Dartmoor bosses take over 'special' slice of land

Buckfastleigh Moor consists of 858 acres of common land, the authority said

Dartmoor bosses have taken over a 'special' slice of land, based at one of the highest points of the national park.

Buckfastleigh Moor, consisting of 858 acres of common land, is now owned by the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA).

The moor is a special area of conservation and a site of specific scientific interest, hosting a range of grass species and trees that support the wildlife, the DNPA said.

DNPA chairwoman Pamela Woods said: "We're delighted to bring this special part of Dartmoor into our care."

'Protected for nature'

The authority said the purchase was fully funded by a grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, but it has not disclosed the purchase price.

It said the additional land would bring "long-term protection" to the park.

Buckfastleigh Moor contains upland heathland, blanket bog, rugged hills and species-rich valleys as well as natural springs and significant archaeological features, DNPA said.

It is accessed from Chalk Ford, Lud Gate or Water Oak Corner, with the new land running in a north-west direction to Ryder's Hill – the highest point on southern Dartmoor – before tracking south-east to Snowdon and Puper's Hill.

Ms Woods said the the site would "continue to be protected for nature, climate and people".

"With the essential support of commoners, we look forward to delivering the aspirations in Dartmoor’s Partnership Plan so our unique national park can be enjoyed by everyone in years to come," she added.