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The Irish Sun
22-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Huge boost for wild camping as Brits CAN use one of UK's best-loved national parks in blow for millionaire nimbys
I HAVE wild camped on Dartmoor more times than I can count and the fact that this right was even debated in court seemed ludicrous to me. Back in 2021, the battle for the right to wild camp on Advertisement 7 Wild camping access on Dartmoor was threatened thanks to local landowners Credit: Alamy 7 But now the Supreme Court has ruled it is allowed Credit: Daniel Davy/Dartmoor Wild Camping Action Group Following back-and-forth debates in courts , the Supreme Court has ruled that wild camping IS allowed in one of the UK's most-loved national parks. I am not surprised with the decision and I welcome it with open arms. As do the campaigners, that for the past four years have been fighting for something that should not have been questioned in the first place. Landowners (and millionaires) Alexander and Diana Darwall started the battle, claiming that people should not be able to camp without permission from landowners. Advertisement Read more on National Parks The Darwalls created the argument as part of their 4,000-acre estate on Stall Moor near Cornwood, spilt into Dartmoor National Park. As a result, the tradition of And in January 2023, the High Court ruled that the Darwalls were allowed to remove campers from their site. Their legal team claimed that the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, which allows access for "open-air recreation", did not include overnight camping. Advertisement Most read in News Travel Outrage at the decision obviously arose and debates garnered national attention over the future of wild camping. Then in July 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court ruling in July 2023, restoring the right to wild camp. UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard But the NIMBY's didn't stop there, as the Darwalls appealed to the Supreme Court - whose judges unanimously rejected their appeal yesterday. Most weekends as a teenager, I would camp on the moors as part of training for Ten Tors - an annual teenagers , hosted by the army . Advertisement I would be walking from the early hours of the morning, sometimes until midnight - carrying at least 10kg on my back and often fighting the harshest of conditions. By the time it came to setting up Myself and my team would pitch our two small tents, in the dark, with nothing but torches. To date, the three events (35, 45 and 55 miles) that I participated in over three years were the biggest challenges of my life - mentally and physically. Advertisement For thousands of teenagers who participate each year, I can guarantee the same. 7 I used to hike and camp on Dartmoor as a teenager Credit: Cyann Fielding If yesterday's decision swung the other way, I am unsure of the impact this would have on the event and the training thousands undertake each year. All I know is it would not have been a positive impact. Advertisement Wild camping is nothing like camping at a Often you are exposed to the elements - but you get to truly be in the wild, surrounded by rolling hills and tors, flourishing rivers and streams and the only pitch black sky with bright stars I have seen in my life. Yesterday's ruling essentially means that people are legally allowed to camp in set areas of Dartmoor - they just need to follow a code of conduct. This includes leaving "no trace", the park authority has said. Advertisement Tents and 7 Campaigners have been fighting for the right to wild camp for years Credit: Alamy Following the decision, social media and forums have also been flooded with comments from the public. One person commented: "A good ruling based on the common understanding of the words 'open-air recreation'. Advertisement "Absolutely mad that it had to go all the way to the Supreme Court to rule on something so blindingly obvious." Another added: "Thanks to whoever updated the Wikipedia entry of Alexander Darwall, whose nimby campaign to ban wild camping on Dartmoor has just been upheld in the courts." Darwall's Wikipedia page was updated to include "enemy of the people", but has since been removed. When I watched the court hearing back in October, the argument boiled down to one sentence of the archaic Dartmoor Commons Act 1985. Advertisement Section 10(1) of the Act states: "[T]he public shall have a right of access to the commons on foot and on horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation." 