The most recent ‘Refugees Rock’ event was a huge success, with Community Engagement Ranger Kats welcoming a group of eleven people onto the moor to learn about the unique landscape and benefit from time spent outdoors in nature. The DPA provided the participants with wellies so that they could get out and explore the mixed terrain of Dartmoor safely and comfortably.
The group began their day at Haytor, where Kats introduced them to the concept of national parks and explained some of Dartmoor’s special qualities. They learned about the granite foundation, the rainfall on Dartmoor, and the wet habitats across the park, before exploring the mire and learning about some of the special flora and fauna that lives there. Everyone had the chance to get up really close to the plants and small animals they discovered by using a hand lens.
Following a morning of exploring, the group stopped for a delicious lunch from Sarah at Shallowford farm. The meal included lots of fresh fruit and vegetables grown on the farm and the participants remarked that it was a good change from the potato heavy diet they have at the hotel where they’re staying. The DPA were delighted to have the opportunity to fund this wholesome meal as part of the day, as enjoying produce grown in Dartmoor adds an additional layer of connection to the landscape.
After lunch Kats led the group up to the quarry and they learned more about granite, the tramway, and the history of the area. The participants even managed to catch a few fish in the quarry pond! They then walked up to Smallacombe rocks and sat in a hut circle, where they talked about how people have lived on Dartmoor for thousands of years and the structures they built as their homes. There was also time to have a hot drink and a biscuit and enjoy the view from the rocks.
Next, it was a walk back to Haytor rocks, discussing Dartmoor farming practices on the way, including commoners rights, swaling, and why the sheep are painted. The participants had lots of questions about this, including if the livestock had any predators. There was then just time for a quick group photo before heading to the minibus and back to the hotel. The participants all said that they enjoyed the day and that it was “fun”, “therapeutic”, and that “so much stress” was gone.
Image: Kats Koster-Shadbolt