DARTMOOR National Park Authority’s Chief Executive Dr Kevin Bishop has announced that he will stand down at the beginning of 2026.

After 18 years of leadership Kevin has announced his departure from what he calls ‘the dream job.’ Kevin was appointed to the role on 1 October 2007.

During his time as Chief Executive, Kevin has led the Authority through significant changes and delivered a range of ambitious programmes focusing on restoring nature and land use management, ending unequal access and inspiring people of all ages to act and look after Dartmoor.

Under his visionary leadership, Dartmoor was the first UK National Park to declare an ecological and climate emergency, implementing a Climate Action Plan within six months, and he worked with the farming community to create award-winning projects like Dartmoor Futures, showing how farming skills are critical for nature restoration.

He has championed partnership working; identifying that collaboration is the most impactful way to make change happen and ensured the Authority remains a powerful ambassador for Dartmoor.

More recently, he helped defend the public’s legal right to use some Dartmoor commons for backpack camping.

Kevin said: ‘When I was offered the role as Chief Executive for Dartmoor National Park, I called it my dream job – although the responsibility of managing one of the nation’s most prized landscapes means I’ve had the occasional nightmare too!

‘I feel very honoured and privileged to have worked for Dartmoor National Park.

‘It is a special place and I’ve been lucky to have worked with special people from our passionate staff, volunteers and Members, to the organisations and people who live, work and care for this world-class landscape.

‘For me, the most rewarding part has been working with others to achieve our common goal: to keep Dartmoor truly unique with the power to inspire everyone’.

Chairman of Dartmoor National Park Authority Will Dracup said: “We are immensely grateful to Kevin for the vision, energy, commitment and dedication he’s given to Dartmoor throughout his leadership.

“His strong values of co-operation, positive partnership and innovative thinking have shaped the Authority, helping it endure a fair share of challenges while ensuring Dartmoor can make the most of every opportunity that comes its way.

“From Westminster to the Supreme Court, Kevin gave Dartmoor a stronger voice in the corridors of power, making sure people understand and appreciate why National Parks were created, why they matter and what needs to happen to ensure their future.

“His unswerving commitment to the purposes and duty of our wonderful National Park – and protected landscapes across the UK - will be felt for many years to come.

”Recruitment for the Chief Executive (National Park Officer) role will begin later this year.

Kevin will remain in post while the Authority appoints a successor, ensuring a smooth and orderly succession.