The Dartmoor Society
The Dartmoor Society
For all who are inspired by Dartmoor.
The Dartmoor Society was established in 1998 to be an independent voice for Dartmoor and since then, its aim has been to safeguard the essential qualities of Dartmoor, such as locality and community, ruggedness, culture and tradition, significant buildings of all ages and its distinctive creatures and plants.
‘Modern’ buildings - part of Dartmoor’s heritage
Dartmoor’s built heritage spans thousands of years and its prehistoric landscapes are world renowned. One of the concerns of the Dartmoor Society has been to focus on the value of 20th and 21st century buildings. Even in the very recent past, railway buildings and other industrial structures, such as the Iron Store at Burrator, have been earmarked for demolition and many other small yet significant ‘modern’ buildings have been destroyed.
Many of these historic and architecturally interesting, but non-listed buildings, have been swept away because they have been labelled as ‘dilapidated’. Those that have been abandoned or poorly maintained are some of the most at risk, such as the Princetown Pocket Power station, now under threat of demolition - yet many can be fully restored and remain as historic markers within the landscape. The Iron Store at Burrator is one of the success stories. Constructed in 1901, it was used as the works base for the reservoir for nearly 100 years. From the threat of demolition in 1998 and with the intervention of the Dartmoor Society, it is now a heritage and discovery centre restored to its full glory and still serving a genuine use.
Railways and tramways
Railways and tramways have been and still are one of the wonders of Dartmoor - and one of the abiding interests of the Dartmoor Society. Evidence of their use in transporting tin, stone and people, first as pony or human driven tramways, then powered by steam engines, is found across the moor. In 2014, a debate entitled What Future for Railways and their Heritage on Dartmoor was organised by the Dartmoor Society. Historic lines and their preservation were discussed with the aid of some outstanding photos of former lines. As important is the need to promote the re-opening of closed lines to provide sustainable transport solutions for today. After the debate, the Society initiated and jointly funded an archaeological audit of Dartmoor railways, whose very detailed findings along with maps and photos are available from the Dartmoor Society website.
The Dartmoor Society continues to press for the protection of the Tavistock to Okehampton railway from prejudicial development and with increased use of local railways nationally, has also supported moves to re-open the Teign Valley Railway and the Newton Abbot to Moretonhampstead line.
Historic, cultural and ecological heritage
The idea that Dartmoor is a cultural, historic and ecological landscape, and that each should be considered in relation to the other and given equal weight, is something the Dartmoor Society is keen to promote. It aims to support those who continue working in traditional and sustainable ways, especially those that provide continuity with our past and employment for local people. In April, Doug and Clair King-Smith of the Hillyfield working woodland received the Dartmoor Society annual award in recognition of the way it generates useful products and income, as carried on for centuries in Dartmoor, and combines this with modern ideas about community and volunteer connection with the land. The Dartmoor Society has made two visits there and has been hugely impressed by the ecology and potential of this beautiful mixed ancient and coniferous woodland and pasture.
Burnicombe Wood, the location for a members’ event in May this year, is another woodland that is realising the potential for selling products such as charcoal and wood, while managing the woodland with the help of heavy horses. These events are an opportunity for members to enjoy an in depth look at some of the most significant sites and buildings on Dartmoor, often not normally open to the public; guided by their owners or custodians. They are both informative and social gatherings, and give The Dartmoor Society and its members real insights into how traditional skills and historic buildings are adapted for today’s needs.
What is the Dartmoor Society doing now?
The Dartmoor Society is dedicated to sharing well researched information and this year, its two flagship events, open to all, focus on the science that is key to our understanding and preservation of animals and birds on Dartmoor.
The Secret Life of Dartmoor Birds: Science for Survival?
This is an in-depth look at current research into the birds of Dartmoor and how we can help them survive. Eight speakers who work on Dartmoor and are passionate about its birdlife will tell us about their current research and their encounters with Dartmoor birds. This special day will run between 9.30am and 5pm on Saturday, October 12th at Ashburton Arts Centre.
This year the Dartmoor Society Research Lecture is dedicated to the sustainable future role of the Dartmoor Pony. Conservation Grazing with Dartmoor Ponies will be presented by Paul Lunt of Plymouth University and Dru Butterfield of the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust. This evening lecture will explain how current studies aim to meet Natural England’s requirement for scientific evidence of pony grazing impacts, to give them a sustainable future on Dartmoor. The lecture begins at 7pm on Friday, November 15th at the Dolphin Hotel, Bovey Tracey.
All the information about these two events as well as online booking and more about the work of the Dartmoor Society and how to join can be found on the Dartmoor Society website. www.dartmoorsociety.com.
Caya Edwards