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Hidden Dartmoor tramways reveal prison labour from 1800s

South West Water
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Hidden Dartmoor tramways reveal prison labour from 1800s

Dartmoor Prison once relied on teams of inmates sent onto the open moor to cut peat for fuel, hauling thousands of tons back to the prison during the 19th Century. Today, the land has been restored and forms part of the vital landscape that feeds the rivers and reservoirs South West Water now protects.

Across Dartmoor, faint lines cut through the moorland that do not belong to nature.

Through the mist, they look like the ghost of railway tracks, but are, in fact, the remains of tramways built nearly two centuries ago to move thousands of tons of peat cut by prisoners from Dartmoor Prison.

“Visitors to the remote uplands of Dartmoor might not be aware that these were once busy industrial areas,” explains Jo Higgins, Historic Environment Officer with the South West Peatland Partnership . …

… see today. Research commissioned by the South West Peatland Partnership as part of peatland restoration works helps to enhance understanding of historic and archaeological sites left by people on the moors.”

1,920 tons of turf in five months

One of the most striking examples of that industrial past lies in the story of Dartmoor Prison.

In the summer of 1853, prisoners cut and secured 1,920 tons of turf in just five months. According to official reports it was “to be used as fuel, and for making gas for the prison”. At local prices, its value was estimated at around £800.

According to Dartmoor Prison Museum curator, Graham Edmondson, a report from the prison museum’s archive describes how “the peat which abounds near the prison will furnish heat… will generate gas of the purest quality, producing an effulgent light.”

Today, water that falls on the same ground feeds Burrator reservoir, supplying drinking water to South West Water customers. The prisoners, and those who supervised them, would have been oblivious to the long-term impact their daily grind would have decades later.

The transition from war prison to working prison

Dartmoor Prison first opened in 1809 as a war prison, holding thousands of captives from the Napoleonic Wars and the War of 1812 behind granite walls a mile in circumference.

It closed in 1816 and stood largely unused for decades.

During that gap, a local venture attempted to turn surrounding peat into naphtha, a flammable liquid. However, the fuel was poor quality and commercially unviable.

Labour on the moor

When the prison reopened in 1850 as a convict jail, peat cutting became routine.

Convict labour reshaped the land around the prison. Marsh ground was levelled and redirected to receive sewage from the prison buildings.

In the Report of the Directors of Convict Prisons (1865), the Governor made clear that peat cutting was part of a tightly controlled regime. He recorded:

“The parties proceed to the moor under escort, and the labour, though severe, is considered suitable employment.”

At the time, peat was valued for heat and light and was transported along horse-drawn tramlines such as the Omen Beam line to the Dung Hills.

What we know now

Healthy peatlands remain waterlogged. They lock up carbon and release rainfall gradually into streams and reservoirs used to provide drinking water.

South West Water is a lead partner in the South West Peatland Partnership and the condition of upland peat directly affects raw water quality and long-term resilience. Catchments that hold water higher in the landscape are more stable during intense rainfall and prolonged dry spells.

Morag Angus, South West Peatland Partnership Manager, says land once cut to keep lamps burning is now being rewetted to protect water resources.

“It’s an amazing project and partnership to be part of, making our peatlands wetter and better for wildlife, water, people and the planet. Dartmoor’s peatlands are rich in archaeology and contain so much history. We’re working together to stop the peat from degrading further, carrying out surveys with our in-house archaeologists and commissioning research to learn more about these natural archives of human industrial activity.”

Repairing old ground

Restoration work now focuses on blocking drains, reshaping exposed peat and encouraging sphagnum moss to return. The aim is not to recreate the 19th Century, but to stabilise what remains and allow natural processes to function again.

More than 5,000 hectares of peatland across the South West have had restoration works to slow the flow of water, reduce erosion and create essential spaces for nature.

“There’s still so much more to be done, and there’s no time to lose,” said Morag.