7 Campaign groups are now fighting for the right to wild camp across the UK Credit: AFP The court had to decide whether this section gave "the public a right to pitch tents or otherwise make camp overnight on the Dartmoor Commons". The Supreme Court ruling said: "Within Dartmoor National Park, there are areas of moorland which are privately owned but on which other locals have the right to put their livestock. Advertisement "The clear wording of section 10(1) shows that it confers a right of public access which includes wild camping." Commenting on the ruling, Dartmoor Preservation Association CEO, Tom Usher , said: "This is an historic victory for public access, the DPA are very proud to have played a central role in campaigning to keep backpack camping on Dartmoor as a right. "This has been achieved through the work of many people and we salute the courage of the Dr Kevin Bishop, chief executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority, added: "We are delighted and relieved with the Supreme Court's ruling. Advertisement "This is a landmark judgment not just for Dartmoor National Park but for people who have long campaigned for access rights. "The judgment reaffirms our long-held belief for the public's right to 7 Locals are now celebrating the ruling Credit: Alamy Daniel Davy, founder of Dartmoor Wild Camping Action Group, said: "So yesterday was an emotional one. Advertisement "We are so lucky to have the right to wild camp in Devon and the myriad of benefits it's brings, and it's about time that everyone had access to these wild spaces and experiences that shape so many lives. "We are going to take this fight to other national parks so that everyone in the country can experience what we are so lucky too on Dartmoor. "This could be the pebble that creates the splash, which turns into a wave that is access reform across the country." The group will be hosting a gathering on Monday at Haytor on Dartmoor to celebrate the ruling. Advertisement Dartmoor on horseback is also the perfect way to enjoy the vast Devon moorland. Plus, the best 'almost wild' holiday campsites in the UK for families this summer. 7 The ruling seems like common sense Credit: Cyann Fielding
Scottish Sun
22-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Huge boost for wild camping as Brits CAN use one of UK's best-loved national parks in blow for millionaire nimbys
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) I HAVE wild camped on Dartmoor more times than I can count and the fact that this right was even debated in court seemed ludicrous to me. Back in 2021, the battle for the right to wild camp on Dartmoor ensued. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Wild camping access on Dartmoor was threatened thanks to local landowners Credit: Alamy 7 But now the Supreme Court has ruled it is allowed Credit: Daniel Davy/Dartmoor Wild Camping Action Group Following back-and-forth debates incourts, the Supreme Court has ruled that wild camping IS allowed in one of the UK's most-loved national parks. I am not surprised with the decision and I welcome it with open arms. As do the campaigners, that for the past four years have been fighting for something that should not have been questioned in the first place. Landowners (and millionaires) Alexander and Diana Darwall started the battle, claiming that people should not be able to camp without permission from landowners. The Darwalls created the argument as part of their 4,000-acre estate on Stall Moor near Cornwood, spilt into Dartmoor National Park. As a result, the tradition of wild camping was in jeopardy. And in January 2023, the High Court ruled that the Darwalls were allowed to remove campers from their site. Their legal team claimed that the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, which allows access for "open-air recreation", did not include overnight camping. Outrage at the decision obviously arose and debates garnered national attention over the future of wild camping. Then in July 2023, the Court of Appeal overturned the High Court ruling in July 2023, restoring the right to wild camp. UK's Premier Scottish Caravan Site: Camping & Glamping Gold Standard But the NIMBY's didn't stop there, as the Darwalls appealed to the Supreme Court - whose judges unanimously rejected their appeal yesterday. Most weekends as a teenager, I would camp on the moors as part of training for Ten Tors - an annual hiking event for teenagers, hosted by the army. I would be walking from the early hours of the morning, sometimes until midnight - carrying at least 10kg on my back and often