OWNERS of traditional Dartmoor homes who are considering measures to boost their energy efficiency could have the opportunity to take part in some vital research work.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings has been awarded almost £11,000 by the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund, in its most recent round of grants.

The society is looking to undertake monitoring on properties before and after energy-saving work is carried out.

The process will look at factors which can affect a building's overall energy consumption, such as temperature, air quality, air movement, heat loss, humidity and material moisture levels.

The work will be used nationally to help identify the best form of energy efficiency measures for traditional buildings.

Any Dartmoor resident who feels they are able to take part in this work should call Val Harrison, historic buildings officer at Dartmoor National Park Authority, on 01626 832093.

There is now just under £60,000 in the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund for 2010/11.

Final applications for grants need to be submitted by February 11 in order to be considered by the panel which meets on March 11.

Further details of the funding criteria and information on projects previously funded can be found at http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/livingin/li-dartmoorstusdev">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/livingin/li-dartmoorstusdev

Potential applicants should contact Richard Drysdale at Dartmoor National Park by the end of January, to establish the suitability of their projects. Call 01626 832093 or email [email protected]">[email protected]