In October 2024, we partnered with Campaign for National Parks to help deliver their first Future Leaders Course. This was a residential course in Dartmoor, for people aged 20-30, developed with young people and focusing on supporting their advance as next generation leaders and change-makers. The course was experiential and included practical skills, such as storytelling and communications; theoretical skills such as leadership styles and team working; a focus on equity and social justice for all and a reflective course of activities to inspire future leaders.
Some background on the project from CNP: ‘Our National Parks New Perspectives project first launched in 2021 with the aim to give young people from diverse backgrounds the opportunity to influence and connect with decision makers to change the narratives on who National Parks are for and who has a say in their future. We’ve worked with some incredible young people to share their stories and explore themes close to their heart.
We were grateful to be awarded funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund in 2024 to grow the project and connect even more young people with National Parks over the next two years, thank you to National Lottery players. The project consists of many different aspects; a variety of grants for young people to share their stories of National Parks, our Future Leaders Course which provides campaigning and leadership skills to inspire future leaders, as well as recruiting youth ambassadors and providing in person opportunities for young people to engage with and influence decision makers.
As we celebrate 75 years of National Parks and look to their future, we know it’s vital to inspire the next generation to become the custodians of National Parks for the next 75 years and beyond. The New Perspectives project aims to create a legacy of youth leadership that has a positive and lasting impact on the National Parks in England and Wales.’
CNP are committed to promoting the protection, conservation and enhancement of National Parks in England and Wales for public benefit (Scotland is covered by their sister organisation – Scottish Campaign for National Parks). They work independently and campaign collaboratively to connect more people to our cause and hold government and authorities to account on topics including nature recovery and climate resilience, equal access and enlargement of National Parks.
Partnering with them for this project been a wonderful opportunity for the Dartmoor Preservation Association, as we have been able to make community connections which have enabled the project to benefit from local knowledge and insight. Our CEO, Tom Usher, spoke about his on the ground experiences of campaigning as part of a small independent charity, and Kate Ashbrook shared her valuable insights into a lifetime of activism. Alongside this, our Communications Officer Helen led the young people taking part on a bat walk with bat detectors, where they were also joined by Moorland Guide Hannah Durdin. She had fascinating perspectives on running a business within a National Park, and balancing what’s right for the landscape with access and use.
We were inspired to meet the change makers of the future, and feel sure that this residential has helped them to build connections and skills which will serve them going forward. The group was a real melting pot of ideas and energy, which was effectively directed into group discussion and collaborative planning, culminating in small groups presenting their plans. Since this event, we have been very pleased to stay in touch with a number of the attendees, who have sat in on one of our trustee meetings and attended outreach events in the community.
Watch Ocean City Media’s brilliant video, capturing some of the highlights of the weekend, HERE.
Image: Campaign For National Parks