Dartmoor Training Area

Military Use Overview

History of Military Use

Military Training

Land Used

Management

Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP)

Environmental
Management
System (EMS)

Integrated Land Management Plan (ILMP)

Dartmoor Training Area Detailed Aims and Objectives:
Landscape

Aim

To protect, maintain and enhance the characteristic landscape of Dartmoor.

Objective LS1:
To reduce visual intrusion of military structures and activities into the landscape across DTA.

Background and Management Implications

The MOD recognises the need to preserve the characteristic landscape of Dartmoor and to minimise visual intrusion associated with its use of the Moor. Much consideration has been given within the DSG's committees to methods of reducing visual intrusion including careful sighting of structures, camouflaging buildings that have to be in prominent positions and removing unsightly military artefacts.

The principal landscape features which need to be considered in the management of DTA include;

• tors and clitter slopes
• deep stream valleys (e.g. Tavy Cleave)
• heather moorland and blanket bog
• grass moorland
• the ‘softer’ hills of the sandstones and shales
• prehistoric remains
• medieval field systems
• abandoned tin and copper mine buildings and leats
• semi-derelict enclosed fields and farm buildings
• current enclosed land and farmsteads
• trees and woodland
• abandoned military artefacts
• current military infrastructure

Reducing the visual intrusion of existing structures has the potential to alter the accepted landscape, damage local habitats and cause the removal of historical artefacts. This has to be balanced against the gain of reducing visual intrusion.

Agreement has already been reached within the DSG's committees that the design of any new structure should pay due regard to minimising visual intrusion.

Landscape considered within all development or restoration projects.

Consider and implement improvements for the integration of military structures into the landscape. Review design and locations of military infrastructure and redesign where possible to enhance integration into the landscape

Further objectives are:

• To consider landscape issues in all development proposals
• To protect the historic landscape across Dartmoor Training Area (See Historic Environment Section)
• Maintain the current extent of boundary features across our freehold land where this delivers cultural, agricultural and biodiversity benefits (See Natural Environment Section)
  

Performance Indicator

Integration of military activity and infrastructure into the landscape and in keeping with the landscape character.