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Recent Events and Press Releases

Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend 11 -12 September 2010

The Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend 2010 will help Devon cadets to mark 150 years since the Cadet movement first started, when the Cadet Corps was formed to help bolster the country’s defence numbers following heavy losses in the Crimean War. Today’s Cadet Forces are quite different organisations, having evolved into unique voluntary youth organisations, offering young people opportunities to develop themselves, try new adventures and activities, and learn key lessons in citizenship and the importance of society.

There will be plenty of things to see and do for young and old. Free entry and plenty of car parking wilol make Okehampton Battle Camp an exciting place to visit on this once a year opportunity.

Last year's summary, below, gives a good idea of the many exciting opportunities. Further information is available here.

Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend 12 -13 September 2009

Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend 2009 gave over 4,000 West Country people the opportunity to find out why Dartmoor continues to be vital to the military, both now and for over 200 years.  The weekend, part of English Heritage’s National campaign to open places not normally open to the public, brought visitors and tourists to Okehampton for a day out which combined fun, nostalgia, learning and reminiscences.  Comparing a soldier’s life today with that when Okehampton Battle Camp was formed in 1875 drew gasps. Then a soldier only had a tent with a straw bed and slopped out stew, while the horses had built stables and a greater allocation of straw and food.

Visitors were greeted by a mass of activities and attractions.  Youngsters practised on the rifle range, took part in Ultimate Combat Zone’s laser war fighting, raced round the obstacle course, accepted the challenges of war gamers and admired the skills of model makers.  Marines and soldiers, fresh from Afghanistan, fascinated the teenagers and veterans with their experiences and demonstrated the equipment that they use. 

Over 45 historic vehicles, including 3 Ferret Scout Cars, travelled to Okehampton from across the peninsula to remind of past battles.  Some visitors enjoyed a ride in vehicles that they had travelled and fought in 70 years ago.  The owners delighted in explaining the history of their collector’s pieces and paying tribute to those who had gone to war in them.  Peter Coaker, Vice Chairman of Devon Military Vehicle Trust, said ‘We are honoured to be part of the Heritage Weekend.  It is a rare experience for us to be able to display our vehicles in a military barracks, and to use the cookhouse and NAAFI.  Lt Col (Retd) Tony Clark, Commandant Dartmoor Training Area, always makes us thoroughly welcome.  As this is the last show before he retires next June, we pulled out all the stops to make it the biggest and the best.

Supported by Royal British Legion members, young and old veterans of many campaigns , there was a feast of attraction.  Lt Col John Pentreath of the Devon Branch commented ‘We are grateful that we could highlight the good work of the Legion; to safeguard the interests, welfare and memory of those who are serving or have served.  As the leading Services’ charity, we exist to support the families of the deceased and those injured or maimed on active service; as well as providing a forum for ex-servicemen to gather together for mutual support’.  ‘One of the many emotional highlights was watching the poppies drift from the sky after they had been  launched by the Royal Navy and Royal Marine Freefall Display Team, and by Eggesford’s Auster aircraft’.

Cadets of the Army Navy and Air Force explained the many interesting activities they take part in, encouraged youngsters up the climbing wall, helped with the shooting and obstacle course and demonstrated how they learn leadership and managment through command tasks. Recruiting was brisk and many parents asked detailed questions which bodes well for future membership of the UK's largest youth organisation.

Dartmoor Training Area’s staff answered a myriad questions and were delighted by the level of support for military training on the Moor.  They were able to explain the periods of guaranteed public access and how public safety is safeguarded.  Being soldier’s themselves they were also able to describe how important live firing is both for gaining confidence in the weapon and in each other.  The recently launched Military and Dartmoor – Information for Walkers and Riders, available from local Information Centres’ was warmly received.  The mix of safety information with suggestions for walk destinations is proving popular.

Hugh Irranca- Davis, Minister of Environment with responsibility for National Parks launches 'Military and Dartmoor booklet'.

On top of windy Dartmoor, Huw Irranca-Davis launched the Military and Dartmoor Boolet, which describes the 200 year history of the military use of Dartmoor and why the taining area remains vital to light Armed Forces.

Progress on Licence Re-negotiation

MoD has produced a further Public Information leaflet, which describes the background to licence re-negotiation, explains the process and gives the main timings.

7 Oct 07

Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend 2007

Nearly 2,500 visitors enjoyed hearing the Salamanca Band of the Rifles at Okehampton Battle Camp during the Heritage Weekend Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 September 2007. Young and old alike were entertained by the Military Vehicle Trust, model makers, radio enthusiasts and weapon collectors. The Cadet Forces encouraged participation in shooting, obstacle course techniques, cimbing and paintballing as well as demonstrating leadership skills. Everyone enjoyed talking to soldiers recently returned from Iraq and Afghanistan, finding out what it is really like at the sharp end paying tribute to the part that Dartmoor has played in their training.

Next years event is to be held on 13 and 14 September 2008.

