Exmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-2023 - Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL Tel: 01398 323665 ...
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
Exmoor National Park Authority
Exmoor National Park
PartnershipPlan 2018-2023
Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL
Tel: 01398 323665
email: info@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
Exmoor National Park PartnershipPlan 2018-2023
Partnership Plan 2018-23 Exmoor National Park PartnershipPlan 2018-2023 Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset, TA22 9HL Tel: 01398 323665 email: info@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk FRONTCOVER: “The King” by Jessamy Keily, part of the ‘Dark Skies’ series encapsulating the beauty of Exmoor. JinKs Art, www.jinksart.com INSIDECOVER: “Sunrise On Porlock Hill” by Andrew Wheatley ©ExmoorNationalParkAuthority April 2018
Exmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
Contents
Map of Exmoor National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4 People - Exmoor for all: where everyone feels welcome . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 The Exmoor Experience . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Our Vision for Exmoor National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8 Well-managed Recreation and Access . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Special Qualities . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Thriving Tourism Built on Sustainability . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32
Our Ambitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12
Purpose of The Partnership Plan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15 Place - inspiring landscapes: diverse and beautiful, rich in wildlife and history . . . . . . . . . . . 34
What Is It? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Celebrated Landscapes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Who Is It For? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Wildness and Tranquillity with Dark Night Skies, and Sensitive Development . . . . . . . . . . 38
How Has It Been Prepared? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Valued Historic Environment and Cultural Heritage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
How Is The Plan Used? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16 Rich in Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42
How Does It Fit With Other Plans and Strategies? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18
Prosperity - working landscapes: thriving communities and a vibrant local economy . . . . . 44
Exmoor National Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Working Landscapes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46
Our Story . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Strong Local Economy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
Exmoor’s Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .20 Thriving Communities. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
National Park Designation and Statutory Purposes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22 A Valued Asset . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
Responsibilities of Public Bodies Regarding National Parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
2 Where People, Place and Prosperity Come Together: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54 3
Changing Landscapes: The Challenges and Opportunities Facing Exmoor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .24 Moorland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
Farmland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58
Woodland . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60
Rivers and Streams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62
Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64
Settlements and the Built Environment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66
Monitoring and Research . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68
Delivery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70
The Milky Way from Brendon Common
Keith Trueman
Exmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
UK National Parks
ExmoorNationalPark
4 5
© Copyright Exmoor National Park 2018
Key
0 3 6 9 12 kilometres
Scale 1:140,000 0 2.5 5 7.5 10 miles
Partnership Plan 2018-23
Foreword
“The essential requirements of a National Park are that it
should have great natural beauty, a high value for open air
recreation, and substantial continuous extent”
Hobhouse Report 1947
Robin Milton, Sarah Bryan,
Chairman Chief Executive
Exmoor National Park Authority
7
ExmoorNationalParkisauniqueandveryspecial publictoconsidertheissuesfacingExmoor,and
place;adistinctivelandscapeshapedbygenerations agreehowbesttorespond.
ofpeople,whohavefarmedandmanagedthe
Wearenowpleasedtopresentthe2018-2023
environment.Todayitiscelebratedandenjoyedfor
PartnershipPlan.Itbringstogethertheambitionsof
itswonderfulvarietyofheatherandgrassmoors,its
ourpartnersinacollectivevisionforExmoor.It
ancientwoodlandsandforests,picturesquevillages,
describeshowwehopetoworkwithallthosewho
dramaticcoastlines,magnificentherdsofReddeer,
loveandcareforExmoor,whethertheylivehere,
nativeponies,andatnightthemagicofitsdarkskies.
workhereorcometoenjoyitsbeautifullandscape,
Wearerightlyproudofourlandscape,ourheritage
wildlifeandheritage.Itrecognisestheimportance
andourwildlife. ofournaturalandculturalcapitalanditrespondsto
Overthelastfiveyears,wehaveworkedclosely theGovernment’sagendaforNationalParks,which
withourmanypartnerstodeliverthe2012-17 emphasisestheimportanceofconnectingyoung
PartnershipPlan.Wearedelightedwithallthathas peoplewithnature,sustainablelandmanagement,
beenachieved,butbelievethereismoretodo. internationaltourism,localfood,heritage,
landscape,healthandwell-being.Itsupportsthe
Wehaveseensignificantpoliticalchange,in aspirationssetoutintheGovernment’s25YearPlan
particularthedecisiontoleavetheEuropeanUnion fortheEnvironment.
andtheresultingdiscussiononfutureagricultural
Wepassionatelywanttoseeahealthyand
supportandenvironmentalprotection.Wehave
beautifulenvironment,thrivingcommunitiesand
seentheproductionoftheGovernment’s8Point
successfulbusinesses.Wealsowanttoseemore
PlanforNationalParks,andmostrecentlyAGreen
peopleenjoying,visitingandcelebratingExmoor,
Future:Our25YearPlantoImprovethe
andfuturegenerationscontinuingtobeinspired
Environment,whichsetsouttheGovernment’s
byitsbeautyandextraordinarysenseofplace.
ambitiontoleavetheenvironmentinabetterstate
Seaside Safari, Lynmouth thanitfoundit.Againstthisbackdropofchange, We look forward to working with you on our
Steve Guscott wehavebeentalkingwithourpartnersandthe Partnership Plan for Exmoor.
Exmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
OurVisionforExmoorNationalPark
l Exmoor’sdistinctanddiverselandscape is l Thereisincreasedpublic awareness and
maintainedandenhanced,withanincreased enjoyment oftheNationalPark;awarm
awarenessofitsimportance welcomeandhigh quality experience for
l Thereisanincreasedextentofwildlife
everyoneseekinginspiration,tranquillityand
activeoutdoorrecreation,leadingtogreater
habitats andlinkagesbetweenthem,more understandingofExmooranditswayoflife,
habitatsareingoodconditionand andawiderappreciationofthecontribution
populationsofvaluednativeplantsand thatNationalParksmaketoqualityoflife
animalsarethriving
l Exmoor’scommunities retainacontinuityof
l Thereisanenhancedknowledgeofthe connectionwiththeland;andcommunities
historic environment ofExmoor;increased aretakingtheleadinshapingfuture
awarenessofthevalueofitscultural heritage, developmenttomeettheirneedsand
andthemostimportanthistoricalsites, aspirationsincludingaccesstoservices,
settlements,buildingsandfeaturesare housing,communicationsandinfrastructure
conservedandtheirhistoricalcharacter
retained l Thereisastrong, diverse and resilient
l Exmoor’snatural resources areused
economy wherefarming,forestry,land
managementandruralenterprisesare
sustainably,andthefullbenefitsofits playingaleadroleinconservingand
ecosystemsareunderstoodandharnessed.
8 enhancingExmoor’sspecialqualities; 9
Pollutionisminimised,airandwaterarehigh producinghighqualityfoodandother
quality,andsoilsareconservedandingood produce,andconservinglocalbreeds.There
condition isasustainabletourismandrecreation
l Weareclosertoachievingacarbon-neutral economyinharmonywithlocal
National Park tohelpmitigateclimate communitiesandtheenvironment
change,andhaveintroducedmeasuresto
adapttochangesinclimatethatarealready
happening
Porlock Bay Oysters on Shore
Exmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
TheQualitiesthatmake
Exmoorspecialare:
l Largeareasofopenmoorlandprovidinga l Adeeplyruralcommunitycloselylinkedto
senseofremoteness,wildnessandtranquillity thelandwithstronglocaltraditionsandways
rareinsouthernBritain oflife
l Adistinctanddiverselandscapeofsoftly l Afarmedlandscapewithlocallydistinctive
roundedhillsandridges,withheatherand breedssuchasRedDevoncattle;Devon
grassmoors,spectacularcoast,deeplyincised Closewool,andExmoorHornsheep,and
woodedvalleys,highseacliffs,fastflowing herdsoffreelivingExmoorponies
l Anexceptionalrightsofwaynetwork,with
streams,traditionaluplandfarmsand
characteristicbeechhedgebanks
pathsthatareoftenruggedandnarrowin
l Atimelesslandscapemostlyfreefrom character,alongwithextensiveareasofopen
intrusivedevelopment,withstrikingviews countryandpermittedaccess,providing
insideandoutoftheNationalPark,and superbopportunitiesforwalking,ridingand
wherethenaturalbeautyofExmoorandits cycling
l Alandscapethatprovidesinspirationand
darkskiescanbeappreciated
l Amosaicofhabitatssupportingagreat enjoymenttovisitorsandresidentsalike
10 diversityofwildlifeincludingherdsofwild 11
Reddeer,richlichencommunities,rare
fritillarybutterflies,bats,andotherspecies
uncommoninsouthernBritain
l Acomplexandrichhistoriclandscapethat
reflectshowpeoplehavelivedin,exploited
andenjoyedExmooroverthepast8000years,
includingburialmoundsonridges,discrete
stonesettings,ancientfarmsteadsand
settlements,picturesquevillagesand
historicestates
Red deer stags in velvet at Cornham
Nigel Stone
Exmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
OurAmbitions
PEOPLE PLACE PROSPERITY
Exmoor for All: Inspiring Landscapes: Working landscapes:
Where everyone feels welcome Diverse and beautiful, rich in wildlife and history Thriving communities and a
vibrant local economy
More people enjoy Exmoor, The natural beauty, distinct character
are inspired, get involved, and and diversity of Exmoor’s landscapes are Exmoor’s land-based communities
learn about its special qualities celebrated, conserved and enhanced and businesses are supported to
provide healthy food and good
Exmoor has a first class rights of way Exmoor is somewhere you can experience quality timber, and ensure that
network. The paths, open access and tranquillity, openness, wildness and dark Exmoor’s landscapes continue to
recreational facilities are enhanced to night skies. Development is sensitive to be well managed and cared for
offer more and better experiences the National Park’s special qualities and
for people who want to explore conserves its scenic quality and setting The local economy is more
and enjoy the National Park sustainable with increased
Exmoor’s historic environment is better innovation, entrepreneurship and
The tourism economy is vibrant, understood, cared for and protected. Its improved economic prospects
innovative and growing, and celebrates cultural heritage and rural traditions
Exmoor’s distinctive character are valued for their place in telling Exmoor’s local communities are
Exmoor’s story and shaping its future thriving, with strong connections
12 to the National Park 13
Exmoor is richer in wildlife. Habitats are
in good condition, expanded, connected, and Exmoor is celebrated for the value it
support a greater abundance of species brings to the region and nationally
Where People, Place and
Prosperity come together:
Moorland Farmland Woodland Rivers and Coast Settlements & the
The extent of Exmoor’s distinctive Exmoor’s streams Exmoor’s stunning built environment
Exmoor’s open farmed landscapes woodlands Exmoor’s rivers, coast is better Thelocal
moorland is continue to be are diverse, streams and their understood, distinctivenessand
retained and conserved and well-managed, associated valleys enjoyed and historiccharacter
restored. The enhanced as part productive and are in good conserved. ofExmoor’s
habitats within it of an active farming enhance the condition. Their settlementsand
are enhanced and system delivering natural beauty, native flora and builtenvironment
the area and a healthy natural wildlife and fauna thriving, and areconservedand
quality of heather and cultural cultural heritage of flood risk is enhanced.
