Iconic walls get a facelift

Walling at Babeny FarmWith the decline in capital grants through agri-environment schemes, the state of some of the Park’s walls has gradually been deteriorating.  Running over the next four years, our Ancient Boundaries, Modern Farming project invites landowners to apply for grants to restore high-profile, publicly visible stone walls and gateways in the MTMTE area and improve access.  Utilising a mix of family, local volunteer and/or contracted labour the project will develop and retain heritage skills and help capture the stories behind the working landscape.

Five applicants received grants of up to £2,500 this summer for repair work to some of Dartmoor’s iconic stone walls in the first phase of our Ancient Boundaries, Modern Farming project.  Works are almost complete at Hemsworthy Gate and Babeny Farm so if you’re in the area, please have a look and send us any feedback.

If you’re interested in learning a heritage skill, have a wall in need of some tender loving care and have a story to tell then please contact Bob Bearns, Dartmoor Hill Farm Project Officer: 01822 890917 rbearns@dartmoor.gov.uk or Sandra Dodd, Dartmoor Hill Farm Project Manager: 01822 890912 sdodd@dartmoor.gov.uk

Related Articles

Ponies, Pounds and Driftways

A project to work with pony keepers on Dartmoor and to identify and implement repairs to a number of pounds and driftways. The Dartmoor pony reflects a vital part of the human story of Dartmoor. They were initially used to transport goods and latterly, with their selective grazing of moorland, they play a vital role in maintaining a variety of habitats and supporting wildlife.

Read more

Ancient boundaries, modern farming

A grant scheme to help repair significant walls and gateways which are clearly visible from the highway or well used access routes. Interpretation to raise public awareness of the importance of respecting stone walls. There has been a gradual deterioration over decades of Dartmoor’s stone walls due to weather, careless clambering by visitors and government grants favouring fencing over stone wall restoration.

Read more

Bluebells at Brimpts Tin Trail

Take a stroll round the Tin Mines Trail at Brimpts Farm, Dartmeet and enjoy the bluebells that adorn Dartmoor at this time of the year. As well as learning about tin-working in DTRG’s display room, there is an easy walk around the South Mine Trail near the farm and the North Mine Trail on open moorland. Trail guides are available from Brimpts Tearoom and DNPA Information Centres at a cost of £1.50.

Read more

Last update: 09 Dec 2015 11:59am