Applications for DPA Public Access Grants are now open
As a result of the victory in the legal battle to retain the right to backpack camp on Dartmoor the DPA is setting up a Public Access Fund to return money to as many grass-roots initiatives as possible. We are now welcoming applications for grants to support projects about access to Dartmoor. Access is a broad term; we envision access being interpreted on a diverse scale, with projects covering a range of ways in which people can be supported to build a closer relationship with this special landscape. Barriers to access may include limited confidence, limited equipment, missing knowledge or lack of networks. Dartmoor may feel like it isn't 'for' certain people because they haven't yet made connections with people and places there and they're waiting for an invite. All should be welcome on Dartmoor and able to access it. The DPA's Public Access Fund is money designated to fund the removal of these barriers.
Championing access isn't just about supporting people's wellbeing and strengthening community networks. Facilitating connections between people and landscape is vitally important in ensuring that knowledgeable and caring stewards are ready to care for Dartmoor, down through the generations. People who love a landscape, and feel invested in it, are the people who are likely to speak up in its best interests.
Humans have made their mark on the moor from the Mesolithic period (Middle Stone Age) and Dartmoor remains very much a human-made landscape, as well as being a wild place that's vital for nature. By encouraging access, accompanied by education, we can give many more people the chance to truly understand what makes Dartmoor worthy of protection.
Applications are invited from individuals, groups, charities, CICs, schools, collectives and businesses based in (or close to) Dartmoor. Small or large, we are ready to help with your project.
Examples of Access Projects
PHYSICAL ACCESS: Projects relating to the clearance of footpaths, repair of bridges and vegetation control in community spaces. Fresh signposts, step free stiles and parking could also come under this heading.
ACCESSING CONFIDENCE: Projects that support learning, such as map reading and navigation. Guided walks for groups, organized transport and workdays with a focus on people from less privileged backgrounds.
ACCESS TO SKILLS: Projects that pass on traditional and rural skills, supporting biodiversity and regenerative farming. Examples might include drystone walling, surveying and hedge laying, with embedded volunteering opportunities.
ACCESS TO CULTURE: Projects seeking to strengthen inclusive communities by celebrating the rich cultural heritage of Dartmoor. Sharing the story of the landscape, using creative methods to inspire positive change and activism.
How to Apply
If you're ready to apply for a Public Access Grant, you can do so by completing the form below. Before you begin, make sure you have a clear idea on the scope of your project, including what it will involve, how much it will cost, who will deliver it, who will benefit from it, where it will happen and why it is important.
There are four financial categories for the grant: up to £500, £500-£1000, £1000-£3000 and £3000 plus. For smaller projects, coming under the lower two financial categories, we aim to reply to all applications within two weeks. Both of the higher categories require trustee consultation on the access project in question, meaning that response times on larger projects may be longer. We may also get in touch and request further supporting information and planning documents for bigger projects.
Each application will be assessed on its own individual merit and we may get in touch to ask for further clarification or explanation. We are more likely to approve applications which clearly demonstrate how the project in question removes barriers to accessing Dartmoor. We are unlikely to approve applications from businesses where people are being charged to participate in an offering.
The form will ask you to confirm that you are happy with the Terms of Grant and the Communications Agreement that accompany the grant. Please make sure that you have read and understood them before submitting your application. If you have any questions you are very welcome to contact us via info@dartmoorpreservation.co.uk.