentioned a ‘pilot’ project on the Rattlebrook (an ‘instant success’) at SX 561870 for rewetting the blanket bog by building timber dams in old peat-cutting channels. This met with some scepticism, especially from your Chairman (see p.33 of Newsletter 33, October 2008). Since then, Natural England, Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Duchy of Cornwall have pressed ahead with a much bigger scheme on the newly named ‘Blackabrook Down’, a substantial hill N of Black Dunghill, between the rivers Walkham and Cowsic, at SX 583782. Dams on Blackabrook Down, Jan 09 Here some 200 timber and turf dams have been set in old peat-cutting drainage channels and another 400 dams are proposed. An equivalent scale of operation is planned for Flat Tor Pan (between the West and East Dart rivers) at SX 612811, and on Winney’s Down (SX 625820), with a smaller area on Hangingstone Hill (SX 617857). Astonishingly, the Blackabrook work has been done without any consultation with commoners who are charged to manage the grazing under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985. Hill farmers have questioned the legality of the work, as they see their ‘lears’ (traditional grazing areas) have been disrupted, as well as access routes for stock. They are also concerned that calves and sheep might fall into the new ponds. Walking will undoubtedly become more difficult too. Tracks are being created by the machinery being used. Initially trumpeted as ‘carbon storage’, the latest message from DNPA is that the project is all about ‘biodiversity’ with the aim to Enhance condition of the blanket bog community Reduce run-off rates in high rainfall periods Retain flows in low rainfall periods Improve habitat conditions for Atlantic salmon Enhance breeding habitat suitability for wading birds Enhance the capacity of the bog to store carbon The words used and the aims sound plausible but The Dartmoor Society has every reason to be concerned about this work – in the 1990s the same bodies assured us that Dartmoor was overgrazed and needed a 50% reduction in grazing animals. The result has been a vigorous growth in vegetation (especially gorse and coarse grass) which is causing very serious problems for hill farmers, walkers and those who wish to study and explore archaeological features. The present claim by Natural England that the blanket bog (12,000 ha) of Dartmoor needs ‘restoration’ is hardly proven – criteria borrowed from northern English moors have little relevance to Dartmoor where plant species and conditions are different. Natural England also seems remarkably antagonistic towards traditional swaling (burning of moorland vegetation. A likely prehistoric barrow cemetery on Blackabrook Down does not seem to have been recognised and the old peat workings, which are archaeological features in their own right, are being compromised by the dams. There is no significant erosion of peat here or elsewhere on Dartmoor (except where turves have been dug to make dams!). The project seems more driven by the availability of funds (several hundred thousand pounds of public money to be spent within a short timescale), and fashionable vocabulary, rather than any rigorous analysis of the situation. However, some good things are riding on the back of the project – Dr Ralph Fyfe of the University of Plymouth (who gave our Research Lecture in 2007) is doing some very important work measuring the depth of peat and dating its formation, but no preliminary work seems to have been done on the way in which peat retains water. A handful of ‘dipwells’ are being introduced to monitor changes in the water table. Perhaps most disconcerting is that the external experts seem to have little understanding of the historic management of Dartmoor nor, more specifically, understanding of the ancient peat industry of the moor, and yet they are hell-bent on interference. The project seems to have gone well beyond a ‘pilot’ phase without rigorous debate, despite the project brief stating that “Restoration will be planned and undertaken with full consultation of all relevant organisations and individuals”. The project unfortunately reflects the inappropriate dominance of Natural England without a properly balanced approach, which should take into account the long cultural history of Dartmoor. Hill farmers are facing enormous difficulties thanks to the flawed decisions of the 1990s. This project will do nothing to reassure them, though no doubt they will be offered money as compensation which, attractive to some, is insulting and demeaning to others, and will still not resolve grazing issues. Tom Greeves Tue, 26 May 2009 21:56:36 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry12 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry11 Since the mid-1950s there has been ‘permissive’ access for vehicles along some 5km of tarmac road which comprises the military Loop Road, or Ring Road as it is sometimes known. The southernmost point of the road is at Observation Post 15 OP15 which is only 2km from Cranmere Pool. Since the 1980s a policy of ‘benign neglect’ has been applied to the road, resulting in repairs only necessary for the military to continue use of the road for training purposes. The road is now in places in a very poor condition, and potentially dangerous for private cars. The Duchy of Cornwall, the landowners, have now proposed that most of the road should be closed to civilian