The Dartmoor Archive
For many years, The Dartmoor Trust have been campaigning for a Dartmoor Archive. Initial plans were for a Dartmoor Research Centre to be established somewhere on the Moor. However, with the increasing use and popularity of the Internet, it became clear that a digital archive would provide better access for all those interested in learning more about Dartmoor. In 2000, The Dartmoor Trust created two exhibitions: Dartmoor Century I and II. These displayed for the first time a selection of photographs taken from two major collections - The Taylor Collection and The Burnard Collection. The aim of the Dartmoor Century exhibitions was to emphasise the importance of collecting and conserving old photographs and, by comparing them to recent photographs of the same site, to highlight the changes that have taken place on Dartmoor. Both exhibitions were very successful and are still touring the country, attracting many hundreds of visitors. The photographs from the exhibitions have also been published in two accompanying books. As a result of these exhibitions, and the ideas of The Dartmoor Trust, the Dartmoor Archive was born. Now several years since it's birth the Dartmoor Archive website is entering a new and exciting phase! The website has been reworked from the ground up to be cleaner, more user friendly and allow the user to experience more of what the Archive has to offer.
The Leat Partnership
What is a leat?
Leats are common in the South and West of England and in Wales. They are artificial watercourses which take water from a stream to serve homes or industry. Historically, Dartmoor leats powered waterwheels at mines and mills, provided drinking water for people and for stock and spun turbines to provide electricity.
As industries declined and mains water became more easily available many leats fell into disuse and disrepair, but a significant number still flow, and still serve a useful function.
Some leats are many miles long, several of the larger ones are beautifully lined with granite, they all have a fascinating history, and many form attractive walking routes with interesting historic features along the way. A huge number served early tin workings and the blowing houses where the ore was smelted down to form ingots.
What is the Project?
For all of these reasons the Dartmoor Trust set up a project to identify all of the leats which still flow, and to help landowners and those who benefit from the supply of water to keep them in good order.
The first step was a simple ground survey. The results can be viewed on the maps here.
There were then discussions with the Dartmoor National Park Authority about how necessary works could be funded and carried out. This led to a partnership agreement whereby the Dartmoor Trust provides funding over five years and the DNPA contributes the skills and time of its Conservation Works Team. Landowners and other beneficiaries are encouraged to make whatever input they can best provide. Schemes are prioritised according to the degree of public benefit, the urgency of the work, and the willingness of owners and others to contribute.
