Young leaders invited to shape the future of Dartmoor

Young people across the region are being called to seize an exciting opportunity to make a lasting impact on the future of the UK's National Parks. 

The Campaign for National Parks has just opened applications for its inaugural Future Leaders Course, a key part of the New Perspectives project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This two-year initiative aims to engage more young people in the National Parks movement, offering them the tools and experience needed to become the next generation of leaders and change-makers. 

With applications now open, aspiring leaders aged between 20 and 30 are encouraged to apply for this programme, which will begin in October. 

The deadline for applications is August 25.

The Future Leaders programme is designed for those who are passionate about the environment, landscapes, and social justice. It is a free-to-attend course that has been developed in collaboration with young people, ensuring it addresses the needs and aspirations of the next generation.

Participants will kick off their journey with a weekend residential in the surroundings of Dartmoor National Park, thanks to the support of the Dartmoor Preservation Association and the YHA. 

This experience will lay the foundation for the course, which is structured around both practical and theoretical learning.

Over the duration of the programme, participants will gain a variety of skills. 

Practical workshops will cover storytelling and communication, while theoretical sessions will explore leadership styles and effective team working.

The course also places a strong emphasis on equity and social justice, ensuring that participants are not only effective leaders but also advocates for a fairer and more inclusive future.

One of the standout features of the Future Leaders course is its focus on experiential learning. 

Participants will have the opportunity to apply their newly acquired skills in real-world scenarios, influencing decision-makers within the National Parks. 

Learning from some of the UK's most effective change-makers, participants will be supported by a peer group of like-minded individuals who are equally committed to making a difference.

This programme offers a unique chance for young people to develop their leadership capabilities while being immersed in one of the UK's most stunning natural landscapes. 

It’s a local opportunity with far-reaching potential, providing the tools to shape the future of National Parks and the communities that cherish them.

For more information and to apply, interested individuals are encouraged to visit the Campaign for National Parks’ website: https://www.cnp.org.uk/support/events/future-leaders-course/