Awards to a dartmoor pony venture, some teignbridge schools and a special one to an Ashburton man were made last week.

They were among the 2008 winners of Dartmoor National Park Authority's biennial Edward Morshead Award.

The award is made in recognition of significant contributions to national park purposes, from protection, maintenance and enhancement, wildlife and cultural heritage of Dartmoor, and the promotion of the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities.

Second prize went to the Dartmoor Pony Heritage Trust for its work with young people with disabilities and also for conservation grazing work and contributing to the moor's public image.

Hennock Primary School was given third prize.

It received the award for an innovative education-based project involving young people in conservation, sustainability and environmental issues.

'It's a wonderful achievement and it is great that the youngsters have had recognition,' said Nicky Dunsford, headteacher at Hennock.

'We were selected for the award after building an outdoor classroom made of sustainable materials.

'It was built from cob and thatched and we have used recycled doors and windows. It will also have solar paneling.

'The pupils have been there every step of the way with the project. They've made cob bricks and were even up on scaffolding and learnt how to thatch.'

A Special Lifetime Achievement Award went to David Hannaford, of Ashburton, for his outstanding personal contribution to the good of Dartmoor and his work to develop, share and teach rural skills.

This year the Dartmoor Preservation Association Shield – marking the best contribution by young people to national park purposes on Dartmoor – was presented to South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton, Rural Skills Group for work on a Devon hegdebank in the school grounds.

The Edward Morshead Award first prize was awarded to Postbridge farmer Phil Coaker, chairman of the Dartmoor Farmers' Association.

It was presented to him for services to the conservation and enhancement of Dartmoor's special qualities through his work, which acted as a catalyst for collaborative action among Dartmoor farmers and his activities to promote the enjoyment of the area by all.

'I was shocked and delighted,' he said.

'Dartmoor Farmers' Association is a new organisation set up to market meat from the hills. We produce beef and lamb of hardy lifestock and native breeds and are truly extensive farmers.

'Really I think the whole association deserves it.'

The award is made in memory of Edward Morshead, chairman of the Dartmoor National Park Committee from 1985 to 1989. He died in office.  He spent much time committed to farming and the conservation of the landscape.

BBC presenter Judi Spiers assisted the award ceremony, at Dartmoor National Park Authority's headquarters at parke, Bovey Tracey.