How can you help Dartmoor?

So, how can you help Dartmoor? Dartmoor is not just a place to visit, it is a living landscape that relies on the care and respect of those who enjoy it. Helping Dartmoor does not always mean making grand gestures. It often comes down to small, meaningful choices that, when combined, make a lasting difference. Whether you live nearby or visit once in a while, there are plenty of ways you can give back to the moor that gives so much.

One of the most important ways to help is by supporting the organisations that look after Dartmoor. Groups like the Dartmoor Preservation Association, Moor Trees, and the Dartmoor National Park Authority are at the heart of protecting, restoring, and educating people about this unique landscape. They rely heavily on donations, volunteers, and public support to continue their work. Even a small contribution, whether financial or through volunteering, can have a big impact. To learn more about who cares for the moor, take a look at our blog on Who Looks After Dartmoor.

You can also help Dartmoor by joining in with conservation activities. Many charities and local groups run volunteering days where you can get hands-on experience maintaining paths, planting trees, or restoring peat bogs. These activities not only strengthen the moor but also connect you to its heart in a unique way. Bringing family along to these events can also help children learn the value of protecting wild spaces, complementing the ideas shared in our blog on Family Friendly Tips.

Making conscious choices during visits is another simple but powerful way to help. Sticking to marked trails, keeping dogs under control, and taking litter home all reduce the strain on Dartmoor’s fragile ecosystems. Choosing sustainable travel, like car-sharing or public transport, when visiting the moor also helps cut down the environmental footprint of tourism. For more on walking with care, see our blog on Respect Dartmoor. It is also worth understanding your Rights and Access when exploring so you know where you can and cannot go.

Supporting local businesses is yet another way to strengthen Dartmoor’s future. Buying from farm shops, eating in village cafés, or staying in locally owned accommodation keeps money flowing within the community and helps those who depend on the land for their livelihood. These choices encourage sustainable development and reduce the risk of communities being priced out or disconnected from their heritage. To explore the relationship between people and wildlife further, see our blog on Wildlife Wonders.

Finally, one of the simplest ways you can help Dartmoor is by sharing its story. Encourage friends, family, and visitors to explore responsibly and understand why Dartmoor is special. Sharing your experiences on social media or recommending a walk from Family Friendly Tips or exploring Trees, Plants and Fungi spreads awareness and helps others value Dartmoor in the same way you do.

Every action matters. From supporting conservation groups to making thoughtful choices when visiting, we all have a role to play in protecting Dartmoor. Together, we can ensure this landscape continues to thrive for generations to come.

For more insight into what makes Dartmoor so unique, you might enjoy reading our blog on Wildlife Wonders next.