The Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) has announced that it intends to appeal a recent highly controversial High Court judgement that there is no legal right to camp on the moor. This follows the launch last week of an agreement between the Park and landowners to continue to allow camping on a permissive basis.

News of the appeal has delighted access campaigners, who have been increasingly mobilised since the anti-camping judgement earlier this month.

Kate Ashbrook, general secretary of the Open Spaces Society said:

"We have always understood that the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, a pioneering piece of legislation, included a right to backpack on the Dartmoor commons. We believe the High Court judgment to be flawed, and we know that it has implications way beyond the Dartmoor commons. We therefore urged the park authority members to continue with the case, and are delighted that they have agreed to do so.

"The ruling has precipitated a vast public movement for greater access to our countryside, and it has highlighted not only the fragility of the access we have, but also the need for it to be secure in law. We salute the Dartmoor National Park Authority for its determination to establish the right to harmless backpacking on the Dartmoor commons."

With limited time to respond to the initial judgement, the Authority had to act fast. An early request for permission to appeal was declined on 13 January. The next step involves filing a notice to the Court of Appeal, which will then decide to grant or refuse permission to appeal.

While the legal work goes on, the hastily-assembled permissive agreement will continue.

Commenting after a meeting today of the DNPA, Chief Executive Dr Kevin Bishop said: "We are grateful to the common landowners, including Mr and Mrs Darwall [victors in the court case] who moved at speed to positively support the permissive system for backpack camping.

"The High Court judgment raises important issues of public interest that are central to the purpose of our National Parks. For this reason, the Authority has determined to seek permission to appeal the judgment.

"Our National Parks are largely owned by private individuals, and we respect their rights. However, our National Parks were designated by Parliament for their national importance. They have twin purposes: to protect and conserve and to provide opportunities for all parts of society to responsibly enjoy them.

"When the legislation to establish National Parks was introduced it was described as a people's charter - a people's charter for the open air, for the hikers and the ramblers, for everyone who lives to get out into the open air and enjoy the countryside. The High Court judgment potentially fetters that charter and seems contrary to the wishes of Parliament.

"Whilst we await determination of the application to appeal, and any subsequent appeal, we remain committed to working in partnership with landowners and other partners to ensure the new permissive system is successful."

Dartmoor's existing byelaws have been under review for some time, and while the Authority had been due to publish a revised set for public consultation its members have now agreed that this work should be paused for the time being. 

In the meantime the permissive arrangement will enable people to continue so-called backpack- or wild-camping on identified common land without needing to secure landowner permission first. As well as safeguarding a popular pastime in the short term, this has helped provide reassurance to schools and young people preparing for Ten Tors/Duke of Edinburgh.

Landowners involved in the scheme will enter into a legal agreement with DNPA, with up to £300 paid annually to those who opt-in (several have apparently indicated that they'll donate the sum to the National Park).

Areas where people can backpack/wild camp are outlined on the National Park Authority's website.

Local Labour MP Luke Pollard has tweeted in support of the right to camp, and there are signs the party will extend the Right to Roam in England should it form the next Government.

Dartmoor National Park will have the backing of thousands across the south west in their appeal.

The right to wild camp under the stars on Dartmoor is our ancient inheritance. If the courts can't protect this right then Parliament will need to. https://t.co/E7ed4R6P7M

— Luke Pollard MP (@LukePollard) January 27, 2023