Why is Dartmoor so barren?

Dartmoor National Park evokes a sense of ancient wilderness. Its dramatic granite tors piercing the skyline and vast, seemingly empty moorlands stretching to the horizon beckon campers and holidaymakers year-round. Yet, the very openness of this iconic landscape begs the question: Why is Dartmoor so barren?

The story of Dartmoor’s barrenness is an epic tale. Beneath the rugged beauty hides a fascinating account of natural history and human influence. Combined, they provide the reasons for the distinctive, often treeless, character. From the ice ages that sculpted its terrain to a lush subtropical forest carpeting the undulated slopes and onto the impact of early human activity, all have played a role in creating the Dartmoor we know and love today.

Was Dartmoor ever forested?

Once the final ice age came to an end, almost 12,000 years ago, Dartmoor thawed and began supporting life once more. Forests of elm, oak, and hazel grew across the 368 square miles of the national park. Although, back then, it wasn’t a national park.

Instead, it was the perfect place for Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron Age settlers to camp, hunt and grow their communities.

This early human activity caused vast sections of Dartmoor’s forest to be cleared. For building houses, burning fuel, and simply making space for horses, deer and other animals to be farmed and hunted with more ease.

Why is Dartmoor moorland?

Natural fires, intentional clearing of the forest by early settlers, and an increase in rainfall made changes to the landscape. Parts became waterlogged, the soil’s acidity rose and blanket bogs developed.

The high acidity of Dartmoor’s soil made it difficult for many of the trees and other plant life that had claimed this area as home, to thrive. Eventually, many of the forests on the higher windswept slopes and lower acidic soils died. In their place, the rare species of plants that Dartmoor is well-known for took root and began to thrive, followed by distinctive wildlife.

The combination of high rainfall and strong winds, along with grazing animals and intentional clearing of land has shaped this unique part of England into a wonderful moorland. This moorland is one of the most famous in Britain today. Book your holiday and with us to explore our favourite landscape this summer.