Historic Environment Record

The Dartmoor Historic Environment Record (HER) is a comprehensive resource that provides information about the archaeological sites, historic buildings, historic landscapes, artefacts and other heritage features which we know exist within the National Park area. It includes significant data relating to all time periods, from the earliest human activity on the moor to the present day and currently contains over 24,000 record entries.

The HER is a searchable digital database maintained for public benefit and use and is available to view online at the Heritage Gateway website. The HER also contains a collection of paper and digital sources including maps, photographs, reports, books, journals and plans, which can be viewed at Dartmoor National Park Authority's headquarters, Parke, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Devon TQ13 9JQ by appointment.

The HER is also used by professional and amateur archaeologists, local societies, academic researchers and anyone with an interest in the historic environment of Dartmoor. The data helps inform the National Park Authority's decisions on planning applications and contributes to land management schemes and initiatives.

The Dartmoor HER originated as part of the Devon HER, set up in 1975 by the Devon Committee for Rescue Archaeology, and transferred to Devon County Council in 1979.  Since 2010, the Dartmoor data has been managed and updated by the National Park Authority, working in close partnership with Devon County Council.

Contact us

Please email archaeology@dartmoor.gov.uk or telephone 01626 832093 to enquire about Historic Environment Record matters.

Visits to our Parke office to view items in our collection of supporting documentation can be arranged by prior appointment (as many of our officers are hybrid working). Our opening hours are Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm and Friday 9am to 4:30pm.

Information from the HER can be supplied Microsoft Excel / PDF / GIS shapefile formats.

If you have information on a site or feature or find you would like to submit for inclusion to the HER, please download the HER recording form template and once completed send to the email address above.