fighting the harshest of conditions. By the time it came to setting up camp in the dark, being able to pitch up my tent near enough anywhere, did not even cross my mind. Myself and my team would pitch our two small tents, in the dark, with nothing but torches. To date, the three events (35, 45 and 55 miles) that I participated in over three years were the biggest challenges of my life - mentally and physically. For thousands of teenagers who participate each year, I can guarantee the same. 7 I used to hike and camp on Dartmoor as a teenager Credit: Cyann Fielding If yesterday's decision swung the other way, I am unsure of the impact this would have on the event and the training thousands undertake each year. All I know is it would not have been a positive impact. Wild camping is nothing like camping at a camp site. Often you are exposed to the elements - but you get to truly be in the wild, surrounded by rolling hills and tors, flourishing rivers and streams and the only pitch black sky with bright stars I have seen in my life. Yesterday's ruling essentially means that people are legally allowed to camp in set areas of Dartmoor - they just need to follow a code of conduct. This includes leaving "no trace", the park authority has said. Tents and camping equipment must also fit in a carriable backpack, with no more than six people allowed to camp together. 7 Campaigners have been fighting for the right to wild camp for years Credit: Alamy Following the decision, social media and forums have also been flooded with comments from the public. One person commented: "A good ruling based on the common understanding of the words 'open-air recreation'. "Absolutely mad that it had to go all the way to the Supreme Court to rule on something so blindingly obvious." Another added: "Thanks to whoever updated the Wikipedia entry of Alexander Darwall, whose nimby campaign to ban wild camping on Dartmoor has just been upheld in the courts." Darwall's Wikipedia page was updated to include "enemy of the people", but has since been removed. When I watched the court hearing back in October, the argument boiled down to one sentence of the archaic Dartmoor Commons Act 1985. Section 10(1) of the Act states: "[T]he public shall have a right of access to the commons on foot and on horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation." 7 Campaign groups are now fighting for the right to wild camp across the UK Credit: AFP The court had to decide whether this section gave "the public a right to pitch tents or otherwise make camp overnight on the Dartmoor Commons". The Supreme Court ruling said: "Within Dartmoor National Park, there are areas of moorland which are privately owned but on which other locals have the right to put their livestock. "The clear wording of section 10(1) shows that it confers a right of public access which includes wild camping." Commenting on the ruling, Dartmoor Preservation Association CEO, Tom Usher, said: "This is an historic victory for public access, the DPA are very proud to have played a central role in campaigning to keep backpack camping on Dartmoor as a right. "This has been achieved through the work of many people and we salute the courage of the National Park Authority in fighting this case to the end." Dr Kevin Bishop, chief executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority, added: "We are delighted and relieved with the Supreme Court's ruling. "This is a landmark judgment not just for Dartmoor National Park but for people who have long campaigned for access rights. "The judgment reaffirms our long-held belief for the public's right to backpack camp on certain commons and, importantly, our role in regulating and managing that access." 7 Locals are now celebrating the ruling Credit: Alamy Daniel Davy, founder of Dartmoor Wild Camping Action Group, said: "So yesterday was an emotional one. "We are so lucky to have the right to wild camp in Devon and the myriad of benefits it's brings, and it's about time that everyone had access to these wild spaces and experiences that shape so many lives. "We are going to take this fight to other national parks so that everyone in the country can experience what we are so lucky too on Dartmoor. "This could be the pebble that creates the splash, which turns into a wave that is access reform across the country." The group will be hosting a gathering on Monday at Haytor on Dartmoor to celebrate the ruling. Dartmoor on horseback is also the perfect way to enjoy the vast Devon moorland. Plus, the best 'almost wild' holiday campsites in the UK for families this summer.