is increased. environment. the National Park. reduced.
Monitoring and research:
Our knowledge and understanding of Exmoor’s special qualities is increased through
monitoring and research to inform future decision making and delivery of our Ambitions.
Partnership Plan 2018-23
PurposeofThePartnershipPlan
Exmoor is many things to many people. To some Foreveryone,though,itisaspecialplace,protected
a home and to others a livelihood, an adventure forthenationasaNationalPark.Thisfive-year
playground or a place to escape. It is also an area PartnershipPlanestablishestheAmbitionsand
full of resources and opportunities to provide strategiesrequiredtomaintainthespecialqualities
benefits beyond its boundary. ofthearea.ThePlandoesnotseektopreservethe
areainaspicbutbalancetheneedsofdifferent
interestsnowandinthefuture.It’satrue
PartnershipPlan,developedinconsultationwith
partnerorganisations,communities,visitorsand
businesses.AndwhiletheNationalParkAuthority
facilitatesthePlan,werelyonourpartnerstohelp
bringittolife.
What is it? Who is it for?
l It’sastatutoryplanthattheNationalPark l It’sforthewholeNationalPark,notjustthe
Authorityisrequiredtoprepareeveryfive NationalParkAuthority
l It’sforourpartners.ThePlancanonlybe
years
15
l ThefundamentalbasisforthePlan,andfor achievedifweworktogethertodeliverit.
theworkoftheNationalParkAuthority,are Thisinvolvesawiderangeofpartnerswhoall
theNationalParkstatutorypurposesandduty haveanimportantroletoplay
l Itdescribesthespecialqualitiesofthe l It’sforExmoor’slandandpropertyowners
NationalPark,andsetsoutalong-termVision andmanagers,withoutwhosesupportand
forwhatwewanttoachieve co-operationthespecialqualitiesofthe
l Itidentifiestheopportunitiesandchallenges
NationalParkwouldnotbemaintainedand
enhanced
facingExmoorthatweneedtorespondto
l It’sforthepeoplewholiveandworkhere:
l ItsetsouttheAmbitionsthatwewillfocuson Exmoor’slocalcommunitiesandbusinesses
overthefive-yeartimeframeofthePlan
l It’sforthewiderpublic.ThePlansetsout
l ItreflectstheGovernment’svisionand whatisimportantaboutExmoorandwhatis
prioritiesforallNationalParksand beingdonetoconserveandenhancethe
demonstrateshowExmoorcanhelpdeliver NationalPark
these1
l Thesectionsthatfollowareforeveryonewho
hasaninterestintheNationalPark,the
NationalParkAuthority,partnerorganisations,
localcommunitiesandbusinesses,andthe
widerpublic:it’sourPlan
Conygar Tower, Dunster 1
GovernmentVisionforEnglishNationalParksandtheBroads;
Nigel Stone Government’s8PointPlanforEngland’sNationalParksExmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
ThisPlanisforeveryonewho HowthePlanFitsTogether
caresaboutExmoor,the
place,itscommunitiesand Statutory
thebenefitstheNationalPark Purposes & duty Special Qualities
providestothenation
How has it been prepared? How is The Plan used? Exmoor
l It’sbasedonevidencefromtheStateofthe l AsthebasisfortheNationalParkAuthority National Park
Partnership Plan
ParkReport BusinessPlan,guidingourworkprioritiesand
l It’sinformedbyourpublicopinionsurvey
resourceallocation
l TodevelopNationalParkAuthoritypolicies 2018-23
l It’sbeendevelopedwithourpartnership
groups
anddecisionmaking Vision &
16 l It’sbeenthroughpublicconsultation
l Tobringtogetherawiderangeofpeopleand Ambitions 17
organisationsaroundasetofcommongoals
l Toco-ordinateactionamongstpartnersand
developprojectswherewecanwork
togetheronissuesofsharedinterest
Public
l Todrawinfundingtodelivertheoutcomes State of the
Opinion
identified
Survey Park Report
l TomonitorprogressagainstourVisionand
Ambitions
Delivery
Programme Monitoring
& Action Plans
View across Porlock Vale to Selworthy
Nigel StoneExmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
How does it fit with other plans and strategies?
l It’sthesinglemostimportantdocumentfor
theNationalPark
l Itsitswithinthecontextofinternationaland National Park Condition of the
nationallegislation,policyandstrategyand Purposes National Park’s
doesnotoverrideany special qualities as set
otherspecificlegislative out in the State of
requirementsor the Park Report
consentprocesses
l ItisaccompaniedbytheStateofthe
ParkReportwhichexaminestheissuesand Legislation.
trendsaffectingtheNationalPark’sspecial National and local
qualities,andprovidestheevidencebasefor strategic plans and
thePartnershipPlan programmes Exmoor
l Itprovidestheframeworkforotherplansand National Park
strategiessuchastheLocalPlanwhichsets Partnership Plan Public
outthepoliciesfordeterminingplanning - long-term vision consultation
applications and Ambitions for
Exmoor National
l ItgiveseffecttoNationalParkpurposes
Park
l Itreflectspublicviewsandopinionsfollowing
18 consultation 19
Individual
l ItisimplementedthroughaseparateDelivery corporate plans for
Programme Exmoor National Park delivery bodies e.g.
