Dartmoor Marshals helping to protect National Park

For the fifth summer, marshals are being deployed across Dartmoor to support the work of the National Park’s Rangers.

The Dartmoor Marshals have proved to be an invaluable resource for the busier months, providing high-visibility patrols to reduce the impact of anti-social behaviour. They will also play a vital role in engaging with visitors so people feel safe and have a great time.   

Marshals were first introduced in summer 2020 and have proved to be invaluable in supporting the Dartmoor Ranger team as they go about their duties. As in previous years, Marshals will support that important work particularly in the evenings. They're on patrol from now until mid September. 

The additional boots on the ground is funded through a partnership project bringing together the Police and Crime Commissioner for Devon and Cornwall Alison Hernandez, the National Trust, Woodland Trust, Duchy of Cornwall, Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council and private landowners. 

Dartmoor National Park Head Ranger Simon Lee (pictured, top left) said: “We're delighted to run this initiative for the fifth year in a row. Through the partnership, we're able to provide additional resources to help tackle and prevent incidents caused by a minority of people - but incidents that can have a detrimental impact to Dartmoor's beauty and other people's quiet enjoyment of this special place.

"Like Rangers, Marshals bring valuable experience and skills in dealing with sensitive situations but are also there to help and advise so people have safe and memorable visits."

Commissioner Hernandez said: “I know issues such as antisocial behaviour remain a real concern for people living on Dartmoor and are a blight on what is not only an ecologically important area but a place highly valued by those who live, visit and work on the moor.

“Tackling antisocial behaviour is a priority in my Police and Crime Plan and that is why I continue to invest in these Marshals who can make a real difference and provide a reassurance to people both living and working on our moors that they are not alone.”

Last year, Dartmoor Marshals spent 1,089 person hours patrolling over the summer, covering 44 evenings. They helped deal with a range of incidents such as fly camping, open fires, dogs off leads and at least one occasion of stopping a rave. They also assisted in reports of homelessness, signposting those in need to the right authorities so professional help could be provided. 

To find out where best to report anti-social incidents, including livestock worrying, fly tipping or injured animals, please visit our website. If you witness anti-social behaviour and it’s happening right now, report to Devon & Cornwall Police by calling 999 in the case of an emergency, 101 or by visiting the online reporting form.

Do your bit to leave no trace and give nature space by following the Ranger Code.