Invasive bracken which has been threatening to damage sensitive archaeological sites on Dartmoor is being cleared by a team of volunteers from the Dartmoor Preservation Association (DPA). The registered charity, which campaigns on conservation issues on Dartmoor, has spent three years 'bracken bashing' at places where it has been hiding Bronze Age settlements and mediaeval farmsteads. With the help of local schoolchildren and conservation groups, the DPA volunteers have tackled five sites, including Grimspound, Shaugh Moor and the association's own land at High House Waste near Cornwood. The project has been funded by the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund and by donations from DPA members and supporters.
 | | An archaeological site covered in bracken |
The work involves using sticks to manually bash the bracken shoots during the summer months. Using mechanical methods would damage the archaeological remains under the ground. But the work isn't over yet and extra helpers are needed to clear more of the unwanted bracken during 2007. Bracken officer at the DPA, Paul Rendell, said: "We shall be seeking support to continue the project for another three years, and to involve university students and attract more volunteers. "We also plan to share the results of our work with others who are battling against the spread of bracken on Dartmoor." As well as this sort of conservation work, the DPA - set up 120 years ago - also campaigns on other issues. It is opposed to army training on the moor and to the siting of wind farms within the national park. DPA chief executive, Jonathan Cardale, said: "The DPA has an image of fighting tooth and nail against developments which threaten people' enjoyment of Dartmoor. "But we have also been quietly working away at this project and a number of others, such as restoring cairns. We hope to broaden the scope of our conservation work and to attract more members and volunteers to take part." Among the tasks lined up for 2007 is the clearing out of Plymouth Leat at Roborough Down on 24 and 29 January. If you're interested in helping with the bracken work, contact the Paul Rendell on 01837 54727. Or visit the DPA website, linked from this page. | 
