Our access to nature is under threat

48km, 900m+, bog, rivers, less than 5 hours

On 27th May I will be running the Dartmoor Crossing FKT route solo unsupported from Belstone to Ivybridge, attempting to smash the current record (5h16).

https://fastestknowntime.com/route/dartmoor-crossing-united-kingdom

Dartmoor is a special place to me. Running on the moor gives me the chance to escape from the mental overload of daily life in our crazy world. Some places on the moor you won't see another person for hours (especially when it's wet).

Earlier this year, as a result of the court-case brought by a local landowner, backpack camping was made illegal on Dartmoor, overturning a decades-long tradition of responsible camping on the moor. This decision has dismayed those who wish to protect that tradition of leave-no-trace camping for which Dartmoor is rightly famous.

At a time when we are in desperate need of wider access to nature, it is incredibly disappointing that a few greedy individuals wish to take that away.

The Dartmoor National Park Authority decided to seek leave to appeal in January, it was granted by the court in April; this means there is a legal basis for an appeal. Now the support of thousands around the world has convinced them to pursue that permission.

The appeal is on! Please help me in supporting Dartmoor National Park and protecting the wild places we love.

Read more here: https://www.dartmoorpreservation.co.uk/making-a-donation/

Thank you,

David.