A little bit of googling tells me that meetings of The Dartmoor Steering Group and Working Party is where a lot of decisions about Dartmoor are made. It includes representatives from many groups which have an interest in using the moor.
The military get to use the moor for training purposes within limits and they must take into account impact on the environment, farming and public access. I'm sure they must have some interesting and heated debates, I'm sure it must be very difficult for everyone - DNPA, representatives from the Military, Duchy of Cornwall, English Heritage, Natural England - to get what they want out of any deal.
I wonder how the conversation goes when they're discussing public access. I'd like to feel that I have a voice in that discussion, that someone is there representing those like me, who use the moor for walking. I'd hope that everyone get's an opportunity to express their views. I'd hope that people would be encouraged to express their points of view, whether it be the views from farmers, walkers, photographers, those with interests in the environment, archaeology, wildlife....as well as those who need to train the military. I'd hope it would be possible to question some of the military activity without being slapped down and accused of wanting to send troops into battle without adequate training.
I'd hoped we could have that sort of constructive debate on OM. But no, apparently I should examine my conscience, I should walk elsewhere, I should feel guilty for even raising the issue. What rubbish. Suggesting a link between my posts and putting people's lives at risk is way out of order.
Some people have used very emotive language to express themselves and add weight to their argument. I have never objected to continued military activity on Dartmoor, but I do think that all interested parties have a right to be heard when decisions are being made. Some of you may feel that the military should have priority over everyone else. They may well have a high priority but they have to work within limitations and that's where discussion and compromise come in.
However passionately some folk feel about this issue, I object to having my words twisted in order for them to make a point.
Thank you for the more measured responses. I appreciate Fossil and Frummy's posts, it would have been even more upsetting to come back after the weekend and see how this thread had gone without those. And cheers for that link a bit further back, Caveman John, it was very relevant to what I set out to discuss.
"If a dry tactical exercise is expected to cause significant inconvenience, details are given on the firing notice and sentries are posted to give warning to other users."
So there is a system in place to warn the public of dry firing. I wasn't aware of that, in fact I didn't know it was called 'dry firing' until now. I haven't seen a warning posted on the firing notice whenever I've looked on line.
I suppose it depends on how you interpret 'significant inconvenience'. There were no warnings last Sunday, my personal preference is still to know when any dry firing is taking place so I can plan in advance to avoid it.
Dartmoor is a fantastic place, hopefuly everyone can continue to share it, whether for military training, work, sport, leisure or your own special interest.
And there I think I'll leave it.
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