Local Plan setting out Exmoor National
planning policies Delivery Park Authority
governing spatial Programme Business Plan
development in the for partnership
Beautiful Demoiselle National Park groups with actions
Nigel Stone to achieve the
Partnership Plan
AmbitionsExmoor National Park
ExmoorNationalPark
Our Story Some of Exmoor’s highlights
ThestoryofExmoorbeginsmillionsofyearsago l Wild,windsweptopenmoorland,oneofonly
withthemovementoftectonicplates.Fromthat threeuplandareasinsouthernBritain
eruptedthegenesisofthelandscapeweseetoday:
rawmaterialthatwasshapedandreshapedby l Europe’sveryfirstInternationalDarkSky
geologicalandgeomorphologicalprocesses,as Reserve
wellashumanintervention. l ThetallesttreeinEngland
It’seasytoforgetthatExmoorisinnosmallpartan l ThehighestcliffsinEngland
environmentmadebypeople.Butmillenniaof
farming,mining,fuel-making,settlement,defence l 55kmofstunningcoastline,partoftheBristol
andrecreationhavelefttheirmark,formingthe Channelwiththesecondhighestandlowest
uniquelandscapethatisnowExmoorNationalPark. tidesintheworld
Atjust693squarekilometres,Exmoorisoneofthe l Almost250speciesofbirdandover1,000
UK’ssmallestNationalParks.Butwhatitlacksinsize differentfloweringplantsandgrasses
l OneofthebestplacestoseewildReddeerin
itmorethanmakesupforinbeautyandvariety,
thankstospectacularcoastline,expansive
England
moorland,steepwoodedvalleyswithfastflowing
riversandstreams,androllingfarmland. l Free-livingnativeExmoorponies,perfectly
20 ThevalueofExmoorisnotonlyaesthetic.Froma adaptedtouplandconditions
conservationpointofview,themoorlandsandoak l Nearly10,000recordsonExmoor’sHistoric
woodlandsaredesignatedinternationallyforthe EnvironmentRecord,representinghuman
habitatsandspeciestheysupport.Andour activitystretchingback8,000years
archaeologicalandculturalheritageisremarkable:
newsitesanddiscoveriesarefrequentinthe l OneofthefirstNationalParksinEnglandto
NationalPark,andweenjoyarichtraditionoflocal gaintheEuropeanCharterforSustainable
art,literature,musicandfood. Tourism
Thentherearethenightskies,whichreallyareout l Thelongeststretchofcoastalwoodlandin
ofthisworld.We’reofficiallyanInternationalDark EnglandandWaleswithrarewhitebeam
SkyReserve,thankstothewondrousstarryroof treesuniquetoExmoor
that’svisiblewhenthesungoesdown. l Over1,600veterantreesthroughoutthe
Thesespecialqualitiesgoalongwaytoexplaining NationalPark,andthehighestbeech
whyExmoorinspiresmorethantwomillionvisits plantationinEngland
everyyear.Oncepeoplearehere,ourfantastic l Over1,300kmofpathsandbridlewaysand
rightsofwaynetworkandopenaccesslandensure around17,600hectaresofopenaccessland
theyhaveeveryopportunitytogetupcloseand toenjoy
personalwithalandscapethatiswithoutrival.
l OneofthemosttranquilplacesinEngland
That’swhatmakesExmoorsospecial:thepeople,
theplace,andtheirsharedprosperity.
Horner Water
Robin OfferExmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
National Park designation and statutory purposes Responsibilities of public bodies regarding
National Parks
ExmoorNationalParkwasdesignatedin1954,in
recognitionofitssignificanceandvalueata ‘RelevantAuthorities’shouldhaveregardto
nationallevel,andisoneofafamilyof15National NationalParkpurposeswhenmakingdecisionsor
ParksintheUK.TheNationalParkdesignation carryingoutactivitiesrelatingtooraffectingland
reflectedits‘spectacularcoastline,fineheather, withintheNationalPark.Authoritiesandpublic
brackenandgrassmoorland,beautifulwooded bodiesmustshowtheyhavefulfilledthisduty.2
valleys,antiquitiesingreatprofusion...including WheretheiractivitiesoutsideNationalParksmight
stonecircles,barrows,hutcirclesaswellas haveanimpactinsidethem,theGovernmentsays
earthworks…notablewildlife…andisfirstrate theyshouldhaveregardtoNationalParkpurposes.3
countryformotoring,andforwalkingandriding’
(the1947HobhouseReport).
