The End Of Wild Camping on Dartmoor?
The High Court has judged in favour of abolishing the right to wild camp on Dartmoor; the only place in England where it was legal.
Alexander Darwall, a multimillionaire estate owner in south Dartmoor has successfully removed an ancient right to connect with the land by contesting a byelaw from the 1980s which established the practice of sleeping under the stars.
The Right To Roam Campaign are contesting this judgement…
..andcalling on the spirit of Old Crockern, the ancient protector of the moor, to oppose this decision. Old Crockern represents “the values that sit within their campaign and those that embody Dartmoor: inclusivity, freedom, growth, relationship and humanity.”
They are calling out to people who love Dartmoor; locals, visitors, campers, farmers, walkers, students, naturalists, land workers, fishers, climbers, swimmers, bikers, canoeists, stonewallers, hedge layers, spirits old and new, to join them in opposition.
THE CAMPAIGN
They are also inviting people to support the Right to Roam in its fight to defend wild camping and expand our right to access nature everywhere, asking people to donate at: righttoroam.org.uk/donate
To find out more about the Right to Roam campaign, visit: righttoroam.org.uk
WHEN THE EVENT ENDS:
Some people may want to go to the community-owned Cornwood Inn when the event ends. Food is served from 6pm. If you plan to eat at the pub, please call the pub by Wednesday 18th Jan to ensure places. for a table of 10 or more, pre-ordering will be required.
Campaigners are advised…
To dress for a January day on Dartmoor – waterproofs, warm clothes.
Bring drinking water, a hot flask, snacks.
Bring a torch, people may be returning as the light is lowering, especially if it’s a rainy day.
Bring any medication / first aid items, as appropriate.
Bring something small or large that you can make a drumming sound with, if you would like. The invitation to drum will form part of the spirit and ceremony of the event and will be made clear when that moment is. There will also be musicians at the event who may play at other times. Please only join them with your drum if this is invited at the time.
TRANSPORT:
The Campaign is in the process of arranging transport options from Ivybridge train station, including coaches and a walking party. They also hope to arrange Lift sharing and advise visitors to check the latest details on the website.
There will be stewards to help guide the parking and at least two first aiders in the group.
ACCESSIBILITY:
Most of the walking will be on minor country roads and quite flat. There will be a small amount of traversing moorland. The walk will be approx 5.2km and will involve being out for 3 hours or so.