The DPA are delighted to announce the relaunch of their successful small grant-giving scheme ‘Moor Boots’ for 2026. This scheme is part of their mission to remove financial barriers to experiencing the great outdoors and ensure that all young people have the chance to connect with wild places, such as Dartmoor.
To reach as large cohort as possible, the DPA are collaborating with Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge organisers to identify and address unique needs within different teams across the region. Team Mangers are invited to apply for young people in their Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge groups. Applications are open now, via our website.
This year, the DPA are also inviting broader applications from any organisations which facilitate young people spending time in nature. Applications are encouraged from Duke of Edinburgh schemes, Scouts, Guides, Forest School facilitators and Youth Groups. Taking part in Ten Tors or the Jubilee Challenge is not essential and we are keen to hear about other inspiring outdoor activities.
In 2025 we awarded 76 grants across 12 teams, meaning a total of £10,000 went directly towards financing essential outdoor equipment for young people. This included: 40 pairs of walking boots, 35 waterproof jackets, 18 waterproof trousers, 15 base layers, 14 rucksacks, 10 pairs of waterproof socks, 3 pairs of gaiters, 15 sleeping bags and one pair of really warm mittens.
Being able to train and take part in the Ten Tors and Jubilee challenge can be a life changing experience, with participants learning map reading, orienteering and team work skills, as well as building their resilience and making friendships that may last for the rest of their lives.
Achieving something huge, like completing these outdoor challenges, shows young people just what they are capable of, and no child should be barred from this affirming experience due to lack of finances for basics like walking boots and waterproof jackets. This is the underpinning vision of the DPA’s Moor Boots grant scheme.
Tom usher, CEO of the DPA, said: ‘Experiences like Ten Tors are transformatory. Caught at the right age and moment these challenging, developmental events can redirect a life. Everyone should have the chance of nights under the stars in our National Parks regardless of their means and background.
‘We salute the tireless work of Team Managers who manage training, organise kit, drive minibuses and teach skills. This is the very best of teenage adventuring in the UK today.
‘We are delighted this year that Moor Boots is supported by the DPA’s Public Access Fund, created from the success of the National Parks wild camping campaign, allowing more young people than ever to test themselves against the challenge of Ten Tors‘
Bideford College, 2025 Moor Boots grant recipients, told the DPA: ‘Your support directly impacted a number of our students; providing them with the resources necessary to undertake this rigorous and rewarding challenge and will ensure the longevity of the Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenge training programme for future students. We are deeply grateful for your commitment to our school’s endeavours and for your investment in the next generation of navigators and environmental stewards.’
The purpose of the scheme is to directly address the financial challenge of access to suitable footwear and camping equipment for young people living in and around Dartmoor’s rural communities. Through doing this, the DPA aim to increase youth engagement on Dartmoor and improve young peoples’ confidence in accessing nature.
Fowey River Academy, 2025 Moor Boots grant recipients, told the DPA: ‘Ten Tors is a wonderful opportunity for teenagers but it often comes across as rather elitist – we aim to deliver the experience of training for Ten Tors as inclusively as we sensibly can.
We are proud that young children at school now have the aspiration “To do Ten Tors” and everyone is enthusiastic about the positive, life changing benefits that it can bring. One pupil stands one as having said boldly in Year 7 “I want to do Ten Tors” but come Year 9, her mum told her that she could not, as the family could not afford it. We have discretely ensured that she can participate and are able to loan almost all the gear that is needed. A grant from Moor Boots for boots and new socks completes the package.’
Training for outdoor expeditions, such as the Ten Tors and Jubilee Challenges, requires a huge amount of commitment, stamina and resilience. The conditions out on Dartmoor mean that the appropriate walking and camping equipment is absolutely essential.
Chulmleigh College, 2025 Moor Boots grant recipients, told the DPA: ‘We have seen growth in confidence and resilience, and seen positive behaviour changes in some of these pupils, and all of them love being out on the moor. Good kit is vital to success, and some of these families simply can’t afford it.
Special thanks to Dartmoor Preservation Association for the donation from their Moor Boots initiative, which has allowed us to purchase equipment for some of the children.’
Young people who have had the opportunity to build a relationship with Dartmoor, through taking part in activities such as Ten Tors and the Duke of Edinburgh’s award, are equipped with a more intimate knowledge of the moor as a precious and beautiful landscape. This prepares them to step up and become the future stewards of the moor, ensuring that the generations that follow them can benefit from the same inspiration and health benefits.
Images: Bideford College, Compass, Sturminster Newton, Launceston College & Chulmleigh College.