ExmoorNationalParkAuthorityhasthefollowing
statutorypurposes:
l Toconserveandenhancethenaturalbeauty,
wildlifeandculturalheritageofthearea
l Topromoteopportunitiesfor
theunderstanding
andenjoymentof
itsspecial
qualitiesby
22 thepublic 23
Wherethereisconflict
betweenthesetwopurposes
thatcannotbereconciled,thefirst
purposetakesprecedence(knownas‘the
SandfordPrinciple’).
TheNationalParkAuthorityleadsactiontoachieve
thesepurposes,and,whiledoingso,must
seek to foster social and economic
well-being of the National Park’s
communities.
2
Section11AoftheNationalParksandAccesstothe
CountrysideAct1949,asamendedbySection62(2)ofthe
EnvironmentAct(1995).
Kestrel 3
DEFRA(2005)GuidanceNote:Dutiesonrelevantauthorities
Mark Asher tohaveregardtothepurposesofNationalParks,Areasof
OutstandingNaturalBeautyandtheNorfolkandSuffolkBroads
DEFRA,London(Paras4-8)andNaturalEngland(2011)
England’sstatutorylandscapedesignations:apracticalguide
toyourdutyofregardExmoor National Park Partnership Plan 2018-23
ChangingLandscapes:
the challenges and opportunities facing Exmoor
TheUKfacesaperiodofunprecedentedchangeasit Natural processes and climate change: changing Tourism and recreation-led change: whilethereare buildingsinsettlements(whichareoftennot
leavestheEuropeanUnion.ThisPlaniswritteninthe weatherpatternsaffectingwildlifeandhabitats, greatopportunitiestopromoteenjoymentofthe controlledbyplanning)suchastheuseofuPVC
yearafterBrexitandsothefuturedirectionofnational increasingerosionandfloodrisk,andbringingnew NationalPark,andthenumberofvisitorstoExmoor windows,highwayssignageandstreetfurniture
policyandfundingisstilltobedetermined.Whilethis pests,diseasesandpossiblyfavouringinvasive cangenerallybeaccommodatedwithout canalsohaveanincrementalimpactonthebuilt
bringsuncertainty,italsoprovidesgreat non-nativespecies. significantimpact,therearesomepopular environmentandstreetscene.Otherchangescan
opportunities.Asaconsequence,wehave countrysidevisitorlocationsandsettlementswhere be‘hidden’inthelandscape,suchastheincrease
Farming, Forestry and Land Management:
deliberatelykeptthisPartnershipPlanbroadinscope, pressuresneedtobecarefullymanaged. inforestrytracks.Publicconsultationparticularly
changestofarmpracticeonExmoorincludingthe
settingoutwhatwewanttoachieve,butleaving highlightedthecumulativeeffectofgameshoots
numbersandbreedsofgrazingstock,levelsof Changes outside the National Park: growthand
flexibilityforhowitwillbedelivered.Thisallowsusto swaling(burning)onthemoors,under-managed developmentinareassurroundingExmooraffect infrastructureandmanagement.
respondtothechangesandopportunitiestocome. woodlands,andchangestohowconservation itssettingandviews,particularlyprominent Valuing Exmoor’s natural and cultural capital:
Therearemanyforcesforchangeaffecting fundinghasbeentargeted,drivenprimarilyby structuressuchascommunicationmastsandlarge- Exmoorisaworkinglandscape.Thenaturaland
Exmoor’slandscapes,someofthemglobal,others Europeanandnationalagriculturaland scalewindturbinesthatarelocatedsomedistance culturalenvironmentsprovidemanypublic
verylocalisedineffect.Whilewemaynothave environmentalpolicy.AsweleavetheEuropean awaybutcanstillbeseenfromthehighmoors. benefitsincludingsupportinglivelihoods,foodand
Union,thereisanopportunitytodevelopmore Lightpollutionfromsurroundingareas(including
controloveralloftheseimpacts,weneedto timberproduction,andcleanwaterandair.They
locallytailoredagri-environmentschemes. thelightsalongtheSouthWalescoast)also
understandandbeawareofthesechangessothat alsoprovideabasisforrecreationandleisure,
reducestheoutstandingqualityofdarknightskies.
wecanrespondandadapttothemforthefuture. Development-led change: thisincludesnew enhancingourhealthandwellbeingandrooting
Detailsofthetrendsandchangesaffecting agriculturalbarnsrequiredtotakestockoffthe Incremental and cumulative change: someofthe usinplaceandhistory.Understandingthedifferent
24 Exmoor’sspecialqualitiesaresetoutintheStateof moorsinwintertocomplywithagri-environment changesarequitesubtleandhappenoveralong servicesandbenefitsthattheenvironment 25
theParkReport thataccompaniesthisPartnership fundingrules;infrastructuresuchasmastsand timeperiod,andthereforearenotimmediately provideswillhelpustovaluethesebetter,and
PlanandtheLandscapeCharacterAssessment. antennaetodeliverbroadbandandmobilephone obvious,suchasthelossofheather,asbracken, makethecaseforinvestmenttomaintainand
Asummaryisgivenbelow. coverage;thecapacityfornewhousing. gorseandscrubtakeover.Small-scalechangesto enhancethemforthefuture.
View east from Little Hangman
Nigel StoneExmoor National Park People l Partnership Plan 2018-23
People
Exmoor for All: where everyone feels welcome
WehaveasimpleambitionforExmoorNationalPark: delightedthat99%ofvisitorssurveyedratedtheir
thateveryoneenjoysandnurturesit,whethervisitors experiencehereas“good”or“verygood”.
orresidents,andbenefitsfromitsspecialqualities.
