Why wild camping success in Dartmoor won’t be replicated in New Forest

WILD camping is unlikely to be supported in the New Forest despite a Court of Appeal decision confirming the continuation of the practice in Dartmoor.

Dartmoor National Park Authority successfully argued in favour of the retention of the right to wild camp on Dartmoor’s common land in its Court of Appeal case against Alexander and Diana Darwall, the owners of Stall Moor common on south-west Dartmoor.

Supported by the Open Space Society, Dartmoor NPA successful demonstrated that the right to backpack camp was enshrined in the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, which states: “The public shall have a right of access to the commons on foot and on horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation.”

However, Tom Hind, chief executive of the North York Moors NPA, has highlighted that the Commons Act which allows for ‘wild camping’ in Dartmoor national park is a specific piece of legislation, local to that area.

Speaking on behalf of National Parks England, Mr Hind said: “Our national parks remain hugely varied in their formal, designated camping offers. In some cases their proximity to major urban centres creates potential challenges to the resilience of these safeguarded landscapes from increased, less regulated camping.

“Any extension of wild camping rights beyond Dartmoor would likely need a robust, open public debate and consultation with the myriad landowners and stakeholders across England’s national parks.”

New Forest NPA director Steve Avery has pointed out that support for wild camping is unlikely in the New Forest, which is one of the smallest national parks in England and has more than three times the number of camping and touring caravan bed spaces per square kilometre than the average of all other English national parks.

He said: “Over half the New Forest National Park is internationally-protected for its rare wildlife and habitats and therefore wild camping is not allowed. The New Forest is well-served with a variety of different camping sites and experiences available.”

However, National Parks England has confirmed its desire to make all national parks more inclusive and improve links between education and use of the countryside, so that special areas are correctly protected.

Mr Hind cautioned: “In areas like the Peak District, the pandemic and post lockdown periods exposed a snapshot of the risks from unorganised so-called ‘fly camping’, where the ‘no trace’ principle traditionally associated with wild camping was often disregarded at the expense of sensitive habitats and a greater risk of wild fire.

“Ultimately, this may be about practical implementation of any proposed legislative change and ensuring some of England’s most cherished landscapes remain loved and cared for, and not taken advantage of.”