Powys County Times
22-05-2025
- General
- Powys County Times
Public has the right to wild camp on Dartmoor, Supreme Court rules
The public does have the right to wild camp on Dartmoor, the Supreme Court has ruled. Five justices unanimously ruled on Wednesday that the term 'recreation' in the law governing the use of the national park in Devon is used 'without qualification as to the form which it should take'. Two landowners, Alexander and Diana Darwall, had challenged a Court of Appeal ruling at the UK's highest court, which said the law allows the public to camp on the Dartmoor Commons, provided bylaws are followed. Mr and Mrs Darwall keep cattle on Stall Moor, which forms part of their more than 3,450-acre estate in the southern part of the national park. The case concerned the interpretation of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, which says 'the public shall have the right of access to the commons on foot and on horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation' on the commons. Their lawyers told the Supreme Court last October that some campers cause problems to livestock and the environment, and that the law only gives the public access on foot and horseback, 'which naturally means walking and riding'. The Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) opposed the challenge, with its lawyers labelling the suggestion that erecting a tent could damage land and vegetation 'absurd'. In their judgment, Lords Sales and Stephens said the law would make 'no sense' if the right of recreation given to the public was 'limited in the manner contended for' by the Darwalls, and that the concept of 'open-air recreation' was 'wide'. They said in a ruling backed by Lord Reed, Lady Rose and Lady Simler: 'The word 'recreation' is used here without qualification as to the form which it should take. 'It is not confined to recreation taken by means of walking or riding.' Dartmoor National Park, designated in 1951, covers a 368-square-mile area which features 'commons' – areas of unenclosed, privately-owned moorland where locals can put livestock. In January 2023, High Court judge Sir Julian Flaux ruled that the 1985 Act did not allow people to pitch tents overnight on the Dartmoor commons without landowners' permission. But campaigners argued the decision 'went too far' and was a 'huge step backward', and could affect bird-watching, fishing and other activities. The Court of Appeal overturned the decision in July that year after a challenge by the DNPA, with three senior judges ruling that the law 'confers on members of the public the right to rest or sleep on the Dartmoor commons, whether by day or night and whether in a tent or otherwise'. Sir Geoffrey Vos said in the judgment that the 'critical question' was whether wild camping could be considered a form of 'open-air recreation', finding it was. In written submissions for the Supreme Court hearing last year, Timothy Morshead KC, for the Darwalls, said the couple are 'not motivated by a desire to stop camping on Dartmoor'. But he said: 'Concerns arise from their responsibilities as stewards of the land in their ownership and over which they have commoners' rights: concerns about the damage that wild camping can cause and, in particular, about the significant risk of fire associated with it.' But barristers for the DNPA said the phrase 'on foot' means 'the access to the commons should be pedestrian and not vehicular'. In written submissions, Richard Honey KC said: 'The suggestion that merely erecting a tent for backpack or wild camping damages the land and vegetation is absurd.' Lord Sales and Lord Stephens said in their ruling that the term 'open-air recreation' should be read widely, because otherwise it would 'create an unjustified and unrealistic limit on the park authority's power to repair damage on the commons'. They continued: 'Whilst there are restrictions on the landowners' property rights, there is in return DNPA's power to prevent, and enforce against, problematic camping by virtue of its ability to make and enforce bylaws and to publish notices. 'Accordingly, the legislation puts in place the means for public regulation of use of the commons which is in practice likely to be more effective in protecting the land than attempts by private persons to challenge such use through themselves having to confront people on their land and then bring a claim in private law.'