Progress on Licence Renegotiation

May 2007

“Lack of training is one of the biggest threats to military capability” - Chief of Defence Staff:

Although the MoD’s principal licence to train on Dartmoor does not expire until 2012, it is important that the Armed Forces can be assured of its ability to continue training in the South West. If the licences cannot be re-negotiated then adequate time is needed to make alternative arrangements because operational effectiveness and therefore the lives of servicemen and servicewomen depend upon adequate training being available.

It is MoD’s belief that with extensive consultation and a co-operative, open approach to the re-negotiation process, there should be no requirement for another expensive and time consuming public inquiry on the issue of military training on Dartmoor. The arguments have been extensively rehearsed over many years and there is a real concern within the MoD to develop a more inclusive and effective way of addressing the aspirations of all stakeholders. As a part of the re-negotiation process the MOD has already completed an external audit of the Dartmoor Training Area Environmental Management System, commissioned a variety of environmental surveys and engaged Tourism Associates from Exeter University to undertake a survey on tourism; all of this work, when completed, has been placed on the website. The final element in the MoD’s preparatory work will be the completion of a non-statutory Environmental Appraisal. A timetable was published in Oct 06 in a public information leaflet, which outlined the re-negotiation process, containing the following key dates in the Environmental Assessment and re-negotiation process:

The revised Environmental Management System and Dartmoor Training Area Integrated Land Management Plan should be available before Jul 07. Public consultation on the Scoping Report (which was issued in Sep 06 and is available on this website) successfully produced useful written input and significant attendance at open days held on 30 Oct 06 in Tavistock and on 31 Oct 06 in Okehampton. In addition, statutory bodies and non-government organisations were briefed at Okehampton Camp during Mar – Apr 07. DEFRA minister, Barry Gardner, MP, visited Dartmoor Training Area to see the issues for himself in Mar 07, confirming the keen interest with which the consultative process being created on Dartmoor is viewed within Government.

To ensure the deepest possible collaboration, four working groups have been established, chaired by an MoD environmental specialist with Statutory Body subject matter experts as members providing knowledgable advice. Each working group is addressing a key aspect identified in the Scoping Report.

• Cultural Heritage
• Land Use & Local Communities
• Nature Conservation
• Public Access

The working group’s reports will assist in completing the Environmental Appraisal. It will then undergo a legal review prior to public submission and consultation before publication. Open days, similar to those arranged for publication of the Scoping Report, will be arranged for the consultation period on the Environmental Appraisal. Finally, it is hoped that the Dartmoor Steering Group will present the finished report and an options paper to both Secretaries of State (MoD and DEFRA) with their comments early in 08.

Dartmoor Steering Group and Working Party meetings at which the Environmental Appraisal could be discussed are currently planned for 17 Sep 07, 7 Nov 07 and 16 Jan 08.

Dartmoor Forest Fire Group

Monday 16 October 2006
Fighting wild fires on the Dartmoor Forest was the burning topic for 72 commoners, fire-fighters, rangers, Dartmoor Rescue Group and MoD to discuss at Okehampton Camp on Monday 16 October 2006. Andy Guy of Natural England set the scene by explaining the importance of Dartmoor’s ecology, with particular emphasis on its importance as a reservoir for drinking water and to store carbon to reduce global warming. Keith Swallow and Tony Hammond of Devon Fire and Rescue Service described how fires are fought, fire-fighters organised and the safe system of work required. The emphasis throughout, reflected by Colin Able, the Chairman of the Dartmoor Forest Commoners, was team work – as every one could contribute to the protection of Dartmoor. The Fire Service demonstrated their appliances and command system and after an appropriately fiery curry lunch, various possible scenarios were examined and discussed to reinforce relationships, which would help to protect Dartmoor and farmers’ livelihoods.

Portaloo Trial Starts

1 September 2006
Portaloos resembling Dr Who’s tardis mysteriously appearing in remote locations could soon be a thing of the past. MoD has recognised landowners, statutory bodies and local peoples’ objections to the visual intrusion of the portaloos in Dartmoor’s beautiful landscape. Limited to locations close to tracks, the portaloo is difficult to conceal and were often left in position longer than needed. However, the need to remove human waste from the moor remains. Working with industry, a field Portaloo has been developed which, being smaller, can be easily deployed by the user and more readily concealed before being returned to a specialist contactor for emptying and cleaning.

Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend

9-10 September 2006
Veteran military equipment displayed by knowledgeable enthusiasts of the Military Vehicle trust formed the backdrop to the 3rd Dartmoor Military Heritage Weekend at Okehampton Battle Camp on 9 and 10 September 2006. Re-enactors fought hard battles in front of 1,000 visitors to the weekend event, with loud bangs, fierce attacks and bloody encounters. Regular soldiers of the Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment explained conditions in Iraq and their recent experiences, while young cadets demonstrated how they develop their leadership skills as well as helping other youngsters to experience Army training methods. Officers and land agents were on hand to explain why the military need to use Dartmoor, how they use it, care for the National Park and are considerate of other users. There were many new exhibits with Boswell and Nicolls display of percussion weapons, the 1/6 scale model tanks and the American War of Independence creating great interest. Young heroes meanwhile fought it out on the laser battle field using skills developed on the video range. Next year’s even will be held over the weekend of the 9 and 10 September 2007.