THE Dartmoor Preservation Association, which has been working and campaigning for more than 120 years to protect Dartmoor and its special qualities, are looking for more volunteers to join in its conservation efforts. During the last three summers, DPA volunteers have been 'bracken bashing' on some of Dartmoor's more important and sensitive archaeological sites, where mechanical methods of control would damage the historic remains. Bracken is a growing problem on the moor as it hides Bronze Age settlements and mediaeval farmsteads. Its roots or 'rhizomes' are very tough and invasive and can damage the archeological remains underground. The DPA's bracken bashers bruise the young bracken shoots early in the summer. The weakened fronds are given another bashing in July or August. This technique is proving more effective than cutting, as the rhizomes waste more effort repairing the damage than in putting up new fronds — this weakens and eventually stops the bracken's growth. The project has been running for three years now, involving a small army of DPA volunteers, local schoolchildren and conservation groups, working at five sites, including Grimspound, Shaugh Moor and the DPA's own land at High House Waste near Cornwood. The project has been funded by the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund and by donations from DPA members and supporters. Paul Rendell, a DPA bracken officer, said: 'We shall be seeking support to continue the project for another three years, and to involve university students and attract more volunteers. 'We also plan to share the results of our work with others who are battling against the spread of bracken on Dartmoor.' Jonathan Cardale, DPA chief executive, said: 'The DPA has an image of fighting tooth and nail against developments which threaten people's enjoyment of Dartmoor — windfarms around the edges of the moor have been our main crusade the last two years. 'But we have also been quietly working away at this project and a number of others, such as restoring cairns. 'We hope to broaden the scope of our conservation work and to attract more members and volunteers to take part.' The next task will be on January 24 and 29 to clear out part of the Plymouth Leat where it crosses Roborough Down. New volunteers are most welcome to help and anyone interested should contact Paul Rendell on 01837 54727 or the DPA office on 01822 890646.
