The military on Dartmoor.

Ever wondered where the military do their training?

Well, Dartmoor is 368 square miles of open, often bleak, and in places very demanding moorland.

Which makes it the perfect place for the army, and other services to train, as they have been since the 1800's.

There is still a large British Army camp at Okehampton, and currently about 100,000 military personnel come to the moor each year for training purposes.

Red and white posts mark the boundaries of these military areas, and many tors in and around the ranges will fly red flags during the day and red lights at night when firing is taking place.

At other times, members of the public are allowed access, but always check with one of the National Park Visitors Centres first, or go to www.dartmoor-ranges.co.uk

The public are guaranteed access during public holidays and the whole of August, but if in doubt - stay out !

The armed services are extremely good at keeping the area safe for the public. However, live firing does take place at certain times, so as you explore the north moor there is always a small risk of finding something that may be dangerous. Please do not touch anything unusual. Just mark the position and inform the authorities (Tel : 01837 650010) or the Visitors Centre as soon as possible.

There has always been conflicting opinion about the military presence on Dartmoor. Some say it is a benifit to the local economy, others that it affects wildlife and destroys archeology. But whatever our thoughts may be, it seems we will have to try to live in harmony for many years to come.

Another huge plus to having the army nearby, is that they, together with many other organizations, including the Dartmoor Rescue Group , run the annual Ten Tors Challenge , which introduces the great outdoors, and Dartmoor in particular, to so many young people - (myself included many decades ago !!)

The northern part of the moor generally takes a bit more leg-work to get to the special places to photograph. But the rewards will be worth the extra effort as you look back at your photographic record of visits to places like Lints Tor, Black-a-Tor Copse ( National Nature Reserve), the Beardown Man Standing Stone, Tavy Cleave and Cranmere Pool (where letterboxing began on Dartmoor).

The Ministry of Defence may have a huge chunk of the moor to themselves at certain times, but don't worry - there are still plenty of opportunities for us civvies to enjoy the wide open spaces!

So, why not start with one or two of those places I've mentioned above ?

RAF Harrowbeer, at Yelverton on Dartmoor was an important WWII airfield. Click here for more information.

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