“It takes time to tackle hundreds of years of degradation. Some benefits from restoration are immediate for wildlife and water like dragonflies breeding in new areas. But carbon-rich peat will take much longer to begin to form again in some places.”

For Graham Edmondson, there’s a quiet irony in the story.

“The prisoners weren’t thinking about climate or hydrology. They were cutting fuel under orders and the moor was seen as a resource to be used. The idea that those blanket bogs would today be recognised as a vital, living system that stores water and supports resilience wasn’t part of their conversation as they marched onto the moor. That contrast is what makes the history so striking.”

Brend Collection partners with children’s hospice to raise £50,000

Children's Hospice South West
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Brend Collection partners with children’s hospice to raise £50,000

The Brend Collection is proud to announce a new charitable partnership with Children’s Hospice South West, a leading charity dedicated to providing vital care and support to babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families across the South West.

This meaningful partnership refl ects the Brend Collection’s long-standing commitment to supporting the communities in which it operates. Through a programme of fundraising initiatives, team-led events, guest engagement activities, and awareness campaigns across its hotels and venues, the Brend Collection aims to raise £50,000 over two years, alongside all its other charitable work.

Children’s Hospice South West provides specialist palliative care, symptom control, emergency support, and end-of-life care at its three hospices – Little Bridge House in Devon, Charlton Farm in Somerset, and Little Harbour in Cornwall – as well as in family homes. Its work ensures that families facing the most challenging circumstances receive compassionate, professional care when they need it most.

Brend Collection Director, Matthew Brend, said: “CHSW is one of the charities we have proudly supported for many years, so to now formalise our partnership feels like a natural and meaningful evolution. Having experienced first-hand the extraordinary care and compassion their teams provide to children and families at the most difficult of times, I am delighted that we can
strengthen our commitment even further. As a family business rooted in the South West, we understand the importance of supporting local families and communities, and I very much look forward to what we can achieve together.”

Phil Morris, CEO of Children’s Hospice South West, added: “A huge thank you to The Brend Collection for choosing to partner with Children’s Hospice South West over the next 2 years. Their commitment will make an incredible difference to the children and families we support, helping to make the most of short and precious lives in our region”.

Woman admits shoplifting and assault at Exeter Morrisons store

Isabelle Pinnock
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Woman admits shoplifting and assault at Exeter Morrisons store

A 26-year-old Exeter woman has admitted to stealing items from a Morrisons store and assaulting a member of staff who tried to stop her.

Molly Pugsley, of Lanepark Close, Exeter, pleaded guilty to shoplifting and assault by beating at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.

The offences took place on October 16 last year at the Morrisons Daily store on Pinhoe Road. The court heard Pugsley is known to staff as a prolific shoplifter. She was seen leaving the shop with three boxes of soap powder worth £15 and a bunch of flowers also worth £15.

When a staff member challenged her, Pugsley pushed him, causing her to drop the flowers. A victim impact statement said incidents of this nature were “a daily occurrence” and that the employee “just wants to focus on the customers”.

In mitigation, Mr Seigne said Pugsley struggles with her mental health and has “a little bit of an offending history”, particularly relating to shoplifting.

Magistrates told her: “You have been here before, you know what the process is.” The case was adjourned until May 14 for a pre-sentence report.

This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.

MP asks Exeter residents if under 16s should be banned from social media

Devon Today
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MP asks Exeter residents if under 16s should be banned from social media

A debate about whether children should be allowed on social media before the age of 16 is gathering pace – and one MP is now asking residents to help shape his response.

Steve Race is asking people in Exeter to share their views on whether access to social media platforms for under-16s should be restricted, as part of a wider national discussion about protecting young people online.

The survey comes as the Government prepares to launch a three-month consultation examining further measures to improve online safety for children.

The UK already has legislation aimed at protecting young people through the Online Safety Act, but ministers have indicated that additional action may be needed. Issues under discussion include the use of mobile phones in schools and whether the age at which children can consent to their data being used by digital companies should be raised.

