THOUSANDS of people visit Dartmoor National Park every year — and helping to provide visitors and local residents with a beautiful setting is an independent charity first set up in 1883.

The Dartmoor Preservation Association is an independent member organisation which helps look after Dartmoor's landscapes and its history.

It was founded more than 130 years ago amidst concerns that land management of Dartmoor by the Duchy of Cornwall was threatening to extinguish the ancient rights of commoners on the moor.

Interest in Dartmoor's landscape, archaeology and natural history had been rapidly increasing through the latter part of the 19th century and the formation of the organisation seemed to be a prudent step to take.

Much has changed since the DPA was established but the organisation still maintains the proud traditions that began in 1883.

Committed to the preservation and conservation of Dartmoor, its heritage, landscape and wildlife, Philip Hutt, director of the DPA, said the DPA would continue to campaign strongly for the protection of Dartmoor as a designated national park.

He said: 'Perhaps more than ever before, the national parks are under threat from the pursuit of economic growth, and the gradual erosion of the safeguards which protect them.

'There is a very real danger that these incremental changes will eventually result in an irreparable loss of the qualities which make the National Parks such special places, and this underlines the need for independent bodies such as the DPA.'

Since the creation of the Dartmoor National Park in 1951, the DPA has always maintained a strong and close relationship with the National Park Authority.

With 1,700 passionate members helping to keep a watchful eye on proposed developments, the DPA sees itself as a 'critical friend' and will stand ready to hold anyone to account, including the authorities, in the interests of Dartmoor.

A dedicated team of around 40 skilled and enthusiastic volunteers carries out practical work to protect and enhance the historic and natural environment and help to get across the message about why protecting Dartmoor matters.

The DPA is also actively involved in educational and recreational programmes, such as the Landscape Partnership 'Moor than Meets the Eye' scheme.

Part-funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund, the scheme comprises approximately 28 projects that will benefit the moor and local residents.

Using HLF funding and its own money, the DPA runs the 'Moor Boots' project, aimed at providing suitable footwear for deserving youngsters, who might otherwise be unable to take part in the Duke of Edinburgh Awards scheme.

Other plans for this year include the creation of a Dartmoor Conservation Garden, to showcase the plant life and archaeological features of the moor, and co-hosting a conference on aspects of birdlife and land management.

'Our focus is to protect this beautiful landscape for future generations,' said Mr Hutt.

'And to do that we'll need to get more people involved, especially the youngsters.

'We are trying to connect and get more involved with young people and help them to enjoy and appreciate this very special place.'

If you would like to find out more or become a volunteer member, visit http://www.dartmoorpreservation.com or">www.dartmoorpreservation.com or call 01822 890646.