Dartmoor is and has been a controversial place, and the controversy often centres on its ecology.

In the early 16th century Richard Strode of Plympton, himself a tinner but also as a Member of Parliament (at Westminster)  representing wider interests, picked an argument with his fellow tinners (as tin-miners were known) over their pollution of the rivers with mining waste. MED Theatre's play 'The Dragon and the Mermaid' (1994) charts this conflict.

Trees have been intrinsic to the Moor's appearance since records began - the very word Dart means river of sacred oaks. But what sort of trees are acceptable on Dartmoor today? Is the beech, which may not be native, an unwelcome alien, or a much-loved addition to the scene? Wild Nights Young Company's play 'Roots' (2005) looked at the issue.

Dartmoor is a windy place, but does that mean it is appropriate to put windfarms on it? MED Theatre's play 'Hot Air' (2008) staged a live debate on the topic.