Another proposal being discussed internationally is increasing the minimum age for using social media platforms. In Australia, the government has recently banned under-16s from accessing platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok and X, prompting debate in other countries about whether similar measures should be introduced.

Race said he had already received close to 500 emails from people calling for a ban and wants to gather further views from across the city.

On Tuesday, February 10, he hosted an event in Parliament alongside the UK Safer Internet Centre and Exeter-based South West Grid for Learning. The discussion focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on young people.

Race also raised the organisation’s technological tool known as “hashing” in the House of Commons. The system helps identify and remove non-consensual images from the internet more quickly.

Race said: “How we best protect children online is one of the most challenging questions of our digital age. It’s also one of the most important, as the impacts can reverberate throughout people’s lives.

“I want to hear from parents, children and those working with young people to understand what they think needs to change. I’ll take what I learn to write my own response to the Government’s consultation, based on the experiences of people in Exeter.

“I’ve already received hundreds of emails over the past few weeks, which goes to show just how strongly Exeter residents feel about this. Whatever your views, it would be really helpful to hear from as many constituents as possible, so please do take a few minutes to fill in the survey.”

The survey can be accessed at:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdX30EzmJfSW95vQNcB4bGQXb99OA8mOylV9J8gctqQKH1hRg/viewform?usp=header

Torquay pre-school praised as children feel safe and confident

Lewis Clarke
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Torquay pre-school praised as children feel safe and confident

“Children confidently enter the pre-school, where they are welcomed by friendly staff… They settle quickly and feel safe,” inspectors said after visiting Furrough Cross Pre-School in Torquay, judging it to be meeting the expected standard across all areas.

The childcare setting, based at Furrough Cross Church on Babbacombe Road, Torquay, cares for children aged two to four and has 29 places. Registered in April 2014, it operates Monday to Friday from 9am to 3pm and is overseen by registered person Ann Wallace Close.

Ofsted found that safeguarding standards are met, meaning “leaders and/or those responsible for governance and oversight fulfil their specific responsibilities and have established an open culture in which safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and concerns are actively identified, acted upon and managed. As a result, children are made safer and feel safe”.

Inspectors judged achievement to be at the expected standard, noting that “typically, children make progress across the curriculum, particularly in communication and language. They confidently share their ideas with staff and peers.”

The report highlights how, after listening to the story of Christmas, “children explain how they carefully glue shredded paper onto their paper ‘manger’ to represent hay for the baby Jesus. Children also talk about Mary and Joseph and show an increasing understanding of story structure.” It adds: “Gaps in all children’s learning are steadily closing, in particular for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities, who can participate fully and achieve success at their own level”.

Children are said to develop independence in preparation for school, selecting equipment thoughtfully and using it “with increasing dexterity”. Inspectors observed that they “demonstrate perseverance and concentration, for example, when colouring carefully within the lines. Their social communication is evident as they politely ask friends for different coloured pens. Children respond positively to praise, showing pride in their achievements”.

Behaviour and attitudes were also found to meet the expected standard. “Children behave well. In the main, they quickly learn to follow instructions and understand the expectations of the setting,” the report states. Staff are praised for tailoring expectations to children’s ages and stages of development, with younger children “gently supported to use their ‘listening ears’ during story time”, while older children are encouraged “to take greater responsibility for leading and modelling positive behaviour”.

On welfare and wellbeing, inspectors found that “typically, care practices are effective. Staff ensure they meet children’s personal needs and support their understanding of these routines.” They note that children who need a nap “rest in a comfortable space, where staff frequently check on them. When they wake, staff offer a cuddle until they are ready to play”.

The curriculum was judged to be of high quality overall. “Overall, the curriculum is of high quality and supports all children to make expected progress in their learning and development,” inspectors wrote. Leaders have worked with local schools to improve aspects of physical development, “particularly to enhance children’s small-muscle development and hand strength”.

