Whatever did we do?
Duckpool
2011-04-27 17:29:48
In the Spring edition of the Dartmoor Preservation Society Journal there is an interesting article about Ted Birkett-Dixon, a long time conserver and admirer of the Moor. Looking back, he is quoted as saying that he regrets the increasingly intrusive light pollution from the urban centres and the proliferation of letterboxing. He also regrets that he will not live to see what he considers to be the three most important conservation measures for Dartmoor. These are the removal of the military presence, the removal of the forestry and the removal of the reservoirs.
Whatever have we letterboxers done to get ranked alongside such major blights on the moor? There's certainly some litter produced, mostly near the roads, but surely not that much other damage. It makes me wonder how common this view of letterboxers is, and should we be trying to remedy it. Any thoughts from anyone?
Duckpool
If he'd been around in the Bronze Age, he'll have been heard bemoaning all these hut circles springing up willy nilly and those stone rows which are a blight on the landscape. Oh, and don't get me started on the reaves, those boundary stones I keep falling over and I wish they'd stop cutting down all the trees......
The Wandering Artist
2011-04-27 21:43:52
Look around from now on ! (Holiday time) - when you pass 'convenient' parking spaces - tea bags, drink cans / cartons, contents of car ash tray, and of course the disposable nappies!
Follow the Ten Tors - sweet wrappers, crisp packets, drink cans / cartons, food tins. (Only a few irresponsible ones - I hasten to add)
I would say that us letterboxers are on the whole very much Moor responsible, and take Moor care in what we do. In fact there are some amongst us who pick up others litter and take it off the moor.
TWA
The Sly Fox
2011-04-27 22:52:52
I can partly understand the military aspect. I do not like to see the OP's, RP's, RNB's, worn down tracks or huts all over the North moor, but they have been there longer than I have been around so I know no different.
I think the forestry is a very important part of our environment. Especially nowadays where the world is more conscious about trees and their inhabitants. Although, I would rather see the trees used to cover up horrid areas such as the Lee Moor clay pits.
As for the reservoirs: I personally think they are extremely nice, and areas such as Burrator can be beautiful. I would also suggest the wildlife can only thrive in such places.
I have to agree with TWA and say that the majority of letterboxers are Moor responsible. I would not say we are a blight on the moor. Perhaps we could fence off the whole National Park and let nobody enjoy it?
Rob
The Thinkers
2011-04-28 13:09:23
Not to mention 'doggy bags'! :evil:
The car park in the woods near Post Bridge had a veritable collection of these which had simply been abandoned by dog walkers (presumably on the grounds that there is not a waste 'box' to put them in).
Gripe over.
devon steamer
2011-04-28 19:41:45
i work for south hams district council and my job is a mobile street cleaner and i visit all over the south hams,the litter is mostly around the edges of the moor where the lazy XXXXXXXX park there cars.
NOT THE LETTERBOXERS WHO LOVE AND RESPECT THE PLACE.
The Thinkers
2011-04-30 11:32:11
As DS points out; I would imagine that most letterboxers, like walkers who enjoy and use the moor, do so with a sense of respect and due regard to preservation.
I am not sure why Mr B-D should make the comment he has. I can only imagine that he is referring to the more 'obvious' boxes which are mostly placed near accessible areas, and seem to have been placed for children's use (and generally not well hidden). Yes, I can understand that this can be very annoying/irritating etc as they do look like discarded rubbish
I would take issue with his use of the term 'proliferation'. With the exception of virtually tripping over those described above - I have great difficulty finding many boxes, most of which are very discreetly placed!
IMO, the military, the forests and the reservoirs have, in their own and often unique way, helped to shape the character and history of the moor, as have the relics of its industrial past. (Now
Enjoy the w/e.
K&A
Nik - KOTM
2011-05-17 20:34:59
I agree about those who leave rubbish on the sides of the roads especially the car parks. I also agree that the disposable nappy is probably the most disgusting thing to be found on the moor. I mean, it takes the meaning of disposable to a new level.
Personally I would like to follow some of these people home and then in the middle of the night dump all the rubbish in their street into their garden with a note through the door saying "Do you like the rubbish? No? Well don't dump it on the moor!"
BadDog
2011-07-06 10:56:10
The military, forestry commission and South West Water all go to great lengths to ensure that Dartmoor is conserved for future generations. Soil erosion unfortunately is due to horses, mountain bikes and walkers in order of destruction, the only way to stop that is like you say to fence it off so no-one enjoys it. Other national parks have far worse soil erosion problems than Dartmoor (blame the neolithic farmers too, they cut and burned the original Dartmoor forest!) Ive always taken a couple of plastic bags with me since starting walking (long time ago now), it was drummed into me as a cadet by my navigation instructor to take nothing and leave only footprints, those words are my mantra. It annoys me to see litter on the moor, it takes a second to put it in your pocket or rucksack, yet people just toss it on the floor with no thought. All i can say is please try and pick up as much non-degradeable rubbish you find on the moor and take it with you, dont leave it for someone else then moan about the mess. Mother nature does a great job of reclaiming most things but she does need a hand now and then. Sorry if i sound a bit sanctimonious but Im passionate about Dartmoor and I love letterboxing, id hate for us to be tarred with the same brush as reckless litter-dropping tourists. Rant over, thanks for listening ;-)