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We are delighted that the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) members have unanimously agreed to appeal against the high court judgment on the Dartmoor backpack camping case. The owners of Stall Moor common. Alexander and Diana Darwall, challenged the DNPA’s argument that the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, in giving the public the right to walk and ride over the Dartmoor commons, also gave them the right for backpack camping without the landowner’s consent. The Darwalls won their case in the high court on 13 January 2023.
Brat Tor and Great Links, Dartmoor Photo: Open Spaces Society
The court of appeal has granted the DNPA leave to appeal and on 14 April it agreed to do so. This is excellent news, and we shall support the DNPA in its endeavours to clarify the law in favour of the public’s right to enjoy backpack camping on the Dartmoor commons.