AT 954 square kilometres, or 368 square miles, Dartmoor is the largest open space in southern England.

It has wild moorland, granite tors and wooded river valleys.

At its edge is a landscape of small fields enclosed by stone walls and hedge banks.

Importantly, Dartmoor has been a stock-grazing area for at least 4,000 years and it is, in the main, this kind of farming that has made the Dartmoor landscape worthy of National Park status.

The open spaces and sheltered valleys give pleasure to millions of people every year and for the farmers, it is their place of work.

Dartmoor's blanket bog, upland oak woods, caves and mines are among habitats of international importance.

The landscape is also among the richest in western Europe in terms of its archaeological remains.

Within the National Park there are many landowners, including public bodies and private individuals. The 2011 census indicated some 34,000 people reside within the National Park boundary.

The purpose of the management plan, which is being launched on February 24, is to set out a long term vision and ambitions for Dartmoor while providing a framework for partnership working for all policy and activity in the National Park.

This in turn provides a basis for focusing resources and drawing in funding, illustrates how partner organisations have due regard for National Park purposes.

It also communicates what is important about Dartmoor through actioned priorities, while providing a focus for the work of the Dartmoor National Park Authority and how it accounts to Government.

It has been prepared by the DNPA as the body charged with that statutory responsibility. It has been greatly assisted by a wide range of stakeholders and the Dartmoor communities concerned about the future of this distinctive and special place.

The consultation process identified key priorities.

These are the future of farming and forestry, spectacular landscapes and natural networks, making the most of cultural heritage, enjoying a prosperous Dartmoor whilst maintaining a community focus.

The plan helps us to maintain close working relationships with all our partners and shapes up and backs up our diverse daily work on the ground.

It is crucial in these austere times that partners share funding to protect and look after Dartmoor.

For further details visit the website at http://www.yourdartmoor.org">www.yourdartmoor.org