We want more people to enjoy and understand Dartmoor's landscape

What is a DDL Champion School?

A school in the Dartmoor’s Dynamic Landscapes (DDL) area or one of the gateway towns (Okehampton, Ivybridge, Princetown) which celebrates being part of Dartmoor National Park and actively encourages students to benefit from outdoor learning opportunities offered through DDL. The Champion School project runs January 2026 to Summer 2029.

What will my school gain from being a DDL Champion School?

An in person ‘Introduction to Dartmoor National Park’ assembly or class activity.

A Dartmoor Discovery Day.

One activity led by a DDL partner.

Opportunity to join the Bike It Moor project which will develop pupil confidence to travel actively (walk, wheel, cycle, scoot) to school and gain access to green spaces.

Regular newsletters detailing events and outdoor learning activities that students and their families can get involved in.

Opportunities to access grants towards travel into Dartmoor National Park for a DDL activity.

Resources to carry out self-led activities.

Improved connection with nature, bringing improved health and wellbeing.

Opportunities for students who struggle in classroom environments to thrive outdoors.

A greater sense of connection to place and awareness of living in a national park.

What is the commitment / what is expected of a Champion School?

Display information about Dartmoor National Park and DDL in your school (we can help with resources).

Share DDL newsletters with students, families and staff to spread information, for example on rivers, walks, upcoming activities.

Have a named point of contact in your school for the DDL project – to ensure smooth running.

Complete feedback for any events your students participate in.

Some staff and students to participate in baseline surveys / tracking behaviour change.

Who are the DDL partners that might work with my school? What sort of projects might they offer? (subject to availability)

Dartmoor National Park Authority – Dartmoor Discovery Days could involve a subsidised guided walk, learning about connections between tin mining and rivers, conservation activities, learning about peat and its role in the water cycle, or farm exploration.

Westcountry Rivers Trust – Citizen science investigator activities to monitor rivers and test water quality

Walk Wheel Cycle Trust – activities, events and initiatives through ‘Bike it Moor’ project to motivate, inspire and develop skills & confidence to travel actively (walk, wheel, cycle, scoot) to school and access green spaces - including day & overnight experiences to enjoy the local landscape.

The Woodland Trust – tree planting, activities to learn about ancient and veteran trees, and river restoration activities.

Emergency Exit Arts – creative workshops in the run up to large community festivals in Ivybridge, Okehampton and Princetown.

Champion Schools newsletter

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