Great support for Donate for Dartmoor
A major cycling sportive has boosted funds for Donate for Dartmoor and helped to replace the National Park's 'welcome' signs.
The Dartmoor Classic Sportive, organised by Mid Devon Cycling Club, is an annual cycling challenge open to cyclists of all abilities. A well-known and popular event, three route options allow riders to experience an open road sportive in outstanding National Park scenery.
Their £2,300 donation contributed towards new signs replacing the 20-year-old brown timber boards on the principal roads as you enter the National Park.
The new signs are interchangeable so information can be updated and people have timely, helpful information when they visit. For example the panels can highlight speed limits, fire risks or warn of snowy and icy conditions plus more.
The intention is that all of them will be replaced as part of a special project over the next 2-3 years.
Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Recreation & Access Projects Officer Tim Russell said: "The Dartmoor Classic’s donation towards our gateway signs project has made a huge difference, providing a complete kit such as the one pictured at Peartree Cross in Ashburton. As Projects Officer I am always very grateful for, and often humbled by, people's generosity towards our wide range of improvement works across the Park."
Dartmoor Classic Chairman Guy Langworthy said: “The Dartmoor Classic has been supporting Dartmoor National Park for many years and it is a pleasure to see the fruition of initiatives that our donations have helped to fund. We look forward to continuing with this positive and constructive relationship with the National Park which is such a beautiful and important place.”
Donate for Dartmoor is the Dartmoor National Park's fundraising scheme and is supported by a number of individuals, sporting events and community groups, all of which appreciate the recreational, educational and well-being benefits that Dartmoor provides.
Donations like these are vital in preserving and enhancing this stunning landscape - home to so much nature and history – as well as maintaining a network of footpaths and bridleways.
Just £5 helps to look after the habitats of many special species; £10 pays for materials for five House Martin nests or to help conserve amazing archaeological features; £20 can clear bracken from a hut circle to show ancient life on Dartmoor; £30 will repair one metre of footpath so people can explore the great outdoors more.