Whethertheycomefromnearorfar,andwhatever Themajorityoflocalpeoplewhorespondedtothe
theydowhilethey’rehere,wewanttheareato publicopinionsurveyfeltthatthespecialqualities
enhancetheirwellbeing,encouragetheirsenseof capturewhatisimportantaboutExmoortothem.
identityandadventure,andfacilitatetheirenjoyment
Thisiswhatwe’rebuildingonoverthefiveyears
ofallthatExmoorhastooffer.
ahead:continuingtocareforaplacethatisloved,
Atthemoment,Exmoorwelcomesmorethan cherishedandcelebratedbythepeoplewholive
1.3millionvisitorseachyear,equatingtoaround here,andwhovisit.Aplacethatcanshapelives,and
2.15millionvisitordays.Thesearefiguresofwhich society.Aplaceforpeople,whatevertheirageor
we’rejustifiablyproud,andwe’reevenmore background,andwherevertheycomefrom.
26 27
View over Porlock Bay from Bossington HillExmoor National Park People l Partnership Plan 2018-23
The Exmoor Experience
Ambition: More people enjoy Exmoor, are inspired, get
involved, and learn about its special qualities
Exmoor’suniqueenvironmentnourishesmindand Our Strategy:
l Be inspired: peoplehavearangeofhigh-
body.Whetheritisthroughphysicalactivity,cultural
exploration,orsimplyenjoyingthepeaceand
tranquillity,thisplacehassomuchtooffer. qualityopportunitiestolearnaboutand
understandExmoorthroughdigitaland
Wewantasmanypeopleaspossibletobenefitfrom printedinformationandinterpretation,formal
theNationalPark.Butweknowtherearesectorsof andinformaleducation,attendingeventsor
societythatwedon’tcurrentlyreach.Nationally,12% visitingNationalParkCentresandother
ofchildrennevervisitthecountryside,andthereare informationcentres
l Get involved: morepeoplevolunteer,
fewervisitorstoExmooraged25to44:a‘missing
generation’.What’smore,welongtosharethis
amazinglandscapewithpeoplefromadiverserange enablingdeeperexperiencesand
ofbackgrounds. connectionswithExmoorandsupporting
NationalParkpurposes
l Be connected: morepeopleare
NationalParksarenationalassets,buttherearereal
28 barriersforsomepeopletoaccessthem.These 29
includepracticalissuessuchaslackoftransport,and enabledtoexperience,enjoyand
societalonessuchaslackofexperienceor understandExmoor,
confidencetoexplorethecountryside. particularlyyoungpeople
andpeoplefromdiverse
Ourtaskissimple:enableasmanypeopleaspossible backgrounds.Individual
tofeelconnectedtoExmoor’slandscape,whether healthandwellbeing
theycomefromnearorfar.Thatway,theycanlearn isenhancedasa
moreabouttheNationalPark,perhapsgetinvolved resultofengaging
throughvolunteering,acquirenewskills,havefun, withtheNational
andhelptomaintainExmoor’sspecialqualities. Park
Exmoor - a place to dream,
discover and exploreExmoor National Park People l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Well-managed Recreation and Access
Ambition: Exmoor has a first class rights of way network. Our paths,
open access and recreational facilities are enhanced to
offer more and better experiences for people who want
to explore and enjoy the National Park
Exmoorhasafantasticnetworkofpathsforpeopleto Our Strategy:
l Easy-to-use paths: footpathsandother
explore,with1,300kilometresofpublicrightsofway
andpermittedpaths,manyofthemwildand
rugged,alongwith17,595hectaresofopenaccess rightsofwayaremaintainedinverygood
land.Thisprovidesunrivalledopportunitiesfor condition
walking,riding,cycling,orjustenjoyingtheview. l More opportunities to enjoy Exmoor: new
WiththehighestcliffsinmainlandBritain,Exmoor’s andenhancedroutesandotherrecreational
dramaticcoastlinealsomakesitanidealspotfor facilitiesarecreated
watersportsincludingcoasteering,kayakingor
surfing. l Well-managed popular sites, big events and
activities: publicenjoymentisenhanced
30
Putsimply,inonesmallareayou’vegotallthe whileminimisingnegativeimpacts 31
ingredientsforagreatadventure.
Allthisispossiblethankstothehardworkand
investmentthatgoesintomaintainingourveryhigh-
qualitynetworkofpathsandrecreationalfacilities.
Exmoorleadsthewayintheproportionofrightsof
waythatareopenandconsideredeasytouse,butit
isnoeasytask.Keepingthemintopcondition
requiressignificantlevelsofresourceeachyear.
Moreover,theeffectsofachangingclimate,with
longergrowingperiodsforvegetationand
increasingerosionfromheavier,moreintenserainfall,
meansthatkeepingthenetworkingoodcondition
ismorechallengingthanever.
Exmoor’s first class rights of way network includes
wild and rugged paths for adventurous exploration
and accessible routes for quiet enjoyment.
