Landowner renews battle over Dartmoor wild camping

The case hinges on whether wild camping is a form of open-air recreation

A Dartmoor landowner has won the right to appeal to the Supreme Court against a ruling allowing wild camping in the national park.

Alexander Darwall's appeal follows a victory by right to roam campaigners last July when judges allowed wild camping.

Landmark Chambers, representing Mr Darwall, said the appeal "will determine once and for all this important issue, namely whether members of the public enjoy a right to camp on the Dartmoor commons".

Campaigners The Stars are for Everyone said the "egregious move illustrates the need for greater legal protections for access to nature".

Thousands of people protested in January 2023 after a ruling banning wild camping

The court battle goes back to January last year when Mr Darwall, a hedge fund manager who owns a 4,000 acre (16 sq km) estate on Dartmoor, won a High Court challenge against wild camping.

The victory led to thousands of people protesting and sparked a nationwide debate on public access in the English countryside.

At the centre of this case was whether wild camping can be considered open-air recreation, which is allowed in the park under the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985.

Lewis Winks of The Stars are for Everyone, said taking it to the Supreme Court was the "final battle for the protection of historic rights to wild camp on Dartmoor".

'Protect access'

He said: "It is tying up the resources of the national park authority that could be better spent on education and getting more people outdoors and into this amazing environment.

“I just hope that the court sees sense and ensures that wild camping remains as a part of enjoying Dartmoor.

“Whatever the outcome it has galvanised huge amounts of support and we want to see the next government be bold and protect access to the countryside.”

Environmental campaigner Guy Shrubsole said: "The fact that a wealthy landowner is repeatedly seeking to extinguish the public’s right to responsibly wild camp on Dartmoor is a perfect demonstration of why we need new access legislation."

Dr Kevin Bishop, chief executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: "Naturally, we feel disappointed by the decision to allow the appeal.

"We’ve been consistently clear about our role in protecting Dartmoor and promoting understanding so people respect the National Park’s environment, its cultural heritage and those who live and work here.

"Since this matter was brought to the courts, we have sought to defend the public’s right to access the National Park for open air recreation while continuing our work with partners that protect Dartmoor’s unique characteristics."

Mr Darwall has been approached for comment.