This is an incredible day for everyone who loves the outdoors and believes in the principle that nature belongs to all of us. When a wealthy individual attempted to privatise experiences that have shaped British cultural identity for generations, our democratic institutions stood firm. This ruling affirms what our generation has been saying: connection to nature is not a privilege to be bought-it's a birthright to be protected. Wild camping is a transformative experience for all young people and the tremendous energy for this issue among young people in the local area has been extraordinary.
While celebrating this victory, we recognise that access comes with responsibility, our generation wants more than just the right to access nature - we want to be active stewards of it. We will do all we can to spread responsible access education among young people on Dartmoor which is critical for becoming stewards of our commons.
The timing of this ruling coincides beautifully with our recent art competition that invited young people to express their connection to Dartmoor with @dartmoorpreservation The hundreds of submissions we received demonstrate that young people don't just want to visit these landscapes - they want to understand, protect, and celebrate them. This ruling ensures they'll have the chance to form those deep connections that inspire lifelong environmental stewardship.
This case has revealed the urgent need for better dialogue between all who value Dartmoor, from landowners to visitors. At sixteen, my peers and I see clearly that the environmental challenges facing our generation require bridge-building, not barrier-erecting. We're extending an invitation to Mr. Darwall and other landowners to join us in conversation about how we can collectively care for these landscapes while keeping them accessible to all.
Today's ruling reaffirms something profound about our nation's relationship with nature. In an era where environmental rights are increasingly under threat, this decision signals that public access to nature remains a cherished British value.
For young people witnessing countless environmental setbacks, this victory offers hope that when we organise, persist, and articulate a vision of shared natural heritage, positive change is possible. The stars remain for everyone - and today's ruling ensures they can be enjoyed by all on Dartmoor's beautiful commons. ⨠đ˛
