A NEW guide detailing the history and importance of rabbit warrening on Dartmoor has just been published by the national park authority. Rabbits have played an important role in the economy of the moor over the centuries ? there were originally at least 20 warrens on Dartmoor, with the largest situated in the Plym Valley. The earliest warrens date from the late mediaeval ages and the industry continued until well into the 20th century. Its demise was brought about by a number of factors. Changes in agriculture during the 19th century diminished the importance of rabbits as a source of food, myxomatosis virtually wiped out the rabbit population on Dartmoor in the 1950s and rabbit clearance legislation in 1955 brought to an end warrening on the moor. The pocket guide contains details about archaeological features associated with warrening which can still be found on the moor. The pocket guides, complete with colour illustrations, are available from Dartmoor National Park Information Centres priced 85p.
