Backpack camping: Dartmoor National Park Authority to appeal
We are delighted that the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) members have unanimously agreed to appeal against the high court judgment on the Dartmoor backpack camping case. The owners of Stall Moor common. Alexander and Diana Darwall, challenged the DNPA’s argument that the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, in giving the public the right to walk…
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Better access to popular path on Purbeck coast
Harry Alexander, one of our local correspondents, has persuaded Dorset Council to install an accessible gate on a popular path between Worth Matravers and the South West Coast Path, between Chapman’s Pool and St Aldhelm’s Head. The new gate opens up the obstructed path, which was blocked by a difficult stile, and a padlocked gate…
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Café plans for Bristol Downs abandoned
We have welcomed the decision to abandon plans for a café on the downs in Bristol close to the Avon Gorge. The society criticised the Downs Committee[1] , which put forward the plans, for squandering public money on unlawful and undesirable projects. Meanwhile the committee is failing adequately to carry out its statutory responsibilities. The Downs…
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No backtrack on backpack camping on Dartmoor commons
We are delighted that the Dartmoor National Park Authority has agreed unanimously to seek leave to appeal against the High Court judgment of 13 January; this ruled that there is no right to wild (backpack) camping on the Dartmoor commons. Says Kate Ashbrook, our general secretary: ‘We have always understood that the Dartmoor Commons Act…
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Our new watchdog in west Dorset
We have appointed Nicholas Whitsun-Jones as our local correspondent for the former West Dorset District. Nicholas was in the legal profession for 45 years, specialising in planning and environmental law, including rights of way. Since retirement he has done voluntary work for the Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) in Somerset and Devon, and now…
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Wild camping on Dartmoor—the need to appeal
Update: An agreement is being reached between Dartmoor National Park Authority and the landowners to enable people to keep wild camping in Dartmoor National Park without landowners’ permission. While the agreement is welcome and we are pleased the landowners have stepped up, it goes nowhere far enough to meet wild campers’ needs. It is essential…
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New village green at Portishead, North Somerset
We are delighted that a new village green has been registered at Portishead’s former golf course in North Somerset, thereby securing it for ever. The land has been enjoyed for informal recreation for decades. It was purchased from Bristol City Council by the then Woodspring District Council, with a covenant which said that it was…
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Threat to our age-old freedom on Dartmoor
A high court case, which opens today, could determine the future enjoyment of wild camping in the Dartmoor National Park. Alexander Darwall, the owner of Stall Moor common on Dartmoor, claims that the right of access under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 does not include the right to wild camp. People have enjoyed this activity…
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Lizard Downs, Cornwall, registered as common land
The extensive Lizard Downs in west Cornwall has been registered as common land, thanks to our efforts. The land, which is 116 hectares of splendid open moorland, failed to be finally registered as common during the three-year period allowed by the Commons Registration Act 1965. Part 1 of the Commons Act 2006 re-opened the door…
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An open letter to Cornwall Councillors from Open Spaces Society member, Hugh Gladden
Open Spaces Society member, Hugh Gladden, recently wrote to the Cornish Times, expressing his disappointment at the council’s failure in its duty to prevent paths being obstructed. You can read his letter below. Hundreds of landowners commit criminal offences, but Cornwall Council and its councillors look the other way. Under the Highways Act (1980) local…
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