Leader Live
22-05-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Public has the right to wild camp on Dartmoor, Supreme Court rules
Five justices unanimously ruled on Wednesday that the term 'recreation' in the law governing the use of the national park in Devon is used 'without qualification as to the form which it should take'. Two landowners, Alexander and Diana Darwall, had challenged a Court of Appeal ruling at the UK's highest court, which said the law allows the public to camp on the Dartmoor Commons, provided bylaws are followed. Mr and Mrs Darwall keep cattle on Stall Moor, which forms part of their more than 3,450-acre estate in the southern part of the national park. The case concerned the interpretation of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, which says 'the public shall have the right of access to the commons on foot and on horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation' on the commons. Their lawyers told the Supreme Court last October that some campers cause problems to livestock and the environment, and that the law only gives the public access on foot and horseback, 'which naturally means walking and riding'. The Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) opposed the challenge, with its lawyers labelling the suggestion that erecting a tent could damage land and vegetation 'absurd'. In their judgment, Lords Sales and Stephens said the law would make 'no sense' if the right of recreation given to the public was 'limited in the manner contended for' by the Darwalls, and that the concept of 'open-air recreation' was 'wide'. They said in a ruling backed by Lord Reed, Lady Rose and Lady Simler: 'The word 'recreation' is used here without qualification as to the form which it should take. 'It is not confined to recreation taken by means of walking or riding.' Dartmoor National Park, designated in 1951, covers a 368-square-mile area which features 'commons' – areas of unenclosed, privately-owned moorland where locals can put livestock. In January 2023, High Court judge Sir Julian Flaux ruled that the 1985 Act did not allow people to pitch tents overnight on the Dartmoor commons without landowners' permission. But campaigners argued the decision 'went too far' and was a 'huge step backward', and could affect bird-watching, fishing and other activities. The Court of Appeal overturned the decision in July that year after a challenge by the DNPA, with three senior judges ruling that the law 'confers on members of the public the right to rest or sleep on the Dartmoor commons, whether by day or night and whether in a tent or otherwise'. Sir Geoffrey Vos said in the judgment that the 'critical question' was whether wild camping could be considered a form of 'open-air recreation', finding it was. In written submissions for the Supreme Court hearing last year, Timothy Morshead KC, for the Darwalls, said the couple are 'not motivated by a desire to stop camping on Dartmoor'. But he said: 'Concerns arise from their responsibilities as stewards of the land in their ownership and over which they have commoners' rights: concerns about the damage that wild camping can cause and, in particular, about the significant risk of fire associated with it.' But barristers for the DNPA said the phrase 'on foot' means 'the access to the commons should be pedestrian and not vehicular'. In written submissions, Richard Honey KC said: 'The suggestion that merely erecting a tent for backpack or wild camping damages the land and vegetation is absurd.' Lord Sales and Lord Stephens said in their ruling that the term 'open-air recreation' should be read widely, because otherwise it would 'create an unjustified and unrealistic limit on the park authority's power to repair damage on the commons'. They continued: 'Whilst there are restrictions on the landowners' property rights, there is in return DNPA's power to prevent, and enforce against, problematic camping by virtue of its ability to make and enforce bylaws and to publish notices. 'Accordingly, the legislation puts in place the means for public regulation of use of the commons which is in practice likely to be more effective in protecting the land than attempts by private persons to challenge such use through themselves having to confront people on their land and then bring a claim in private law.'
Leader Live
21-05-2025
- Politics
- Leader Live
Calls for wider access to nature after Supreme Court ruling on Dartmoor camping
Five justices unanimously ruled on Wednesday that the term 'recreation' in the law governing the use of the national park in Devon – the only national park where wild camping is allowed – is used 'without qualification as to the form which it should take'. Two landowners, Alexander and Diana Darwall, had challenged a Court of Appeal ruling, which said the law allows the public to camp on the Dartmoor commons provided bylaws are followed, at the UK's highest court. The couple said they were 'disappointed' by the judgment, while the chief executive of the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), which opposed the challenge, said he was 'delighted and relieved'. Following the ruling, Guy Shrubsole, co-founder of campaign group Right to Roam, said he was 'elated' and called for changes to the law around wild camping. He said: 'What I think this case has also really highlighted is how unusual and odd it is that Dartmoor is the only place where there is a legal right to wild camp in England and Wales. 