Summary
The Supreme Court has decided that wild camping is allowed on Dartmoor in England, supporting the idea that people can camp on this public land without needing permission from private landowners. This decision came after a legal challenge from landowners who wanted to stop public camping on their property.
Key Facts
- The Supreme Court ruled in favor of allowing wild camping on Dartmoor.
- Landowners Alexander and Diana Darwall appealed against this, but the judges did not support their view.
- Normally, people cannot wild camp on private land in England, but Dartmoor is an exception.
- A by-law says people can use Dartmoor for "open-air recreation," which the court decided includes camping.
- The legal case started in 2022 when the Darwalls opposed the wild camping on their property.
- Dartmoor National Park covers 368 square miles and includes private lands used for grazing livestock.
- The Supreme Court noted the 1949 National Parks Act restricts some activities but does not mention camping.
- Judges believe public regulation is better for protecting Dartmoor than private enforcement by landowners.
