Voices of Dartmoor

Maps, compasses, and digital apps...navigation with Discover Dartmoor

In this episode, I was delighted to meet Rob Gardner at Hound Tor for a blustery walk and talk. Rob runs Discover Dartmoor, an organisation that runs guided walks and navigation workshops. We chatted about his earliest navigational experiences, his journey to becoming a Hill & Moorland Leader and the work he does now. We discussed the importance of navigational skills, particularly in a place like Dartmoor, a landscape notoriously difficult to navigate on. We talked about the place the digital mapping apps have, where they hold value and some of the things people who use them should be aware of. We also discussed the role of social media when it comes to honey pot spots and mused on how you strike a balance. It was an enjoyable and easy conversation and we hope you enjoy listening to it! You can find out more about Rob and his work at www.discover-dartmoor.co.uk.

Dartmoor folklore, myths and stories, with Lisa Schneidau

In this episode, we were delighted to be joined by the wonderful human being that is Lisa Schneidau. Lisa is a professional storyteller, ecologist, and one of the founders of the Dartmoor Nature Alliance. She is passionate about finding and telling stories that inspire, provoke curiosity and build stronger connections between people and nature. Lisa joined me at Two Bridges to walk towards Wistman's Wood where we wandered and talked about the tradition of story on Dartmoor, the art of storytelling and her journey into story. We discussed where these stories and myths have come from, their purpose, themes that run throughout them and how they can be relevant in today's environment. We also touched on how the story of Old Crockern has become a symbol of resistance and hope, and the work that the Dartmoor Nature Alliance does. It was a really interesting and enjoyable conversation and we're so grateful to Lisa for her time. If you'd like to find out more about the work she does and her upcoming projects, you can do so at https://www.lisaschneidau.co.uk/.

From conservation to cists; in conversation with Dartmoor Paul

In this episode I was delighted to meet up with the fantastic Paul Rendell, also known as 'Dartmoor Paul'. We found a sheltered spot nestled underneath Bell Tor to enjoy the view on a blustery day and to talk about Paul's life on Dartmoor. He shared his earliest experience of Dartmoor that ignited his love of this area of the world and his particular interest in Burrator Reservoir and the tragic story surrounding it. We talked about his involvement in the discovery of a Bronze Age burial cist on Cut Hill, the origins of letterboxing and his involvement in this traditional moorland activity. We also chatted about his work as a Dartmoor guide, his penchant for spooky stories and his passion for conservation. It was a fantastic chat that we really enjoyed having. You can find out more about Paul and his work at www.paulrendelldartmoor.co.uk.

Sacred Sites with Dartmoor's Daughter

In this episode, we were so delighted to walk from Cold East Cross with Emma Cunis, from Dartmoor's Daughter. With a wealth of knowledge and a deep love of the land, we could have spoken to Emma about a whole range of different subjects but for this episode we settled on delving into the sacred sites of Dartmoor. We chatted about the history of these sites, the various theories about them and why people are still drawn to them today. She introduced me to the concept of phenomenology and explained how she blends it with archaeology on her walks. We also talked about the art of dowsing, the significance of these sites and the role that they play in facilitating connection with the land and our place within it. It was such an interesting conversation and we're very grateful to Emma for sharing her time and thoughts with us. You can find out more about her work and see her upcoming walks at www.dartmoorsdaughter.com.

Grief, loss & the liminal nature of Dartmoor

In this episode of the podcast, I was delighted to be walking on the moor with Keith Lambeth. Keith is the man behind Out There on Dartmoor and has over 35 years of backpacking and mountaineering experience with over 25 years active service in Dartmoor Search and Rescue team. Most recently, he qualified as an outdoor therapist and will be incorporating this into the work he does on Dartmoor. Keith joined me to talk about grief and loss within the context of the landscape on Dartmoor. We talked about how the moors can be used as a metaphor for grief, the liminal nature of the space and how the outdoors can be used as a therapeutic tool. It was such an interesting conversation and we took some delicious tangents off to explore related areas surrounding access, how death is woven into many of the traditional Dartmoor tales and our attitude to death these days. You can find out more about Keith and the work he does over at www.outthereondartmoor.blogspot.com.