The report notes that while mathematics is generally promoted well, “at times, they do not extend children’s mathematical knowledge to further their understanding around numbers and shapes.” It also states that during free-play sessions, “staff do not consistently differentiate their teaching to help extend all children’s learning, to help them consistently achieve as much as they can”. Leaders have been advised to address these points as next steps.

Inclusion is described as a strength. Leaders are said to create “an environment where every child feels valued and supported”, making effective use of funding, including employing additional staff for one-to-one support. Staff “make thoughtful adjustments to the physical environment” and work closely with external professionals to ensure children receive “timely interventions and the right level of support”.

Partnerships with parents are also celebrated. “Parents report how much their children enjoy attending and value the nurturing adults who work with them,” the report states, adding that parents comment on “the effective strategies that help children settle quickly and which support learning at home, such as sharing books”.

Overall, leaders were found to have “an accurate view of the quality of their provision for children. They know the strengths of their provision and identify priorities for improvement,” with staff described as having “high levels of wellbeing and morale”.

Teen admits spitting at railway worker in shocking station incident

Isabelle Pinnock
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Teen admits spitting at railway worker in shocking station incident

A 19-year-old man has admitted spitting in the face of a member of railway staff at Exeter Central station.

Herbie Baker, of Lloyd Maunder Road, Willand, pleaded guilty to assault by beating at Exeter Magistrates’ Court.

The court heard that just before 5.30pm on December 19 last year, a male dressed in black walked through the station gates with another passenger. When a railway worker asked to see Baker’s ticket, he replied that he would buy one on the train. She explained that all passengers must buy a ticket before boarding.

Baker attempted again to get onto the train but missed it. He then spat directly into the victim’s face before walking away. The victim said she was angry and disgusted, adding she did not believe the same thing would have happened to a male member of staff.

In mitigation, the court was told Baker has no previous convictions and appreciates the seriousness of the matter.

Magistrates adjourned the case until 13 May for a pre‑sentence report. Baker was granted conditional bail not to attend Exeter Central station and not to possess alcohol on any railway property.

Sentencing was reserved, but the bench told him: “By all accounts it is nasty. If somebody did this to you, how would you feel and how would you react?”

This story was produced via the Police & Crime Commissioner’s Criminal Justice Court Reporting scheme.

Police highlight challenges of balancing protests and public safety

Office of Police and Crime Commissioner
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Police highlight challenges of balancing protests and public safety

The challenges and complexities of policing protests have been highlighted during an event for Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC) councillor advocates who connect with police to improve community safety, reporting, and communication. 

The role of the police is to balance the right to protest peacefully with minimising the impact on others. In advance of confirmed protests, this can include engaging with organisers, local partners and businesses. 

Last year, the force’s Ops Planning department risk assessed 1,498 ‘notifiable’ events which are not just protests but events such as football matches and festivals. After being assessed, 32 resulted in Public Order Public Safety Policing (POPS) command structures being put in place. Of those, 16 were protests. The vast majority of protests in Devon and Cornwall are peaceful with no arrests. 

The distinction between lawful and criminal protests and definitions of hate crime were discussed during a seminar at police headquarters on March 4, hosted by the OPCC. Around 35 councillor advocates heard from key speakers including force Public Order Commander Superintendent Graham Thomas and Josh Stunell, CEO of bthechange CIC – which supports individuals and communities impacted by the criminal justice system and also helps ethnically diverse people build safer, fairer and more inclusive communities. 

Last year, bthechange was commissioned by Plymouth City Council to do a piece of research understanding the cause of the riots which took place in the city in the summer of 2024. Alongside understanding the cause, the other objectives were to help Plymouth heel and foster a shared sense of community cohesion where everyone feels safe, valued and welcomed. 

In the 12 months to November 2025, 2,437 hate crimes were recorded by Devon & Cornwall Police, up by 5.3 per cent when compared to the previous year. The majority of crimes were motivated by racial prejudice, followed by sexual orientation and disability. 

The force’s Diverse Communities Team continues to provide specialist advice and support to victims of hate offences. Its Zero Tolerance to Hate Crime Campaign remains fundamental to their work, educating people about the effects and harm of hate crime, and providing reassurance to victims that offences will not be tolerated.   