'Over in Scotland, over the border, there is a right to wild camp almost everywhere, and so that's why we are now really keen for the Government to take note of this, of a huge amount of public interest this case has stirred up, to see the public support for the right to wild camp and to extend the law. 'We want them to change the law now, so that actually people in England can enjoy the right to wild camp, the right to roam over much more of our beautiful countryside.' He continued: 'Thousands on thousands of people wild camp every year on Dartmoor, without anybody knowing that they're there, without leaving a trace, and often picking up litter afterwards. 'Often the trace that is left is the trace on people's hearts and minds and souls when they undertake this wonderful experience of sleeping under the stars on Dartmoor and seeing the world.' Calls for changes to the law were echoed by South Devon Liberal Democrat MP Caroline Voaden and Bolton West Labour MP Phil Brickell, who both attended the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Ms Voaden said she was 'absolutely thrilled' with the decision, but added that the public only have access to 8% of land in the UK. 'It just proves that the right to access is fundamental for people to be able to live a healthy, happy life,' she said. 'It's not just a nice-to-have – we need access to nature, and we've now seen that we have the right to wild camp on Dartmoor, and the stars are for everyone.' She continued: 'The right piece of legislation now is the legislation that covers national parks, and looking at that, and looking at how we can define wild camping in law, so it's clearly defined, and then try and expand it to other national parks in the UK.' Dartmoor National Park, designated in 1951, covers a 368-square-mile area which features 'commons' – areas of unenclosed, privately-owned moorland where locals can put livestock. The case concerned the interpretation of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, which says 'the public shall have the right of access to the commons on foot and on horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation' on the commons. In January 2023, High Court judge Sir Julian Flaux ruled that the 1985 Act did not allow people to pitch tents overnight on the Dartmoor commons without landowners' permission. But the Court of Appeal overturned the decision in July that year after a challenge by the DNPA, with three senior judges ruling that the law 'confers on members of the public the right to rest or sleep on the Dartmoor commons, whether by day or night and whether in a tent or otherwise'. Mr and Mrs Darwall keep cattle on Stall Moor, which forms part of their more than 3,450-acre estate in the southern part of the national park. Their lawyers told the Supreme Court last October that some campers cause problems to livestock and the environment, and that the law only gives the public access on foot and horseback. Timothy Morshead KC, for the couple, also said in written submissions that they were 'not motivated by a desire to stop camping on Dartmoor', but had 'concerns about the damage that wild camping can cause and, in particular, about the significant risk of fire associated with it'. Richard Honey KC, for DNPA, said in his written submissions that the phrase 'on foot' means 'the access to the commons should be pedestrian and not vehicular'. He also labelled the suggestion that erecting a tent could damage land and vegetation 'absurd'. Lords Sales and Stephens ruled that the law would make 'no sense' if the right of recreation given to the public was 'limited in the manner contended for' by the Darwalls, and that the concept of 'open-air recreation' was 'wide'. In a ruling backed by Lord Reed, Lady Rose and Lady Simler, they continued: 'It is not confined to recreation taken by means of walking or riding.' They also said the law gives protection to landowners through 'public regulation of the use of the commons' such as bylaws, which they said are 'in practice likely to be more effective in protecting the land' than taking private legal action. Following the Supreme Court's judgment, the Darwalls said: 'We are disappointed by the Supreme Court's judgment. 'Our aim from the outset was to protect and preserve Dartmoor, its flora and fauna. 'Landowners and farmers have always played a vital part in the conservation of Dartmoor. 'Hollowing out the role of landowners and farmers will not improve the vitality of the Dartmoor commons.' Dr Kevin Bishop, chief executive of the DNPA, said the ruling allows the organisation to 'look forward and to work together for the good of Dartmoor'. He said: 'The judgment reaffirms our long-held belief for the public's right to backpack camp on certain commons and, importantly, our role in regulating and managing that access. 'It is important to note that it is not a blanket right to camp wherever, or do whatever, you want. 'With the right comes a responsibility to make sure that you tread lightly and leave no trace.' Nature minister Mary Creagh said: 'Wild camping under the stars is one of life's great pleasures, so I welcome today's ruling which upholds that right on Dartmoor's common land. 'This Government is passionate about bringing people closer to nature by creating nine national river walks and three new national forests.' The Government has previously said it will create nine new national river walks, plant three new national forests and create a community right to buy to allow residents to create parks and green spaces. It has also said it is completing the 2,700-mile King Charles III England Coast Path, which will be the longest waymarked and maintained coast walking route in the world, and continuing a £16.5 million fund to make landscapes more accessible.
