Dartmoor Training Area
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Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP)
Environmental
Management
System
(EMS)
Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP)
Dartmoor Training Area Detailed Aims and Objectives:
Historic Environment
Aim
To protect, maintain and enhance the archaeological and cultural heritage resource across Dartmoor Training Area.
Objective HE1:
To protect, maintain and enhance Scheduled Monuments across DTA.
Background and Management Implications
The SMs across DTA have statutory protection and the MOD has a duty as landowner and as a user of the moor to maintain this protection.
Soil and vegetation cover protect parts of the SMs below ground therefore these protecting soils and vegetation need to be maintained and potentially damaging vegetation such as bracken and gorse must be controlled across MOD freehold land.
DTA shall protect SMs above ground against accidental damage arising from military activity across DTA and all instances of damage will be reported to both EH and DNPA.
Monitor condition (Statutory 5 year inspection using EH/DE Monitoring Methodology) and assess risks. Copies of condition reports shared with EH and DNPA.
Performance Indicator
The condition of SMs remains satisfactory and risk mitigation measures are in place.
Objective HE2:
To protect the historic landscape across DTA.
Background and Management Implications
The historic landscape is considered to be of national and international importance. The completeness and extent of the record is of particular interest and a better understanding of the development of the area needs to be achieved.
The Historic Environmental Record sites of the historic landscape within the MOD freehold, licensed and leased areas need to be recognised and managed where applicable and in accordance with all MOD agreements. Key features include Scheduled Ancient Monuments and other Non designated sites as listed on the Historic Environment Record (HER) e.g the Military target railways.
Performance Indicator
Condition of historic landscape.
Objective HE3:
To continue to safeguard Dartmoor Training Areas significant historic
military artefacts and structures.
Background and Management Implications
Dartmoor has been an important area for military training for almost 150 years and a wide range of infrastructure has been developed over this period which mirrors the developments in military training and the evolution of artillery and light forces. Much of the early infrastructure has been abandoned and is in a state of gradual decay. The importance of these artefacts as a national resource is not yet fully understood and as such appropriate decisions on maintenance and protection are difficult to make.
The historic military artefacts need to be assessed, protected or maintained where applicable.
Encourage EH to assess the significance of the artefacts so that appropriate resources can be applied. EH have an aspiration to have all the historic buildings in the DTA surveyed.
Performance Indicator
Artefacts of local and national significance protected.
Objective HE4:
To undertake and maintain a condition assessment of key archaeological
and cultural heritage features.
Background and Management Implications
The status, diversity and extent of the archaeological and cultural heritage features across Dartmoor need to be understood and monitored accordingly. The current system of 3 yearly condition survey only covers SMs and due to the increasing number of scheduled sites may be reduced to 5 yearly surveys. A system of formal and informal surveys needs to be applied to protect both the SMs and the other sites.
The quality and location of archaeological and cultural heritage features need to be understood and managed though the DTA EMS and procedures.
To continue to use the DE archaeological condition assessment methodology and update the DE Heritage Management System data base and share all new information with English Heritage and Dartmoor National Park Authority HER.
Continue to identify, assess and inspect the key components of the historic landscape to increase our understanding and monitor its status.
Performance Indicator
Condition of archaeological and cultural heritage features.
Objective HE5:
To promote the historic environment resource by means of access, and
interpretation, on and off site, for public enjoyment and education,
within the constraints of military activity and conservation needs.
Background and Management Implications
The historic environment of Dartmoor is an important factor in the attraction of the area for military personnel, the local population and tourists. DNPA, EH and MOD recognise the need to balance the public demand for increased access and the potential educational resource against the risk of increased damage of historic features.
Raise awareness of the access availability and understanding of the historic value of Dartmoor by working in partnership with local agencies and organisations.
Tasks will include further development of DTA information on this website and the MOD Website: www.mod.gov.uk, together with the publication of DTA Walks and Rides leaflets.
Performance Indicator
Range of interpretation measures in place; Hits on the Dartmoor Website; Feedback from stakeholders.
