SOLAR heating panels, wind turbine projects and creating a new use for a redundant primary school are some of the projects which have received funding from the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund.

In a recent meeting the fund panel agreed to provide £42,405 to projects generated by local people and community organisations that demonstrate environmental, social and local economic benefits for Dartmoor.

A £2,000 grant has been given to Woodovis Holiday Park at Gulworthy towards the provision of solar heating panels on the swimming pool building.

Although the project is outside the Dartmoor National Park boundary, it was deemed appropriate to support as many of the guests will visit Dartmoor.

Other renewable energy projects include a water turbine at Bagtor House on Dartmoor, a feasibility study into the viability of a wind turbine for commercial distribution at an appropriate site on the moor and a scheme to improve energy management and the uptake of renewable energy technologies on business premises.

Funding was also given to the Moretonhampstead Development Trust towards the proposed redevelopment of the old school into a multi-use community building.

The sustainable development fund is provided by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) and is managed by respective national parks, although decisions are made by an independent panel of local members. Dartmoor National Park has a fund of £180,000 to distribute annually.

Applications for grants of under £2,000 can be made without going in front of the DSDF panel, those of £2,000 and over will be decided on by the panel, which meets on a bi-monthly basis and applicants will have the option of presenting their project to the panel.

Anyone interested in finding out more about the fund can contact Holly Tiffen on 01626 831067.