Access to the information superhighway is always a big issue for rural communities. Workers and businesses face real problems at a time when many services are becoming “Digital by default.” Reps from the Prison Officers Association (POA) in HMP Dartmoor have been keen to support local projects in the area, and use the prisons Learning Centre to help tackle digital exclusion.

The Dartmoor Hill Farm Project (DHFP) was set up to ensure a viable future for Dartmoor farmers. Since 2003 DHFP has supported farmers on Dartmoor to establish, and run, a wide range of projects to add value to their businesses and to increase vocational skills. There is a small team of staff who are based in Princetown in the midst of isolated Dartmoor. The project is hosted by Dartmoor National Park Authority (DNPA) and funded by Defra, DNPA and the Duchy of Cornwall.

There has been a steady realisation that all members of the farming community will be expected to exchange information on cattle movements and the claiming of subsidies etc online. There is a feeling that those making the policy are unaware of the challenges of “getting online” in many rural areas. Not all parts of the country have access to broadband and amidst the isolation of Dartmoor National Park is no exception.

This is where the HMP Dartmoor POA Learning Centre comes to the fore.

The POA Learning Centre as funded in partnership by the Union Learning Fund (ULF), and the Governor of HMP Dartmoor has had for many months a productive learning agreement with the Hill Farm Project. In essence local members of the agricultural community attend the well equipped POA Learning Centre at HMP Dartmoor on a regular basis and use the IT equipment available for both IT Training and any other required need.

POA Learning Centre Manager Andy Harding said;

It is a delight to be able to extend our facilities to the very heart of our farming community. Agriculture is at the heart of our community and being able to play a vital role in supporting that specific sector of the community in partnership is not only essential but very rewarding for all concerned.”

Kate Tobin Hill Farm Project Officer reiterated Andy’s comments by stating;

POA Learning is invaluable to the educational and daily practical requirements of the local agricultural community. POA Learning at HMP Dartmoor provides an essential and professional service to the Hill Farmers right in the heart of our small community.”

With support from the union lead learning centre at HMP Dartmoor local farmers are now able to access many of the services that people in urban areas take for granted - something that will help the rural economy and keep the tradition of hill farming in Dartmoor alive for future generations.