For generations, Dartmoor National Park has been a rare haven where people could wild camp freely, immersing themselves in nature without needing landowner permission. This freedom, integral to the spirit of the right to roam, has made Dartmoor a favorite among backpackers and outdoor enthusiasts. However, this long-standing tradition was recently put on trial, threatening to restrict public access to one of England’s most iconic landscapes.
In January 2023, hedge fund manager and landowner Alexander Darwall challenged the public's right to camp on his privately owned Dartmoor estate without consent. Citing environmental concerns and property rights, Darwall sought to limit wild camping, arguing that unrestricted access could harm the land. The High Court sided with him, ruling that wild camping on Dartmoor’s privately owned land was no longer legally permitted without explicit permission. This decision sent shockwaves through the outdoor community, as it struck at the heart of a cherished tradition that allowed people to experience nature in a raw, unfettered way.
The ruling prompted a wave of protests from hikers, conservationists, and right-to-roam advocates, who feared it would set a dangerous precedent for public access rights across the country. As Guy Shrubsole, an environmental campaigner, noted, “This isn’t just about access—it’s about our right to experience nature in a meaningful way, untethered from the confines of private ownership.”
In a surprising turn, the Court of Appeal overturned the ruling in September 2023, restoring the public’s right to wild camp in parts of Dartmoor without needing permission from landowners. This decision was celebrated as a major victory for backpackers and outdoor advocates, who see wild camping as a vital part of reconnecting with nature. Lawyer Tom Hickman, who fought on behalf of public access, praised the ruling, stating, “It upholds the spirit of wild camping as essential to our connection to the land.”
While the victory was significant, the case underscored the fragile nature of public access rights in England, where much of the countryside is privately owned. Outdoor enthusiasts remain cautious, knowing that these freedoms can be contested. As author and activist Nick Hayes remarked, “This battle isn’t just about Dartmoor—it’s about ensuring future generations can still find freedom and solace in nature.”
The right to roam is a tradition worth defending, and the recent victory in Dartmoor has shown that the fight for public access to nature is ongoing.
