The Dartmoor National Park Authority are inviting everyone who loves Dartmoor to help shape its future, by completing the Partnership Plan Public Survey. As the long time ‘critical friend’ of the Authority, the DPA echo this call. The more voices, and the greater diversity of voices, for Dartmoor, the better. Completing this survey allows everyone to feed into the future Partnership Plan, meaning that their views and priorities can form part of the plan that guides this unique landscape for years to come.
The Partnership Plan sets out what makes Dartmoor National Park special. It’s a bold and ambitious plan of action to protect, enhance, and enable people to enjoy the landscape now and into the future. It is a statutory requirement for National Parks to produce a plan of this nature and to review it every five years. Gathering people’s views is a crucial part of the process and will guide the development of the updated plan for Dartmoor National Park which celebrates its 75th anniversary in 2026.
People are encouraged to complete the Public Opinion Survey HERE to tell the DNPA what they think the priorities for Dartmoor should be, and if anything is missing. The survey should take around 10 minutes to complete. It’s open from Monday 4 August until Sunday 14 September.
Chair of Dartmoor National Park Authority Will Dracup said: ‘Dartmoor is a living, working landscape—home to 34,000 people and designated as a National Park in 1951 for its natural beauty, wildlife, cultural heritage, and opportunities for open-air recreation.
‘In reviewing the current plan, we’ve created a Partnership Plan Board with representatives from key organisations that care for Dartmoor. Together, and working with others, we’ll coordinate our efforts to identify key opportunities and address the most pressing issues.
‘Public involvement is essential. We’re encouraging everyone with an interest in Dartmoor to share their views on future priorities and any issues they feel need more urgent attention over the next five years.
‘Please have a say – we welcome comments on priorities that might have been missed – and with your help, we can ensure the plan reflects all our aspirations and needs for this special landscape.’
What is the Partnership Plan?
By law, National Park Authorities must prepare and regularly review a Management Plan to help deliver a National Park’s statutory Purposes and Duty. This is a plan for Dartmoor as a whole, shaped by people and organisations with a deep passion for the landscape. That’s why it’s called the Partnership Plan.
The plan addresses key topics such as:
* Enhancing nature and improving habitats
* Tackling climate change and reducing emissions
* Protecting cultural heritage
* Enabling sustainable farming
* Improving understanding and enjoyment of Dartmoor
* Supporting better transport, travel, and accessibility
* Helping local businesses and communities thrive
What happens next?
Results from the survey will be used alongside evidence including the State of the Park report and partner discussions to create an updated five-year Partnership Plan. There will be further opportunities for public involvement during another consultation phase alongside stakeholder workshops. Together, Dartmoor National Park Authority and the Partnership Board aim to produce a new, updated Partnership Plan by January 2027.
Image: Verity Saunders