Overview

Dartmoor is a broad expanse of upland in the county of Devon in southwest England. Much of the area is protected as a national park and is characterised by open moorland, steep-sided valleys and widespread granite outcrops called tors. The highest ground is marked by High Willhays at 621 metres, which is the highest point in southern England. Lower slopes and valley bottoms support mixed woodlands and farmland.

Landscape and geology

The defining features of Dartmoor are its windswept moors, rocky tors and a patchwork of peat bogs and enclosed farmland. The bedrock is largely granite, formed when molten rock cooled beneath the surface during ancient geological periods; later weathering and erosion exposed the hard cores as the tors seen today. Peat accumulations on the plateau have produced a network of bogs and mires that influence drainage and vegetation.

Wildlife and habitats

Dartmoor supports a mix of upland heath, acid grassland, bog and native woodland. It is notable for species adapted to open moorland and wet bogs. Birds such as the ring ouzel and wading species can be found in suitable seasons, while specialist invertebrates like the marsh fritillary butterfly occur in managed grasslands. Carnivorous plants such as sundews thrive in the boggy areas, and the landscape is famous for the hardy native Dartmoor pony, which still grazes across common land.

Human history and uses

People have used Dartmoor for thousands of years; the uplands contain prehistoric field systems, burial cairns, stone rows and hut circles from Bronze Age and later settlements. Historically the moors were common grazing land and remain a patchwork of commons, farms and military training areas. There are also industrial reminders such as old mine workings from tin and copper extraction.

Recreation and conservation

Dartmoor is popular for walking, climbing on tors, wildlife watching and cultural tourism. Management balances public access, grazing rights and conservation of sensitive habitats. Conservation projects focus on peat restoration, species protection and preserving archaeological sites. Visitors are encouraged to follow local guidelines to protect fragile bogs and historic monuments.

Further information

Authoritative resources and local organisations include: