Wednesday 14th May 2008 - Guided Walk

Description:

Visit to Sherberton Farm

Sherberton is a Duchy of Cornwall farm where Anton Coaker’s family have been tenants for 160 years. Starting at the roadside (SX651726) our walk takes us on a circular route along the valley of the river Swincombe, returning to the farm via the farmyard. Anton and his wife, Alison will be on hand to describe how the newtakes, commons and inbye land have been traditionally farmed.

Location: The walk starts at 10:30am. About 3.5 miles, fairly easy walking, some moorland. Afterwards we plan to go to the Forest Inn for lunch where Sherberton beef rolls will be available.

Contact: Please note that places are limited and prior booking via the DPA Office in Princetown is essential (01822 890646).

Saturday 17th May 2008 - Guided Walk

Description:

Guided Walk on the Western Moor 

This area is rich in prehistoric sites including the Neolithic fort on White Tor, Bronze Age settlements, a large standing stone and a stone circle.  We will visit Stephens Grave, and learn the sad story of George Stephen. There are fine views from White Tor and also from Roos Tor, where we will seek out the Logan stone, and find out the explanation for the 14 'Bedford' Stones.

Location: About 5 miles. Meet at 10:30 am at the quarry car park SX 522779.

Contact: Ron Quilter (01822 810538)

Saturday 24th May 2008 - Guided Walk

Description:

Guided Walk at Sharpitor (after AGM)

We have adopted a different format for the AGM this year. Holding the meeting in the morning allows us to have a buffet lunch and then a guided walk in the afternoon. Last year we had planned to hold an event at Sharpitor but the weather was so awful that only one or two people turned up. We will hold a re-run of the event after the AGM this year.
Bob Bruce will lead the walk which will take in the 5 boundary stones and look at some of the area’s archaeology. This is a relatively short walk although some of the terrain is quite broken. Kate Ashbrook will also be onhand to tell the story of how the DPA came to acquire Sharpitor.

Location: Park in the large car park on the north side of the road at SX560708. Cross the road and meet round the summit about 500 yards from the car park.

Contact: DPA Office: 01822 890646

Tuesday 3rd June 2008 - Guided Walk

Description:

Ecology of High House Waste

In 2003 a comprehensive management plan for the DPA land at High House Waste was produced by Hilary Marshall. Hilary is an ecologist with a particular interest in plants, mammals, birds, butterflies and dragonflies.  She has had a varied career in nature conservation and now works freelance carrying out surveys and preparing management plans.
High House Waste is a 57ha newtake on the south west of the moor near Cornwood (centred on SX610625) owned by the DPA since 1968.  As well as its archaeological interest it is a Site of Special Scientific Interest for its vegetation.  Habitats include grass moor, heath, oak wood and wonderful mire systems.
We shall concentrate on higher plants (i.e. not mosses, lichens etc.) of the wet heath and mire towards the south of the site.  Depending on the advancement of the season, we should see orchids, pale butterwort, bog pimpernel and other flowers, and a variety of grasses, sedges and rushes.  The walk will be suitable for beginners and those who wish to extend their botanical knowledge.

Location: We will contact people who have booked to let them know parking arrangements closer to the date.

Contact: Start at 2pm (parking arrangements to be confirmed). Numbers are limited. Booking essential with DPA Office 01822 890646