Land Rover stuck in ancient Dartmoor bog sparks outrage

The Land Rover had to be towed out, leading to concerns about nature and the delicate habitat
-Credit: (Image: Kane Pearce-Scott)


A Dartmoor driver found themselves in a sticky situation after their Land Rover Discovery became mired in the boggy terrain of Blackslade Mire, a protected ancient peatland bog. The incident occurred at 7.20pm on Friday 13 September and was witnessed by local man Kane Pearce-Scott, who expressed his shock as another Land Rover attempted a rescue with a tow rope.

The photos shared on Facebook led to speculation that the driver was "unlikely to be a local".

Dartmoor's open moorland is off-limits to unauthorised vehicles to protect its delicate ecosystems, and a byelaw specifically prohibits driving 'on any part of the access land where there is no right of way' without 'reasonable excuse'.

READ MORE:1,000-year-old Devon manor to be sold for more than £5million

READ MORE:JK Rowling picture removed at Exeter Wetherspoon pub

Kane commented on the need for visitors to respect the landscape, saying: "People need to take more care when coming onto Dartmoor, it's very important to protect this ancient landscape and people visiting should abide by the byelaws at all times."

It reportedly took around 20 minutes for a second vehicle to extricate the blue one from its predicament, reports Plymouth Live.

Dartmoor's open moorland is generally out of bounds for vehicles, but a Land Rover got stuck in an ancient peat bog (on Friday 13 September)
Dartmoor's open moorland is generally out of bounds for vehicles, but a Land Rover got stuck on an ancient peat bog (on Friday 13 September) -Credit:Kane Pearce-Scott

A ranger is said to have spoken to the drivers since. Blackslade Mire, located in the eastern section of Dartmoor National Park opposite Rippon Tor, is an area rich in biodiversity, hosting a variety of rare plants, birds, and insects.

Shannon Mac expressed dismay on the Dartmoor Public Group Facebook post, stating: "I do wonder why they thought it was ok to just drive across moorland. Think of all the delicate plants and soil that took absolutely ages to establish."

Facebook user Richard Blight added: "To say the Dartmoor Ranger working on Saddle Tor was not impressed is an understatement. He did go and see them a bit later and had a look and a conversation. What possessed them to try and drive through there is totally beyond comprehension."

The rules are clear on Dartmoor National Park's website regarding off-road driving, with the relevant byelaw stating: "No person shall without reasonable excuse ride or drive a cycle, motorcycle, motor vehicle or any other mechanically propelled vehicle on any part of the access land where there is no right of way for that class of vehicle."

⚠️ Want the latest Devon breaking news and top stories first? Click here to join our WhatsApp group. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice ⚠️