September 2, 2025
Darwall v Dartmoor National Park Authority [2025] UKSC 20 (21 May 2025)
Landowners sought a declaration that section 10(1) of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 does not grant the public a right to camp on Dartmoor Commons. The Supreme Court held that 'open-air recreation' includes wild camping, and the words 'on foot and on horseback' describe the means of access, not a limitation on recreational activities. Appeal dismissed. Facts The appellants, Mr and Mrs Darwall, were farmers and landowners who owned land at Blachford Manor on Dartmoor, including Stall Moor, an area on the Dartmoor Commons. They were concerned about potential harm from wild camping on the Commons near their land. They