vehicles. Civilian access on tarmac would be allowed only as far as OP22 (Harter Tor) where there would be a barrier and turning area. Car parks at SX 596923, 600920 and 598921 would be improved. The Moor Brook road that leads to a point (SX 591913) between West Mill Tor and Rowtor would be maintained with permissive access for civilian vehicles. DNPA considered these proposals on 9 January and decided to support the Duchy of Cornwall in principle, with details concerning car parks etc to be decided. At a meeting of the Executive Committee of The Dartmoor Society on 30 January all members present felt that the Duchy proposal should be supported in principle as it would bring environmental benefits in the widest sense to this part of wild Dartmoor. However, it is recognised that this view is not shared by all our members. Tom Greeves Tue, 26 May 2009 21:55:46 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry11 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry10 In September 2007 The Dartmoor Society wrote to Dartmoor National Park Authority to object to a proposal (Application 0452/07) by Airwave O2 to place a telecommunications (Tetra) mast beside the Church Way on the east flank of Hameldown above Widecombe-in-the-Moor. Widecombe parish council objected strongly to the plan. Our objection focused on the historical significance of the Church Way which was the route by which the inhabitants of the ancient tenements of central Dartmoor travelled to and from Widecombe church. Although technically in the parish of Lydford, they petitioned the Bishop of Exeter in AD 1260 and were given a dispensation to attend Widecombe church instead (for all services including baptism, marriage and burial). So we can be confident that the route was well used at least since the mid-13th century. A member of the DNPA drew particular attention to our evidence and this influenced the decision of the DNPA to refuse the application which it was deemed “would have an adverse visual impact on the character, appearance and cultural heritage of this part of Dartmoor National Park”. Airwave appealed against refusal and in 2008 a public inquiry was held. At very short notice the appellants sent in 135 pages of new submissions. At this point, much to everyone’s surprise, DNPA, instead of requesting an adjournment, said they were withdrawing from the inquiry. The Inspector decided that an adjournment was appropriate and the second phase of the inquiry was held in January 2009. At the reopened inquiry the Inspector was ‘perplexed’ when DNPA announced that, after all, they were supporting their evidence. However, in the event, DNPA withdrew, leaving only members of the public to fight the cause. On 12 January 2009 DS Chairman Tom Greeves wrote a supplementary letter, reinforcing the importance of the historic route, arguing that its status was comparable to the Lich Way or the Maltern Way, and giving examples of people from the Postbridge area who used the route for access to Widecombe church until at least the late 1920s. He argued that the “emplacement of any modern intrusion beside it, for which there is no overriding need, should be strongly resisted.” We await the Inspector’s decision and report in due course. (with thanks to Rod Newbolt-Young, Chairman of Widecombe-in-the-Moor Parish Council for providing background information) Tom Greeves Tue, 26 May 2009 21:55:20 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry10 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry9 In July 2008 DEFRA (Dept for Environment Food & Rural Affairs) issued a consultation paper on Direct Elections to National Parks. In his response, Tom Greeves, Chairman of The Dartmoor Society, wrote: “Since our inception we have expressed concern about the ‘democratic deficit’ of Dartmoor National Park Authority, and are aware of widespread dissatisfaction with the current system [see, for example, Appendix A p.25 in Rural South Devon and Dartmoor Unitary Authority – Putting Our Rural Communities First (South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council, 11 April 2008)]. We believe it is unacceptable in 2009 that the eligible electorate of 33,500 residents of Dartmoor National Park are not able to go to a polling booth and vote for a candidate who is putting himself or herself forward to represent them on the National Park Authority. We consider this a ‘black hole’ in the English system of democracy and quite intolerable, given the importance to the local community of the decisions (especially regarding development control) made by the national park authority. We therefore strongly support the principle of direct elections to national park authorities. We believe that all members, other than Secretary of State appointees, should be directly elected. These elections should include the present parish council members. We feel that the national park authority should remain at approximately its present size, but would not object to a small increase in numbers of members. We feel that direct elections would give a legitimacy to, and ‘ownership’ of, the decision-making process which is not felt by the wider community at the moment. We do not feel that the status of the Secretary of State appointees would be compromised by direct elections of other members.” Tom Greeves Tue, 26 May 2009 21:54:44 +0100 http://www.dartmoorsociety.com/news?blogYear=2009&blogMonth=05#blogEntry9