TWO West Devon projects have received a cash boost, following a recent meeting of the Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund (DSDF) panel.

The panel agreed to provide more than £30,000 in funding for projects that demonstrate environmental, social and local economic benefits for Dartmoor as well as furthering National Park purposes.

Kay Bickley, from Okehampton, presented a case for providing funding for a network of charging stations for electric vehicles. It was evident how much work Kay had done towards establishing an electric vehicle charging network through engaging with businesses and communities.

Her plans are to develop a network of 40 charging stations and five travel hubs for zero-emission vehicles (bikes, cars and trampers) across Dartmoor. This network, once established, would then enable Dartmoor to be an exemplar for rural accessibility for electric vehicle users.

The Electric Vehicle Charging Network received £15,000 to develop the community charging points.

Dartmoor Hill Farm project officer, Sandra Dodd, brought along a variety of Dartmoor fleeces at different stages since shearing.

She used these to convince the panel to provide just over £5,000 towards a project to investigate what Dartmoor wool products can be produced and brought to market. Initial work has already been instigated with the Natural Fibre Company and the range of products proposed would aim to make full use of every fleece.

Alison Kohler, director of sustainable communities for Dartmoor National Park Authority, said: 'The Dartmoor Sustainable Development Fund is able to support a wide range of projects that have benefits to the environment, the local community and the local economy.

'The recent successful applications show how the fund is indeed supporting the environment and the community whilst also looking to the future with innovative projects.'

If you have a project that you think could be eligible for, and benefit from, sustainable development funding then please visit the National Park Authority website http://www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/li-dartmoorsustdev">www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk/li-dartmoorsustdev for further details.

The next panel meeting is on January 27, 2012 and any potential project must have been discussed and a completed application form received at least two weeks before this date.