The North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (NDSART) is a voluntary organisation linked to Mountain Rescue, England and Wales. Our role exists to assist the Police and other emergency services by providing a Search and Rescue facility for missing and injured persons, 24 hrs a day, 365 days of the year.

We are one of four Teams that make up the Dartmoor Rescue Group (DRG) and as our name implies we provide Search and Rescue for the North of Dartmoor National Park. The three other Teams, Ashburton, Plymouth and Tavistock cover the East, South, West and surrounding areas of the moor.

The Dartmoor Rescue Group (DRG) was founded in 1968 from a group of moorland enthusiasts who began helping the Police with search and rescue operations. In time it became an officially recognised Search and Rescue body affiliated to the Mountain Rescue Council of England and Wales. The Group consists of four sections based at Okehampton, Tavistock, Ashburton and Plymouth which together cover Dartmoor National park and the surrounding areas of the South West of England.

We are a registered charity and are totally dependent on donations from the general public. Costing well in excess of £10,000 per year to maintain this organisation calls for a huge amount of fundraising and effort from the team members. There are many ways that you can Support us and help us to provide this essential service.

The North Dartmoor Search and Rescue Team (Okehampton) consists of around 40 highly skilled volunteers from many walks of life. Each bringing their own attributes and abilities that help create this highly professional organisation.

The team is generally asked to assist after a 999 call is received by the Police. For us the Devon and Cornwall constabulary who initiate a search will contact and task the team. Our Search and Rescue tasks are varied and different every time we are called to assist. Please look at our Call-out page for more information.

Over the years NDSART has extended its skills and duties to more lowland areas of Devon, Cornwall and Somerset, with approximately 50% of all 'call-outs' being away from Dartmoor itself.

In addition, the Team provides safety cover and marshalling for local community and public events. The annual Ten Tors event, which involves some 2400 youngsters in an expedition across Dartmoor over two days, sees the whole Dartmoor Rescue Group unite to keep a watch over these brave explorers. The Team also assists with the provision of training for the Ten Tors managers.