Long distant walking routes include the iconic
South West Coast Path, walking in the footsteps
of the Romantic Poets along the Coleridge Way, or
crossing two moors in one along the Two Moors Way
96% of rights of way are open and considered Horse riding on Exmoor
easy to use, the highest of all National Parks Nigel StoneExmoor National Park People l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Thriving Tourism Built on Sustainability
Ambition: The tourism economy is vibrant, innovative and growing,
and celebrates Exmoor’s distinctive character
TourismisoffundamentalimportancetoExmoor.It Our Strategy:
l Destination Exmoor: theExmoorbrandis
contributestotheeconomicandsocialvibrancyof
ourcommunities.
usedtoraiseawarenessoftheNationalPark,
Withthatinmind,weseektosustainablyextendthe andtodriveahighqualityofprovision.This
valuethattourismbringstothelocaleconomy, helpslengthentheseasonandbuildthe
makingsensitiveuseoftheNationalPark’sspecial capacityandresilienceofthetourism
qualitiesandretaininghighlevelsofvisitor industry
l Exmoor Food and Drink: newandenhanced
satisfaction.
Currently99%ofvisitorstoExmoorratetheoverall routesandotherrecreationalfacilitiesare
qualityoftheexperienceashighorveryhigh.Thisis created
l CareMoor for Exmoor: businessesand
afantasticachievementforeveryoneinvolved,and
somethingofwhichwearejustifiablyproud.Visitor
numbershaveremainedsteadyoverthelastfew visitorscontributetokeepingExmoorspecial,
helpingtoconserveandenhancethe
32 years,butthenumberofvisitordaysisincreasing, 33
withmorepeoplestayingforaholidayorshortbreak, NationalPark’sspecialqualities
bringingaddedvaluetothelocaleconomy.There
hasalsobeenawelcomeincreaseinvisitorscoming
outofseasoninlateautumnandearlyspring.
Now,wewanttobuildonoursuccess,enablinglocal
businessestobenefitfromExmoor’sNationalPark
status.ThisincludescontinuingtobuildtheExmoor
brand,tocelebrateitsspecialqualitiesandestablishit
asapremiumdestinationthatpeoplecometoyear
afteryear.Oneparticularfocusismarketingpremium
goodsandserviceslikedelectableExmoorfoodand
drink,whichfurtherbooststhelocaleconomy.And
thankstotheCareMoorforExmoorschemethis
yieldsadirectbenefittotheconservationofthe
NationalPark’sspecialqualities.
The tourism industry brings
around £115 million into the local
economy and is one of the main
sources of employment
Dunster
Steve GuscottExmoor National Park Place l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Place
Inspiring Landscapes: diverse and beautiful, rich in wildlife and history
NationalParksarenationaltreasures,thejewelsinthe
crownofourbeautifulcountryside,cherishedat
homeandadmiredoverseas.
WewantExmoorNationalParktocontinueasaliving,
vibrantlandscapeofcompellingnaturalbeauty,
diversewildlife,andrichculturalheritage.By
celebratingExmoorasauniqueplace,wewill
encouragestewardshipofit,ensuringitisnurtured
anditsvaluerecognised.
Thatway,wecanhelpthegovernmentfulfilits
ambitionfortheUKtohavethebestnatural
environmentintheworld,andforustoleavethe
planetinabetterconditionforfuturegenerations.
34 35
Valley of Rocks and Wringcliff Bay
© Historic England ArchiveExmoor National Park Place l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Celebrated Landscapes
Ambition: The natural beauty, distinct character and diversity of
Exmoor’s landscapes are celebrated, conserved and enhanced
Exmoor is remarkable, even among other National themselves a part of Exmoor’s charm. The presence
Parks, for the very diversity of its landscapes. It is of several large estates has had a significant effect
justly famous not only for windswept, open, on the landscape. Some continue to this day, but
heather moors, but also dramatic high coastal others can only be glimpsed through relics
cliffs, seascapes, intimate wooded valleys and of designed landscapes or model
attractive enclosed farmland. farms, providing a window to
the past. The many traditional
Exmoor is one of the few upland areas in southern farms on Exmoor that have been in the same family
Britain, offering far-reaching views across the for generations create the characteristic patchwork
National Park and to surrounding areas including of fields separated by hedgebanks. Recent trends
the seascape of the Bristol Channel. The mix of show that these farms are expanding, or being sold
geology, landform, climate and human interaction off as smallholdings or for equestrian use, which
create distinct habitats rich in wildlife, and full of changes their character.
clues in the landscape as to how people lived and
It is the natural beauty of these landscapes that
36 worked here over generations. The wild herds of
justifies Exmoor’s status as a National Park, and is
37
Red deer and free-roaming Exmoor ponies are
iconic parts of the Exmoor experience: they are the primary draw for visitors. Exmoor’s magnificent
what every visitor wants to see. landscapes have changed over time and will
continue to change. We want to ensure these
Interspersed through the landscape are the towns, beautiful places continue to be looked after,
villages, hamlets and farmsteads which are celebrated and understood.
