An inspirational weekend

Published: 1 November 2024

An inspirational weekend – fueled by empowered people empowering people

Hello! I’m Linn Wiberg and I was lucky enough to be selected for the Future Leaders course that featured a residential retreat on Dartmoor. Excitement, ambition and anticipation – these were some of the emotions on my mind prior to the residential.

What is the Future Leaders course?

The Future Leaders course aims to bridge the gap between young people from diverse backgrounds and leadership roles – especially in nature-based roles. This narrative allows young people to have a say in their future. The course empowers early career professionals through fostering leadership and campaigning skills whilst encouraging reflecting upon: What is influential leadership? How can I ensure social equity as a leader?

Now, why Dartmoor?

Dartmoor is a living national park – full of tales of its inhabitants turning into trees and the new successes of regenerative farming. Mysterious and marvellous. What better way to feel connected to nature and the people around you than to be surrounded by the very atmosphere you are trying to protect. We also heard about the important work Dartmoor Preservation Association do and their ‘Girls do Dartmoor’ campaign.

So, what did we get up to?

Day 1 – kicking off with a walk to the top of Bellever Tor, we were met with a beautiful view and fresh air surrounding us with peace and tranquillity. On the summit, we heard from influential campaigners Tom Usher and Kate Ashbrook. Their words inspired us to evaluate: What motivates you to push for a campaign? How do you find a group that will help you create a memorable campaign? What makes an effective and impactful campaign?

Making our way down the Tor, we were met with snacks and the opportunity to set intentions for the weekend. My goals:
– Reflect upon leadership and learn campaigning strategies
– Connect with like-minded people and hear their stories

Day 2 – as a non-morning person, I can gladly say the early rise was worth it. Sunrise, with blood orange skies. Through vision-boards and a storytelling talk from Ocean City Media – we envisioned the ways we want others to see the value of nature. We ended the day with a bat walk and fanciful tales about Dartmoor from Dartmoor’s daughter– captivated by the life we can hear and the mystery that lays within Dartmoor.

Day 3 – waking up to a misty morning, we eagerly finished the weekends’ mini-campaigns. My group presented ‘Choose Moor’ – a mini-campaign on blue and green prescribing. We pitched these campaigns to an experienced panel including: Nick Bruce-White: CEO of Devon Wildlife Trust, Carolyn Cadman: Director of Natural Resources at South West Water, Tom Usher: CEO of Dartmoor Preservation Association, William Dracup: Deputy Chair of the Authority – Dartmoor National Park and Kate Ashbrook: General Secretary – Open Spaces Society.

How would I summarise this weekend?

Inspirational. Inspirational leaders, inspirational speakers and inspirational like-minded individuals whose achievements I will eagerly follow. Thank you, Campaign for National Parks team for arranging this weekend and for giving young leaders a space to share our voices.