We want more people to enjoy and better understand, conserve and connect with Dartmoor.  We aim to do this through providing a range of different ways to get involved in our work - including schemes for young people, volunteering and mentoring opportunities, and public events.

Spotlight on: DDL Champion Schools

DDL Champion Schools is a scheme for primary and secondary schools located in the Dartmoor’s Dynamic Landscapes (DDL) area or one of the gateway towns (Okehampton, Ivybridge, Princetown).

By being part of the scheme, schools celebrate being part of Dartmoor National Park and their students benefit from outdoor learning opportunities offered through DDL partners.

The activities on offer are wide ranging, but all help the students to learn about and experience Dartmoor, and aim to strengthen their sense of belonging and connection to this unique and special place – supporting health and wellbeing.

Activities include:

• learning about the water quality of rivers with the Westcountry Rivers Trust;
• taking part in Bike it Moor, a Walk Wheel Cycle Trust project promoting active and green travel
• learning about ancient trees and seeing shire horses working in traditional forestry activities as part of the Woodland Trust’s work to restore ancient woodlands and peatland areas
• resources to carry out self-led activities
• spending a Night Under the Stars camping on a Dartmoor farm.

Since launching in January 2026, DDL Champion Schools have learnt about Dartmoor through assemblies and newsletters, have increased their activity levels using a smoothie bike - a static bicycle that harnesses pedalling energy to power a blender - and have focused on their sense of wellbeing through  Girls Do Dartmoor, a programme for students who identify as female in years 8 & 9 to build confidence accessing the outdoors. There’s so much more to come over the next few years!

The Champion School project runs January 2026 to Summer 2029.

Champion Schools newsletter

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