When it comes to protests, lawful gatherings are deemed to be those which include peaceful chanting, holding signs, public assembly and expressing political behaviour. However, protests become criminal when behaviour includes racial slurs, incitement to violence, assault or vandalism and stirring up hatred. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez and Chief Constable James Vaughan also spoke at the seminar. Both recognised the need distinguish between legitimate political expression and criminal activity. 

The Commissioner said: “People from our minority communities are sometimes living in fear of being attacked or shouted at in the street. I think we’ve all got a job to do to help make our communities feel as safe as possible. I would like to thank all the councillors who attended the event. We talked about how, as elected representatives, we must be the brokers, the mediators, and the supporters during these turbulent times, when people are not feeling as safe as they should be.  Making communities safe for all residents remains one of the key priorities in my Police and Crime Plan.” 

To prevent serious disruption, police can use specific powers under Sections 12 and 14 of the Public Order Act. These set out legal conditions on organisers and participants around the routes, the length of time of any protest can take place, and the areas where respective groups must convene. 

The councillor advocates seminar this week is one of four held each year. Each meeting is based on a different theme which focuses on one of the key priorities in the Police and Crime Plan – antisocial behaviour, drugs and alcohol, serious violence and theft. 

Councillor advocates – unique to Devon and Cornwall – are volunteers from unitary, district and parish councils who have signed to improve communication between local councillors, the police and the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC).    

For more details about the councillor advocate scheme, please click here Councillor Advocate Scheme – Your voice in policing 

Free microchip checks offered for cats and dogs in Torridge

Torridge District Council
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Free microchip checks offered for cats and dogs in Torridge

Torridge District Council is inviting cat and dog owners to attend two free microchip‑checking events on Wednesday 18th March. At these sessions, staff will scan each pet’s microchip and confirm which database the number is registered with. Owners will receive a card showing the chip number and the name of the database so they have a record and can check or update their own details if they wish.

Neighbourhood Officers from the Council will be available at the following locations:

  • Stanhope Park, Holsworthy – 9:00am to 11:00am
  • Northam Burrows Visitor Centre – 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Microchipping is one of the most effective ways to reunite lost pets with their owners. In the UK, all dogs must be microchipped and have their current owner details registered on an approved database, with failure to register a dog or keep details updated resulting in fines of up to £500.

Legal protection for cats has also been strengthened. Since 10th June 2024, it has been compulsory for all pet cats in England to be microchipped by 20 weeks of age, a measure designed to increase the likelihood of lost or stolen cats being returned home and to reduce pressure on animal welfare organisations.

Microchips, each about the size of a grain of rice, contain a unique 15‑digit code that can be easily scanned to identify the registered keeper. The implanting procedure is quick, simple, and generally no more uncomfortable for a pet than a routine vaccination.

Councillor Philip Hackett, Lead Member for Public Health & Community Safety, said: “Microchipping is a straightforward yet vital part of responsible pet ownership. For many of us, our pets are cherished members of the family, and we want to do everything we can to keep them safe. These check‑in events provide an excellent opportunity to make sure your pet’s microchip details are accurate and up to date. Sadly, animals do sometimes go missing or may even be targeted by thieves, so having a functioning, reliable microchip greatly increases the chances of a safe and swift reunion.”

Devon countryside retreat earns Michelin Green Star honour

Devon Today
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Devon countryside retreat earns Michelin Green Star honour

A small countryside retreat known for its farm-to-table cooking has gained national recognition after receiving two prestigious accolades celebrating both sustainability and hospitality.

Glebe House, a 15-acre smallholding, guesthouse and restaurant in East Devon, has been awarded a Green Star in the Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland 2026. The property has also been included in The Sunday Times’ list of the 50 Best Places to Stay 2026.

The Michelin Green Star recognises restaurants and hospitality venues that demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable practices. Inspectors praised Glebe House for its farmhouse charm and farm-to-fork ethos, with seasonal menus shaped by ingredients grown on site.

