Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park
IUCN category V (protected landscape/seascape)
View down the River Meavy towards Leather Tor and Sharpitor
Location	United Kingdom (South West England)
Coordinates	50°34′N 4°0′W / 50.567°N 4.000°W / 50.567; -4.000
Area	954 km2 (368 sq mi)
Established	1951
Visitors	10.98m
Governing body	Dartmoor National Park Authority
Website	www.dartmoor.gov.uk

Dartmoor is an upland area in southern Devon, South West England. The moorland and surrounding land has been protected by National Park status since 1951. Dartmoor National Park covers 954 km² (368 sq mi).^[1]

The granite which forms the uplands dates from the Carboniferous Period of geological history. The landscape consists of moorland capped with many exposed granite hilltops known as tors, providing habitats for wildlife. The highest point is High Willhays, 621 m (2,037 ft) above sea level. The entire area is rich in antiquities and archaeological artefacts.

Dartmoor National Park is managed by the Dartmoor National Park Authority, whose 22 members are drawn from Devon County Council, local district councils and Government.

Parts of Dartmoor have been used as military firing ranges for over 200 years. The public is granted extensive land access rights on Dartmoor (including restricted access to the firing ranges) and it is a popular tourist destination.