UK Supreme Court Upholds Right to Wild Camp on Dartmoor

The UK Supreme Court has confirmed that people have the legal right to wild camp on Dartmoor without asking for permission from landowners. This important decision came on May 21, 2024, and is being celebrated by nature lovers and outdoor groups across the country.

The case was brought by Alexander and Diana Darwall, who own land on Dartmoor. They claimed that wild camping should not be allowed unless campers get the landowner’s approval.

But the judges disagreed. They looked closely at an old by-law. It says that people have a right to visit Dartmoor “on foot and on horseback for the purpose of open-air recreation.” The judges ruled that this includes camping, too.

They said the words “open-air recreation” are broad and open-ended. That means camping can be counted as a legal form of enjoying the land. The judges said this is part of how people enjoy the outdoors.

This ruling has made a big impact. Campaigners say it’s a win for the public’s right to enjoy nature. They believe that more land should be open for everyone. The decision is also expected to restart the national debate about public access to land in England.

A group called The Dartmoor Commons Owners’ Association had also supported the landowners. They said camping without permission causes problems. But now, the law clearly protects the right to camp on common land in Dartmoor.

Environmental groups like Right to Roam say this is a step forward. They are now asking the government to look at expanding public access rights across the country.