As of March 2025, the Dartmoor Preservation Association are listed as an official environmental partner with 1% For the Planet. This is exciting news, as it means we have been recognised as worthy of receiving funding from businesses registered with the 1% For the Planet scheme. 1% for the planet matches excellent charities and initiatives with excellent businesses who have committed to donate 1% of their revenue for the benefit of all.
These funds can then be used to reach more young people through supporting Girls Do Dartmoor and Nights Under the Stars, facilitated by Kats Koster-Shadbolt of the DNPA. Money can also be used to expand our Moor Boots small grant giving scheme, which seeks to remove financial barriers so that all young people can experience adventure on Dartmoor and connect meaningfully with the landscape. They are supporting in doing this by being awarded grant money from the DPA to purchase essential equipment, such as walking boots and waterproof jackets. Our 2025 Moor Boots scheme has already supported 73 young people, who may otherwise have been unable to take part in the Ten Tors or Jubilee Challenge, and we hope to award even more grants next year.
1% for the Planet originated along the banks of the Madison River when two longtime friends and successful businessmen went for a fishing trip in 2001. Realizing businesses are responsible for their environmental impact, they pledged to donate 1% of their annual sales—not profits—to environmental organizations. In 2002, Yvon Chouinard, founder of Patagonia, and Craig Mathews, founder of Blue Ribbon Flies, created 1% for the Planet and started a global movement. The idea was simple: because companies profit from the resources they take from the earth, they should protect those resources. To date, 1% for the Planet has certified over $ 708 million in donations to environmental causes. This number grows exponentially as their network grows each year—proving the power of collective action.
The DPA were recommended as an environmental partner by Dewerstone clothing in Princetown, who are already members of 1% For the Planet, meaning that they donate 1% of their yearly earnings back to certified environmental charities and organisations. This model allows environment conscious businesses to make real and traceable impact in their local community and beyond, channeling vital funds into initiatives which do good for the planet.
We join over 4000 other partners, including The Wilderness Foundation UK, Sea the Change and Wilderness Youth Project, which are spread globally. 1% for the Planet Environmental Partners are carefully vetted organizations and programs that have proven alignment with 1% for the Planet’s Impact Areas. Environmental Partners are organizations working for the benefit of people and the environment, with missions that span across a wide range of impacts, from ensuring vulnerable communities have rights to land to reducing the environmental impact of cities.
Our CEO, Tom Usher, says: ‘We are delighted to be a 1% For the Planet Environmental partner. Our work and projects have an urgent relevance in the face of climate change and global upheaval and we are excited to work with forward-thinking businesses that love Dartmoor as much as we do.’
1% for the Planet is an accountability partner for businesses that are ready to reject business as usual and give back to environmental partners making a difference around the globe. It is a global movement inspiring businesses to support environmental solutions through annual membership and everyday actions. We are delighted to take this opportunity to work with others who share similar goals to us, and to benefit from funds which we can use to make a tangible difference to the landscape and people of Dartmoor. The DPA look forward to getting to know more local businesses which are members of 1% For the Planet and hope to set an example as a forward thinking and resilient charity in the environmental and conservation sector.