Sylvia Olive Pleadwell Sayer, Lady Sayer (1904–2000) was one of the foremost early conservators of what is now Dartmoor

Dartmoor

Dartmoor is an area of moorland in south Devon, England. Protected by National Park status, it covers .The granite upland dates from the Carboniferous period of geological history. The moorland is capped with many exposed granite hilltops known as tors, providing habitats for Dartmoor wildlife. The...

 National Park, in Devon

Devon

Devon is a large county in southwestern England. The county is sometimes referred to as Devonshire, although the term is rarely used inside the county itself as the county has never been officially "shired", it often indicates a traditional or historical context.The county shares borders with...

 in the south-west of England. She acquired her title in 1959 when her husband, Vice-Admiral Guy Sayer was knighted as the Flag Officer Commanding Reserve Fleet.

Despite Lady Sayer's establishment background, she was a fearless and impassionedfighter in the defence of Dartmoor: frequently she deliberately interrupted army live-firing exercises on Dartmoor's military ranges, and in 1985 snubbed The Prince of Wales

Charles, Prince of Wales

Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is the heir apparent and eldest son of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. Since 1958 his major title has been His Royal Highness The Prince of Wales. In Scotland he is additionally known as The Duke of Rothesay...

 over the Duchy of Cornwall

Duchy of Cornwall

The Duchy of Cornwall is one of two royal duchies in England, the other being the Duchy of Lancaster. The eldest son of the reigning British monarch inherits the duchy and title of Duke of Cornwall at the time of his birth, or of his parent's succession to the throne. If the monarch has no son, the...

's management plan for Dartmoor, since this allowed for a continuance of military usage.