What is the Dartmoor wild camping dispute? UK Supreme Court restores public right to the camp

In a landmark decision, the UK Supreme Court has ruled that wild camping is legal on Dartmoor , restoring a long-standing public right that had been challenged by a wealthy landowner. The ruling concludes a two-year legal battle initiated by hedge fund manager Alexander Darwall, who sought to ban camping on his 4,000-acre estate in Dartmoor National Park. The court held that the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 allows for wild camping as a legitimate form of “open-air recreation.” This decision marks a significant victory for land access rights in England.


The legal battle over wild camping at Dartamoor
Alexander Darwall, Dartmoor’s sixth-largest landowner, purchased the Blachford estate in 2013. He objected to people camping on his land without permission, citing concerns about conservation and livestock safety. In 2023, Darwall won in the High Court, which ruled that wild camping was not covered under existing public access rights. This triggered widespread backlash and an appeal from the Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), supported by public protests and land rights activists.


Supreme Court clarifies “open-air recreation”
The case hinged on the interpretation of the term “open-air recreation” under the Dartmoor Commons Act. Darwall’s legal team argued for a narrow definition limited to walking and horseback riding. In contrast, the DNPA and campaigners contended that activities like camping, picnicking, and bird watching were valid recreational uses. The Supreme Court ultimately agreed with the broader interpretation, concluding that wild camping is a legitimate form of enjoying Dartmoor’s natural beauty.


Public reaction and campaigner response
The ruling has been celebrated by activists and local communities. Thousands had camped in protest over the past year to assert their right to access Dartmoor. Campaigners from the Right to Roam group hailed the decision as a “relief,” while highlighting the fragility of access laws in England. MP Caroline Voaden called the judgment a “vindication” and urged further legislative action to extend wild camping rights across the UK.


Calls for national access reform
Following the decision, campaigners are pushing for a new Right to Roam Act that would expand public access to nature beyond Dartmoor. Labour had previously promised such reforms while in opposition but has yet to include them in its current manifesto. The Supreme Court’s verdict has renewed pressure on the government to ensure that public access rights are protected and expanded for future generations.


A victory for Dartmoor and public access
Kevin Bishop, CEO of the DNPA, welcomed the ruling, emphasizing that national parks are meant to serve all people, not just a privileged few. He assured that responsible access would be promoted, balancing the needs of landowners and the public. The Supreme Court’s decision secures the unique tradition of wild camping in Dartmoor and sets a precedent for broader land access rights in England.