This spring the DPA will be partnering with Roots to create a collaborative new clothing design, inspired by young people’s experience of Dartmoor. The project will offer young people between 6 and 18 the opportunity to send in artwork, photography, digital design and multimedia work, which will have a chance of being chosen to make up the final t-shirt design. Once the collaborative design has been created, the product will be launched alongside a community centered multimedia campaign, exploring how young people connect with Dartmoor and build relationships with the landscape.

There will be a focus on sharing the aims and impact of the award winning collaborative Girls Do Dartmoor project, delivered by Kats Koster-Shadbolt of the Dartmoor National Park Authority with support from the Dartmoor Preservation association. Profit from the sales of the t-shirts will go back into funding this inspiring youth access project, which seeks to equip young women with the knowledge and experience to feel confident in nature.

Roots feels like the perfect group to work with for this collaboration. The company is made up from a passionate group of 15-16 year old students on a mission to make a positive impact through sustainable fashion. What began as a business studies project blossomed into a real-world venture with purpose. Roots design and sell clothing with a conscience. Their goal is simple: create stylish, eco-friendly apparel while channeling profits into charitable causes and environmental initiatives.

In a world where the beauty of nature is increasingly under threat, the creators at Roots find themselves compelled to act. Beyond being a clothing and multimedia company, they are also a collective of passionate individuals driven by a shared vision—to honour and protect the earth that sustains us all. Each piece of clothing is a tribute to the wild landscapes that inspire and connect us as people. Roots believe that every garment can tell a story, with each purchase allowing more people to become part of the narrative.

As the climate crisis deepens, Roots recognise the urgency of their mission. That’s why they pledge 100% of profits to environmental grassroots projects and their own activism initiatives. When people wear Roots, they’re not just wearing clothes; they’re embracing a commitment to a sustainable future, a future where nature thrives and communities flourish. Their materials are organic, their production methods ethical, and their vision clear: to create a world where fashion serves as a force for good.

We look forward to sharing details on the art and design competition aspect soon. This is a really positive opportunity to work with the Dartmoor community and create unique wearable art with purpose.