MORE than £7,500 has been raised for Dartmoor’s nature and heritage conservation as part of celebrations marking 75 years since the area was designated as a National Park.

The fundraising success was marked at a special event at the Two Bridges Hotel in October, where around 100 people gathered in celebration of Dartmoor’s ‘designation day’.

Dartmoor National Park Authority,
Around 100 people gathered at Two Bridges Hotel to celebrate Dartmoor National Park’s ‘designation day’ (Dartmoor National Park Authority,)

The total was announced following a special anniversary prize draw in March, which closed on ‘designation day’.

The event brought together representatives from across Dartmoor, including businesses, farmers, environmental charities, youth rangers, hospitality providers, heritage organisations, volunteers and elected representatives.

Speakers included Chairman of Dartmoor National Park Authority, Will Dracup and members of the Dartmoor Youth Rangers, including Tom, Iona, Lowena and Henry, pictured.

Discussions focused on the qualities that make Dartmoor special, its rich history and heritage, and the shared responsibility of protecting the landscape for future generations.

Mr Dracup said the fundraising achievement was a fantastic result and paid tribute to the organisations, businesses and individuals who had helped make the anniversary celebrations a success.

Dartmoor National Park Authority
DNPA Chair Will Dracup and Chief Executive Tom Surrey welcoming guests (Dartmoor National Park Authority)

He said: ‘Thanks to everyone who bought a draw ticket, Dartmoor Futures for coordinating the draw, Two Bridges Hotel for donating the top prize and hosting our designation day event, the Exploding Bakery for the cake and the many other businesses and individuals who generously donated prizes.

‘None of this would’ve been possible without them and without the dedication and enthusiasm of Authority staff and members; they have worked tirelessly to make 2026 a successful and memorable anniversary year.

‘As Chairman, I am proud of the work we do to restore, enhance and protect Dartmoor.

‘As ever, there is always more to do, and we remain committed to doing what’s right for our treasured National Park’.

Dartmoor was officially designated as a National Park on October 30, 1951.

Its 75th anniversary year has featured a programme of activities, including low-cost and free family events, heritage talks, ranger-led walks, nature activities and community festivals.

It is internationally renowned for its geology and archaeology, history and heritage, rare wildlife and species-rich habitats.

It is home to around 34,500 people and is a place of work for 10,000.

Around 3million people visit each year, attracted to its tranquil places for recreation and quiet enjoyment.

Farming accounts for nearly 90 per cent of land use with traditional practices and locally distinct breeds contributing to a unique sense of place.

The historic environment is of great importance and value.

Much of Dartmoor is recognised to be of international significance with archaeological landscapes that rank amongst the finest in Europe.

While Dartmoor remains a stronghold for many habitats and species it is not immune from the wider ecological crisis impacting nature globally.

The urgency was recognised in 2019 when the Authority declared a climate and ecological crisis – the first UK National Park to do so – and implemented an ambitious climate action plan within six months.