FIFTY years of Dartmoor being designated a National Park will be marked by a compelling debate next week, about the continuing importance of that special status .

The debate, organised by the Dartmoor Society, promises to ask some tough questions. What has the national park designation meant environmentally, recreationally, socially and in economic terms? Are national parks the best way forward for future management of upland landscapes?

The foot and mouth crisis has focused attention on the possible need for different ways of structuring agricultural life, and these issues will also be discussed.

Dr Nick Atkinson, chief executive of DNPA will present a case for the benefits that national park status has brought to the area over the last half century.

Dr Tom Greeves, chairman of the Dartmoor Society, will argue that national park status has had damaging consequences, both environmentally and philosophically, encouraging a superficial view of Dartmoor.

There will also be several other speakers including Anton Coaker, a Dartmoor hill farmer whose healthy animals were slaughtered as a protective measure in the foot and mouth cull.

He will present his vision for the future of Dartmoor hill farming as a necessary viable activity.

The debate will be chaired by Justin Leigh, of BBC Television South West and Radio Devon.

At a time when new national parks are being created in the New Forest and in Scotland, the Dartmoor Society say the day event will be one of the liveliest and most interesting ever held on Dartmoor.

The Dartmoor Society was formed three years ago, to act as an independent voice and forum for debate on issues concerning the moor.

The conference, entitled 'Is a national park good for Dartmoor? - a debate on the past 50 years and the future', takes place at St Cuthbert's Conference Centre, Buckfast Abbey, on September 29, between 10am-5pm.

Prior booking is essential and must be received before September 22. Tickets are £10 for members of the Dartmoor Society, £12 for non-members. Coffee, a buffet lunch and tea are included.

For information, telephone 01822 617004.