Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund

Investing in projects that respect the past, improve the present and look to the future

The Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund has been set up to encourage innovative sustainable development projects that help to improve the quality of life for current and future generations. The Fund will support proposals that focus on environmental, economic, social and cultural aspects of life.

This section of the website contains more information on the projects which are eligible for support from the Fund and how to apply to the Fund.

How much money is there left in the Fund?
DEFRA awarded National Parks £200,000 per annum for three years until 31 March 2011. The last panel meeting on 11 March 2011 awarded just over £50,000 to a total of 11 projects.
For the financial year 2011/12 Dartmoor National Park Authority has made £150,000 available, from its core budget, for funding suitable projects.

Please note that no project for 2011/12 is being considered until June 2011. However, please send an email with the details as outlined below.

All potential applications must consider their environmental, social and economic impact on Dartmoor and must be discussed with the Sustainable Development Officer (see below) before making an application. Please note that application forms are not available online and will be sent out by the Sustainable Development Officer.

Can I speak to anyone for help with making an application?
All projects should be discussed with the Sustainable Development Officer, Richard Drysdale, before submitting an application. Please call 01626 832093 or email dsdf@dartmoor.gov.uk.
In your discussion and email you will be asked for the following information
1. Project and applicant name
2. How much funding is required from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund and how much from other sources?
3. Is it a Dartmoor based/biased project?
4. When will the project begin and when will it end?
5. How will the project be supported after the funding has been used?
6. What are the social, economic and environmental benefits of the project?

Subject to the suitability of your project for sustainability funding, Richard will then email an application form and then support eligible applicants through the application process.

Evaluation of the Sustainable Development Fund in English National Parks, 2002-2009. Land Use Consultants Summary Report (PDF Help 230kb)