27 July 2005
Looking to the past to secure the future
Dartmoor celebrates the success of Defra’s Sustainable Development Fund
Projects to help young people understand sustainable issues, help the survival of native species such as Dartmoor ponies and a car sharing co-operative are all benefiting from Defra’s Sustainable Development Fund.
As part of National Parks Week (22-28 July), Defra is publicising the important work carried out by hundreds of large and small projects supported by the Sustainable Development Fund, more than 80 of them on Dartmoor, to encourage more sustainable use of our National Parks. This funding is provided by Defra to Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA), who administer the scheme.
The Heatree Activity Centre has received a £9,300 grant to build a replica Bronze Age roundhouse in the grounds of their centre at Manaton, near Bovey Tracey.
The roundhouse is an accurate replica of the remains of a real Bronze Age site in the grounds and is used to teach and inspire children about sustainable living.
The trust’s Debbie Sandels, said:
“The children come from schools across the country, as well as locally, and learn about sustainable issues through a Bronze Age theme.
“For example, we ask them to think about where they will obtain a water supply, how they will obtain heat and food using the natural materials around them.”
Among other grants made through the Sustainable Development Fund are the Dartmoor Hill Pony Project, which has received £28,300 to initiate measures to protect the future of the Dartmoor pony, including setting-up a charity, increasing the market value of ponies and educating the public.
The Devon Association for Renewable Energy has received a £5,800 grant for the study of micro hyrdo-power generation on Dartmoor. The study has lead to the production of a handbook containing advice and information for people looking into the use of water supply to produce an environmentally-friendly source of power.
Moor Cars, based in Ashburton, has received a £13,450 grant to purchase a new vehicle for its fleet of cars which are used by the car sharing co-operative to help reduce the number of vehicles on the road. The new cars have allowed the co-operative to extend its work to the nearby town of Buckfastleigh.
Jim Knight, Minister for Rural Affairs said:
"These projects are excellent examples of what the Sustainable Development Fund can achieve. Our National Parks are outstandingly beautiful and are essential to nurturing wildlife. Through such initiatives, we can ensure that our parks work just as well for people, who help us to protect the heritage and secure the future of these parks.
"These projects also illustrate how we are testing and developing ways of behaving more sustainably. The knowledge gained here can be transferred outside of the Parks and contribute to achieving Defra's core aim of sustainable development."
Defra’s Sustainable Development Fund was launched in 2002 to develop new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in National Parks while conserving local communities, culture, wildlife and landscape.
The Dartmoor National Park Authority receives £200,000-a-year and the fund is open to private, public or voluntary organisations.
Graham Wall, director of planning and community at DNPA, said:
“The Sustainable Development Fund has enabled the authority to assist and become involved in a wide range of fascinating projects which cumulatively contribute to a more sustainable future for us all. We are enormously grateful to Defra for establishing the fund and hope that it will long continue".
The Countryside Agency monitors the Sustainable Development Fund on behalf of Defra. Andrew Wood, Director of the Countryside Agency said:
"Balancing conservation of our finest landscapes with the needs of local communities and visitors is crucial to the prosperity of both.
“The on-going success of the Sustainable Development Fund, and the wide range of innovative projects it supports, is strengthening the relationship between people and places.
“This is excellent news for the future of National Parks and our enjoyment of them now, and for future generations."
Notes to Editors:
National Parks are extensive tracts of the countryside that have been given strong protection under legislation and the planning system for the conservation and enhancement of their special qualities. Those in England are designated under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 by the Countryside Agency for their natural beauty and opportunities for open-air recreation and confirmed by the Secretary of State.
There are currently eight National Parks in England which, with the Broads, cover around 8% of the English landscape:
- Dartmoor (Created - 1951)
- Exmoor (Created - 1954)
- Lake District (Created - 1951)
- Northumberland (Created - 1956)
- North York Moors (Created - 1952)
- Peak District (Created - 1951)
- Yorkshire Dales (Created - 1954)
- The Broads (Created - 1989)
- The New Forest (Created - 1 March 2005)
Each National Park is managed by its own National Park Authority, provided for under the Environment Act 1995. The two statutory purposes of the National Parks' designation are:
- To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of their areas.
- To promote opportunities for the public understanding and enjoymentof the special qualities of their areas.
National Park Funding
The English National Park Authorities and the Broads Authority are funded by Defra. In the financial year 2005/06 a grant of £42.13 million is available
Within this total, £2,875,000 has been provided to help the Parks prepare for land to be opened for public access under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000. The Sustainable Development Fund continues at £200,000 per Park.
Sustainable Development Fund
The Fund, which operates within the eight English National Parks and the Norfolk & Suffolk Broads, aims to develop and test new ways of achieving a more sustainable way of living in these areas of great natural beauty and diversity, whilst enhancing and conserving local culture, wildlife, landscape, land use and communities.
Each NPA gets a set budget of £200,000 per year from Defra (this is guaranteed until financial year 2007/08) and considers proposals for projects throughout the year.
The Fund, which was launched in July 2002, is open to individuals or organisations from the public, private or voluntary sectors from within or outside the National Park. To apply, contact the relevant National Park Authority or the Broads Authority.
The Countryside Agency commissioned independent consultants to report on the first eighteen months of operation of the Fund and this report was launched in October 2004 (see news release 391/04 )
The Fund supports Defra's objectives of sustainable development, partnership and social inclusion.
ISSUED ON BEHALF OF DEFRA BY THE GOVERNMENT NEWS NETWORK SOUTH WEST. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT WAILIM WONG ON 01752-635053 OR 07748-654468.
More information from Defra
More information about the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund
More information on UK National Parks
Return to General Interest News Releases 2005 Archive
This page last updated 03 June 2005
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