9 June 2009

A new grant for Dartmoor

A new source of funding has been announced by Dartmoor National Park Authority. The Dartmoor Grant is intended to help local people and organisations to look after Dartmoor and it is now available for small one-off projects under four headings:

• Natural environment – such as tree planting, tree surgery, and wildlife enhancement
• Cultural heritage – such as the repair of historic buildings, enhancement of historic features, research and survey work
• Community projects – such as improvements to village facilities
• Promoting understanding and enjoyment of Dartmoor – such as events, education and arts projects

The amount of money provided for each project depends on the overall cost and expected benefits, but can be as much as several thousand pounds or as little as one hundred. Applicants are normally expected to make some contribution to the project themselves, or find other funding, and the total amount available for 2009/2010 is £36,000.

Examples of projects that have been funded in the past include providing disabled access at Dunsford Church, tree surgery for veteran trees at Buckfastleigh and supporting the Dartmoor Literature Festival at Tavistock.

So if you have a project in mind, log on to www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/os-grants.....or contact Dartmoor National Park Authority on (01626) 832093 for details of how to apply.

Sue Goodfellow, Director of Park Management for the National Park Authority said:

‘We hope the Dartmoor Grant will really help people to make a difference to Dartmoor and its residents and visitors. It’s intended to be grass roots money and can be used to kick-start projects or for specific pieces of work - the range of activities you can apply for is huge.’

Ends

For further information

Sue Goodfellow, Director of Park Management

Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority

Tel: (01626) 832093

Notes for Editors

Projects must fulfill one or more of the criteria below.

• Conserve or enhance Dartmoor’s landscape, wildlife or cultural heritage
• Promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of Dartmoor’s special qualities by the public
• Foster the social and/or economic well-being of Dartmoor’s local communities
• Contribute to the delivery of the Dartmoor National Park Management Plan.

Any person, organisation or community group can apply. You would normally be based on Dartmoor, but not necessarily. You do need to show that your project will benefit Dartmoor in some way. You will also need to make sure you have all the relevant permissions in place, including from landowners and statutory agencies where necessary.

Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are available on the Authority's web site .

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There are 15 members of the National Parks family in the UK: Brecon Beacons, Dartmoor, Exmoor, Lake District, New Forest, Northumberland, North York Moors, Peak District, Pembrokeshire Coast, Snowdonia, South Downs, Yorkshire Dales, Loch Lomond & The Trossachs, the Cairngorms and the Broads.  National Parks are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment.  However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers.  Over 34,500 people live in Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.

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