Edward Morshead Award
This scheme is run every 2 years. An updated application form will be posted on this website in 2008. See our press release about the 2006 Winners for more information.
The Award
An Award Scheme recognising significant contributors to the National Park purposes of protecting, maintaining and enhancing the scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor and promoting the understanding and enjoyment of the area’s special qualities.
EDWARD MORSHEAD was Chairman of the Dartmoor National Park Committee from 1985 to 1989. He died in office. He spent much time on the ground, committed to farming and the conservation of landscape. The Edward Morshead Award is presented in his memory by the National Park Authority biennially for significant contributions to the National Park purposes i.e. the protection, maintenance and enhancement of the scenic beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor, and the promotion of the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities.
What qualifies?
The work or activity must take place within the boundaries of the Dartmoor National Park although nominations and entries may be made by any Devon resident, or County based professional or voluntary body. Projects contributing to landscape, ecological, archaeological or cultural conservation, or to the enjoyment and understanding of the National Park, or which meet the needs of the local community through sustainable developments, can be entered. Nominations can also be made for outstanding individual, or corporate, contributions to Dartmoor and the National Park purposes.
For further information concerning eligibility or suitability of entries please contact John Weir (Head of Communications).
Entries
Entries must relate to the two years prior to the closing date. Examples of eligible schemes or activities include:
- high quality restoration/maintenance of walls, hedgebanks, gateways and other landscape features adjacent to roads or public rights of way;
- provision of public access opportunity, or facility, particularly where meeting objectives of access for all;
- semi-natural vegetation or broadleaved woodland management with public access;
- contribution to the welfare of animals or the conservation of wildlife;
- archaeological site conservation;
- rehabilitation of a building in the public eye; the design of a new building in the public eye;
- enhancement of any site or scene in public use or the public eye;
- interpretative provision or stimulative work in facilitating the enjoyment and understanding of Dartmoor by others;
- outstanding personal or corporate contribution to the good of Dartmoor.
What is the Award?
There are three separate prizes within the Award Scheme:
- first prize - a specially commissioned trophy, to be held for two years, and a cash prize of £250;
- second prize - £150;
- third prize - £100.
A certificate and permanent photographic memento for each Award winner will also be presented.
Special Award – Dartmoor Preservation Association Shield
In addition, the Dartmoor Preservation Association, which is kindly associated with the Award, offers a special recognition of outstanding conservation work carried out by young people (less than 21 years old). This section of the Award comprises a shield to be retained for two years and a cash prize of £100.
All entries received by the National Park Authority which relate to projects undertaken by young people are automatically considered.
