Rural Affairs Minister Lord Gardiner will be firing the starting cannon for this year’s Ten Tors challenge on Dartmoor on Saturday May 11th, in celebration of the ‘Year of Green Action’ and the 70th Anniversary of the Act that created National Parks. The annual event, organised by the military, sees thousands of young people take part in a 35, 45 or 55 mile challenge over the weekend and is often the start of a life-long appreciation of the special qualities of the landscape and environment. Young people with disabilities are also given the chance to take part in the Jubilee Challenge, supported by volunteers.
For many young people the start of their training for Ten Tors is their first real ‘hands-on’ contact with the National Park; they will train over the winter supported by volunteers, learning about the landscape, its wildlife and heritage as well as the essential skills they will need for the expedition. Through this involvement and engagement, young people are also encouraged to give something back to the National Park though the Donate for Dartmoor scheme, encouraging participation though volunteering activities to help with conservation and access projects. This is being actively encouraged this year as part of the Governments ‘Year of Green Action’ (YoGA), which seeks to connect people with nature and take positive action to improve the environment.
Getting young people involved and engaged with Dartmoor through large-scale events such as Ten Tors as well as initiatives such as the Ranger Ralph, Junior and Youth Ranger programmes has been a key part of how Dartmoor National Park Authority has been involving the next generation in caring for the National Park - providing practical, transformative learning experiences in an outdoor environment.
During a previous visit to Dartmoor Lord Gardiner, who has ministerial responsibility for National Parks and AONBs, saw how this approach had transformed young lives when he met Junior Rangers. He was struck by their enthusiasm for the natural environment and their passion for Dartmoor, he was also interested to hear about how the programme has had a huge impact on their social skills and self-confidence.
Defra Minister Lord Gardiner said: “This famous annual challenge is aimed at giving young people confidence and inspiration from nature and it is rooted in the unique landscape of Dartmoor. As we celebrate the 70th anniversary of National Parks, and the Year of Green Action, there is no better time to recognise Dartmoor’s continuing work to help the next generation foster an enduring love for, and connection to, our incredible great outdoors.”
Dartmoor was one of the first National Parks to be designated under the National Parks and Access to Countryside Act, which when introduced was described as ‘A people’s charter for those who love to get into the open air and enjoy the countryside’. It is hoped that by capturing the energy and enthusiasm of young people through positive experiences in the National Park, the passion that led to the creation of National Parks can be carried forward for the next generation to nurture and care for the environment.
Donate for Dartmoor supports a variety of projects across Dartmoor. Donations of time and money are essential for us to be able to look after the heritage and wildlife of Dartmoor and to make it a place for everyone to enjoy today, tomorrow and for the future.