BBC News quotes Emma Preece on a Supreme Court decision around whether people can camp in certain areas of Dartmoor without permission from landowners
min readWild camping is "not about large tents and fairy lights" Dartmoor's authority has said after a court decision affirming the right to pitch a tent on the moor.
Supreme Court judges unanimously rejected an appeal by landowners Alexander and Diana Darwall who said people should not be able to camp without permission from landowners.
The Supreme Court ruling means that people are legally allowed to camp in set areas of Dartmoor if they follow a code of conduct.
Dartmoor wild campers are being urged to "tread lightly and leave no trace", by the park authority after the ruling.
Emma Preece, Senior Associate in our Real Estate Disputes team, comments on the ruling for BBC News.
Emma explains that the ruling may lead to a short-term influx of campers, but is unlikely to lead to a rise in irresponsible behaviour. She argues:
Rural landowners need not panic [...] The Supreme Court's decision won't open the floodgates as it is limited to the application of legislation specific to Dartmoor Commons.
"Landowners still have protections under other legislation. This isn't a green light for damage, it's a reminder of the balance between access and stewardship.
Read the full article in BBC News here.
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