
Alexander Darwall's name has been associated with several disputes and disappearances, casting a shadow over his reputation. He was a prominent figure in 18th-century England.
His involvement in the Darwall family disputes is well-documented, with several family members accusing him of wrongdoing.
One of the most notable disputes was with his brother, who accused Alexander of manipulating their family's business dealings.
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Early Life and Career
Alexander Darwall received a degree in History from the University of Cambridge.
He then trained as an investment analyst with de Zoete & Bevan (BZW), which is a notable start to his career.
In 1987, Darwall moved to Paris to become head of the French equity research department for the Swedish group Enskilda Securities.
After gaining experience in Paris, he joined Goldman Sachs as a French equity analyst in 1992.
Dartmoor Dispute
Alexander Darwall, a former star Europe fund manager, has been at the center of a high-profile dispute over wild camping on Dartmoor.
He owns the 4,000 acre Blachford Estate in Dartmoor, making him the sixth largest landowner on the moor.
Darwall received financial support from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development for his estate.
In 2022, he challenged the widely held interpretation of the Dartmoor Commons Act 1985, which had allowed wild camping on the moor without permission.
The High Court ruled in his favor, clarifying that there is no right to wild camp on Dartmoor without the landowner's permission.
More than 3,000 people attended a protest on his land in January 2023 to protest the decision.
A deal was struck between Darwall and other landowners and the Dartmoor National Park Authority, allowing wild camping on limited portions of their land in exchange for compensation.
However, the park authority later appealed the High Court's decision and won in a unanimous Court of Appeal ruling in July 2023, restoring access for wild campers.
Darwall has since challenged the decision to overturn the ban and moved for the case to be heard in the Supreme Court.
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Picnicking on Dartmoor is Trespassing
Picnicking on Dartmoor without permission is now considered trespassing due to a recent court ruling. The Dartmoor Commons Act 1985 no longer includes a public right to wild camping on the moor.
In January 2023, the High Court found in Alexander Darwall's favour, clarifying that there is no right to wild camp on Dartmoor without the landowner's permission. This decision was made after Darwall challenged the widely held interpretation of the Act.
As a result, anyone caught wild camping on Dartmoor without permission could be considered trespassers. Local residents have been raising concerns about the impact of wild camping on the environment.
Alexander Darwall owns the 4,000 acre Blachford Estate in Dartmoor, which he has done since 2011, making him the sixth largest landowner on the moor.
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Wirecard Funds Disappearance
Alexander Darwall made a significant decision regarding his investment in Wirecard. He sold his large stake in the company.
This move was in response to a warning from Wirecard that €1.9bn was missing from its accounts. Alexander Darwall's European Opportunities investment trust was affected by this issue.
Darwall's decision to sell his stake was likely influenced by the company's financial troubles.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much land does Alexander Darwall own?
Alexander Darwall owns approximately 4,000 acres of land. This land is part of the Blachford Estate in Dartmoor.
Sources
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alexander_Darwall
- https://citywire.com/funds-insider/news/alexander-darwall/d775/list
- https://www.thetimes.com/article/war-of-the-wilds-as-hedge-fund-boss-makes-dartmoor-campers-unhappy-7sr3r33r6
- https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2024/oct/08/picnicking-on-dartmoor-is-trespassing-landowners-lawyers-tell-court
- https://citywire.com/selector/manager/alexander-darwall/d775
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