Dartmoor local access forum
The Dartmoor Local Access Forum is the statutory, independent body established under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The Forum advises the Authority, and other organisations, at a strategic level on how to make Dartmoor more accessible and enjoyable in ways which address environmental, social and economic interests.
The Forum provides advice on a range of issues including:
- Improving rights of way and making them accessible to more people
- Access Land Management
- Visitor Management
- National Park Management Plans and Recreation Strategies
All members of the Forum are appointed in a voluntary capacity representing a wide range of interests including farming and land management, users of rights of way and Access Land, health, social inclusion, tourism and business. Members may claim reasonable travel expenses to attend meetings and child care costs. Member appointments are made for up to three years.
See guidance on the role of Local Access Forums available from Natural England.
Dartmoor Local Access Forum is an independent advisory body established in 2002.
Meetings
Forum meetings are open to the public and the agenda for each meeting is available here one week before the meeting. A printed copy can be viewed at the National Park Headquarters at Parke, Bovey Tracey.
Meetings are normally held at Parke. The Forum meets formally twice a year (additional meetings and training days are arranged as required).
The next meeting of the Dartmoor Access Forum will be held at 18:00 on Thursday 23 April 2026 in the main meeting room at Parke, Bovey Tracey. A meeting agenda will be published up to one week prior to the meeting.
Agenda for meeting on 23 April 2026
Draft Minutes (To be approved at the next Meeting)
Minutes of Meeting held on 23 April 2026
Summary – Dartmoor Access Forum Meeting (23 April 2026)
Key Outcomes
- Major Funding Secured: £200,000 allocated for design work to improve public access at Princetown Railway and Postbridge, including safety audits for the Two Moors Way and a new DNPA website launching in 2026.
- Access and Infrastructure Improvements:
- Upgrades at Postbridge (Tramper Trail and additional Tramper for disabled access).
- Replacement of difficult stiles with accessible gates (e.g., Wistman’s Wood).
- Improved toilet facilities at Meldon and plans for a Changing Places facility at Haytor Visitor Centre.
- Ongoing improvements at Dartmeet and Avon Dam.
- Farming in Protected Landscapes(FiPL):
- Scheme extended to March 2029, with over £3 million supporting 64 projects since June 2025.
- Projects include wildfire management, nature recovery, and access enhancements (e.g., boardwalks, picnic areas, educational farm visits).
- Inclusive Access and Cycling:
- Emphasis on accessible cycling routes (e.g., Granite Way) and potential for expanded multi-user trails.
- Path and Signage Enhancements:
- Draft signage policy to standardise and improve waymarking across the park.
- Volunteering Initiative:
- Plan to establish a sub-group to recruit and coordinate volunteers, including students and young people, for conservation and educational activities.