The Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA) was founded in 1883 to help look after Dartmoor. It is one of the oldest environmental or amenity bodies in the UK. At that time, there were concerns that land management of Dartmoor by the Duchy of Cornwall was threatening to extinguish the ancient rights of commoners on the moor. Interest in Dartmoor’s landscape, archaeology and natural history had been rapidly increasing through the latter half of the nineteenth century and warrented the formation of a watchdog organisation.The DPA became a registered charity in 1963. In February 1984, the DPA purchased 31.96 acres for £2,500 and erected boundary stones in a pentagon around their site. The land includes the magnificent rocky outcrops of Sharpitor.Lying just outside the boundary of DPA land, is this lone pine tree. It is annually decorated and illuminated by DPA volunteers to celibrate the close of the years activities. So, if you happen to be out one evening in late December and see signs of merriment on the slopes, you will know who they are.
This cache was published on Sunday 3rd December 2017, being the first Sunday in Advent which is the Sunday closest to St Andrews Day. This date marks the start of the liturgical or church year. It marks the start of Christmas for many people in the United Kingdom.
To commemorate this, FTF honours go to all who venture out on this day to sign the log. Merry Christmas.