AMONGST the varying claims and counter claims about the extent of the damage caused in Dartmoor National Park by military vehicles on an exercise in July one fact emerges upon which everyone who loves Dartmoor ought to agree.
That is, that military training in any form is not in keeping with National Park purposes, which are, in summary from the legislation:
a) to conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultured heritage of the National Park and
b) to promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities (of the National Park) by the public.
Rather than wait for the renewal of the current military licences in 2012 when the conservationists? battle with the military will really commence, I invite the military to take their training elsewhere as soon as possible and to leave Dartmoor to be enjoyed for its true purposes, as described above.
John Skinner
Ramblers Association Devon Area Access Officer
19 Leat Walk
Roborough