Ethical clothing now available on Dartmoor

A new collaboration between youth-led ethical fashion company Roots and the Dartmoor Preservation Association has brought the ancient beauty of Dartmoor to life through wearable art. The new partnership features four beautiful t-shirt designs inspired by the landscape and spirit of Dartmoor, all created by talented young artists.

The designs were selected from the Dartmoor Youth Art Competition, which drew over 50 entries from creative young people across the region. The three winning artists, Molly Wightman, Juniper Holliday, and Sophie Hobson, impressed judges with their artistic interpretation of Dartmoor's wild and timeless character. A fourth t-shirt design showcases a vibrant collage made from works by several commended entrants.

“Every single entry made us appreciate the powerful connections that young people have with Dartmoor, and the artworks were packed with stories and meaning,” said a representative from the Dartmoor Preservation Association.

The resulting t-shirts, produced by Roots, are more than just clothing, they’re slow fashion statements. Printed with vegetable inks on organic cotton, each shirt is ethically made and designed to last. Beyond their sustainable credentials, the t-shirts support a vital cause: all profits will go toward 'Girls Do Dartmoor' and other youth access projects.

‘Girls Do Dartmoor’ is a community programme empowering young women to explore Dartmoor in all-female-identifying groups. Led by DNPA Community Engagement Ranger Kats Koster-Shadbolt, the initiative focuses on building confidence and communication skills, while breaking down perceived barriers to accessing the outdoors.

The ethos behind the collaboration was summed up by Lucas Brendon, Director and Head of Media at Roots.:

"What happens when you give young artists a canvas and ask them to translate Dartmoor's ancient whispers? Magic. These winning designs capture not just the moor's beauty, but its spirit and timelessness. These young artists show that you can't put a fence across inspiration. In an era where society debates who can access our precious Dartmoor, these young creators remind us that nature's invitation is universal, and that the stars truly belong to everyone."

Roots, the youth-run company behind the shirts, is a group of 15–16-year-olds who turned a business studies project into a mission-driven sustainable fashion label. What began in the classroom is now a real-world venture blending style, ethics, and environmental activism.

"At Roots, we're honoured to transform their artistic vision into wearable activism, with each garment telling a story of preservation, inspiration, and hope," said Lucas.
"Our partnership with the Dartmoor Preservation Association represents our deepest belief at Roots: that young people aren't just inheriting the earth—we're already its most passionate defenders, and we're totally rooted in making sure nature and Dartmoor thrives for everyone."

Roots’ garments are designed not just to be worn, but to start conversations. Every shirt tells a story and invites the wearer to be part of a broader movement—one that connects youth creativity, environmental stewardship, and access to the wild spaces that inspire us all.

The limited-edition t-shirts are available now, with all proceeds going toward empowering more young people to connect with Dartmoor’s landscape and protect it for generations to come. Visit https://rootsclothing.co.uk/collection/dartmoor/ to grab yours.