Meanwhile, The Sunday Times highlighted the venue as an exceptional British escape, describing its restaurant as “rustic and rather lovely” and pointing to the simple pleasures of “good food, good walks and good fun”.

Situated in a former Georgian vicarage three miles from the coast, Glebe House was launched in 2021 by Hugo Guest and Olive Guest. Inspired by Italy’s relaxed agriturismi, the couple transformed Hugo’s childhood home into a smallholding, guesthouse and restaurant where much of the produce served is grown or raised on site.

The kitchen is led by head chef David Knapman, who recently joined the business as a partner alongside the Guests. Knapman previously worked at establishments including The Fat Duck and Maison Lameloise, and brings a seasonal approach to the menu, using ingredients from the kitchen garden, neighbouring farms and local producers.

Much of what is served is made in-house, including bread, charcuterie, preserves and ferments.

Speaking about the recognition, David Knapman said: “It’s a humbling moment. We work very hard, and are very proud of what we do so it’s fantastic to be recognised in this way.”

David added: “Glebe has always stayed very true to what we do, a focus on great produce, seasonality and cooking food scratch using artisan techniques. Sustainability is a journey, and there is lots of great work to be done.”

Glebe House features nine bedrooms, gardens, an outdoor swimming pool and a dining-room restaurant welcoming guests, locals and visitors.

This year the property also launched The Crow’s Nest Cabins, transforming a former family hideout into two cedar-clad one-bedroom cabins designed by Akin Studio and Out of the Valley. Each includes a super-king bedroom, kitchen and dining nook with a wood burner, and a private deck with a sunken outdoor bath.

A wood-fired sauna has also opened in a quiet corner of the garden overlooking the Coly Valley, with a cold plunge and outdoor shower.

The property has launched a Sauna & Dine package for visitors, offering a private sauna session paired with a seasonal lunch or dinner in the restaurant.

Bedrooms in the main house start from £159 on a bed-and-breakfast basis, while sauna sessions start from £75 per hour for two guests.

Bookings can be made at www.glebehousedevon.com.

Paralympic athlete inspires pupils with powerful message of resilience

Devon Today
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Paralympic athlete inspires pupils with powerful message of resilience

A Paralympic athlete who overcame being born without a forearm has inspired schoolchildren with a message about resilience, determination and believing in themselves.

Pupils at Rydon Primary School welcomed Paralympic triathlete David Hill for a day of fitness challenges and motivational talks designed to encourage young people to stay active and pursue their goals.

During the visit, children took part in energetic fitness circuits supported by the school’s Sports Leaders before gathering for a whole-school assembly where David shared his personal journey.

Inspirational Paralympian David Hill Visits Rydon Primary School; Rydon Primary Pupils Energised by Paralympic Triathlete Visit (Press release PDF)

David, who was born without a forearm, began swimming as a child by the sea and later became Team GB’s youngest athlete to reach the 100m backstroke final at the 2004 Athens Paralympics.

He spoke to pupils about resilience, determination and the importance of believing in themselves.

The visit was organised through the Great Athletes programme, which supports schools in promoting sport and physical activity.

The event also formed part of the school’s fundraising efforts for the programme. The Rydon Primary community has raised more than £3,000, which will be used to buy new sports equipment for the school.

Danny Brown, headteacher at Rydon Primary School, said: “It was wonderful to see our pupils so engaged and inspired by David’s story.

“The day combined fitness, fun, and learning in a way that really motivated our children to believe in themselves and their abilities.

“We are incredibly grateful for everyone who has supported our fundraising so far.”

Matthew Shanks, chief executive at Education South West, said: “Visits like David’s are a fantastic reminder of the power of resilience, determination, and teamwork.

“Our schools aim to provide experiences that inspire young people to reach their potential, and today’s visit at Rydon Primary did exactly that.

“Well done to the pupils and staff for making the day such a success.”

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