The Greater Dartmoor Local Enterprise Action Fund (LEAF) covers the whole of Dartmoor and a significant area around the edge of the moor. It has been set up to provide funding for projects that will improve the area economically, socially and environmentally.

We are hoping that local groups and businesses will come forward with exciting ideas to help us realise our aspirations to make the communities in the area healthier, wealthier and wiser. We have funding for selected projects that deliver our aims and objectives and this website is the main portal where you can find out more about what the LEAF is set up to do, and how you can apply for funding.

The natural landscape of the Greater Dartmoor area is outstanding, and this is complemented by a strong socio-economic heritage based (including internationally important industrial and mining heritage) and a local population distinguished by a long history of engagement and local governance.

The area is very rural in nature with scattered small market towns connected to their hinterlands by mainly poor transport infrastructure, leaving some communities with very poor access to services. The area also suffers a number of economic problems, such as low levels of economic productivity, and a business base which is particularly dependent on industries such as agriculture and tourism, in which wages are traditionally low.

This combination of factors provides opportunities to transform the fortunes of the local population, and the Greater Dartmoor LEAF has been set up to help make this happen. We believe that there is enormous potential to start making a difference now.

The programme has been specifically designed to deliver the following objectives:

• Creating and Growing Businesses
• Delivering innovative service provision
• Maximising the potential of the environment as an economic asset