“Nowhere else in Britain can greater variety
Our Strategy: of scene be found than within the
l Conserve character: Exmoor’sdiverse comparatively small territory of
landscapesandseascapesaremaintained, the Exmoor National Park”
withlocalenhancementstotheircharacter
(SH Burton 1975)
l Celebrate natural beauty: peopleexperience
andunderstandExmoor’sbeautifullandscapes
l Be Inspired: wetellthestoriesofExmoor’s
naturalandculturalheritageandhowthey
haveevolvedandchangedovertime
85% of visitors to Exmoor
are motivated to visit
by the landscape
Sillery Sands
Dan JamesExmoor National Park Place l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Wildness and Tranquillity with
Dark Night Skies, and Sensitive Development
Ambition: Exmoor is somewhere you can experience tranquillity,
openness, wildness and dark night skies. Development
is sensitive to the National Park’s special qualities and
conserves its scenic quality and setting
NationalParksareourbreathingspaces,andin
Exmooryoucantakeabreakfromthebustleof
busymodernlivestorefreshyourspiritand
rechargeyourbatteries.Exmoorisoneofthefew
placesinsouthernBritainwhereyoucanenjoy
remoteness,wildnessandtranquillity.The
expansive,openmoorsarewildandexhilarating,
andcreateasenseofunrestrainedfreedom.
Exmoorhasanunrivalleddiversityoflandscapeby
38 dayandastellarsky-scapebynight.Weareproud 39
thatExmoorwasdesignatedasthefirstDarkSky Our Strategy:
ReserveinEurope.TheNationalParkisremarkably
freefromlightpollution,providingunrivalledviews l Protect wildness: Exmoor’swild
ofourspectacularstarryskies. characterispreserved
WithintheNationalPark,planningpolicieshelpto l Celebrate natural beauty: thetranquilnature
ensurethatnecessarydevelopmentcanbe ofExmoorisprotected,facilitatingthesimple,
accommodated,whileprotectingtheessential quietenjoymentoftheNationalPark
characterofthisveryspecialplace.However, l Discover dark skies: morepeopleare
Exmoorisnotanisland,andgrowthand encouragedtodiscoverthemagicofExmoor
developmentinsurroundingareascanaffectthe DarkSkyReserve;anditisprotectedfrom
settingoftheNationalParkorevenlong-distant lightpollution
viewsfromExmoor.Landmanagementpractices,
andsomerecreationalactivities,ifnotmanaged l Sympathetic development: development
sympathetically,candetractfromthescenicquality withinandaffectingtheNationalPark
andtranquillityoftheNationalPark.Wewantto enhanceslandscapeandseascapecharacter
ensurethatdevelopment,landmanagement,and andthebuiltenvironment,utilising
recreationaresensitivetoExmoor’sspecialqualities. high-qualitydesign
Exmoor is one of the best places in
the country to enjoy star-gazing,
with 92% pristine dark skies
and minimal light pollution Blagdon Cross startrails
Adrian CubittExmoor National Park Place l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Valued Historic Environment
and Cultural Heritage
Ambition: Exmoor’s historic environment is better understood,
cared for and protected. Its cultural heritage and
rural traditions are valued for their place in telling
Exmoor’s story and shaping its future
Thereissomethingundeniablycompellingabout Our Strategy:
l Increase understanding: thewholeofour
ourconnectionwiththepast.Whetherit’svisiting
anancientburialsite,exploringtheroomsofa
historicbuilding,witnessingalocalcustom,or historicenvironmentisbetterunderstood
understandingtherhythmofatraditionalruralway andExmoor’sculturallandscapes,customs
oflife,itgivesusasenseofwherewe’vecomefrom andtraditionsaremorewidelyknownand
andofourownplaceintime. valued
Withtheseeminglyever-increasingpaceof l Nurture heritage: ourhistoricenvironmentis
change,itfeelsmoreimportantthaneverto well-managedandbetterprotected
40 preservealinkbetweenthepastandpresent. l Get involved: morepeopleareinvolvedin 41
Knowledgeofourhistoryencouragesustotakea learningaboutandconservingExmoor’s
longerview,evenaswelookforward. historicenvironmentandculturalheritage
Exmoor’shistoriclandscapesprovidearecordof l Build heritage skills: theskills,knowledge
howpeoplehavelivedhereforthousandsofyears. andtraditionsthathaveshapedExmoor’s
Exmoorisparticularlyimportantbecausethereare landscapesarekeptalive.Innovationensures
somanyundisturbedarchaeologicalsitesand theyaresustainedinwaysthatarerelevantto
monumentsandprobablymoretobediscovered. thecontemporaryworld
Weneedtoensurethatthewholeofourhistoric
environmentisunderstood,well-managed,and
betterprotected.Wealsowanttoensurethat
Exmoor’sculturallandscapes,customsand
traditionsaremorewidelyknownandvalued.
Furtherresearchwillcontributegreatlytoour
understandingofthepast.
Exmoor has 200 scheduled monuments,
740 listed buildings, 16 conservation areas,
2 registered parks and gardens and over 11,000
entries on the Historic Environment Record
All Saints’ Church, Dulverton
Pete RaeExmoor National Park Place l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Rich in Wildlife
Ambition: Exmoor is richer in wildlife. Habitats are in
good condition, expanded, connected, and
support a greater abundance of species
Exmoor’sspectacularmoorland,richoakwoodland, WeneedtoensurethatExmoor’swildlifeisingood
rollingfarmland,clearstreamsanddramatic condition,wellconnected,andresilientsothatwe
coastlineformamosaicofhabitatsincludingheath, canpassontherichnessanddiversityofhabitats
blanketbog,ancientwoodlands,species-rich andspeciestofuturegenerations.Fortunately,
grassland,andhighqualityfreshwaterandmarine therearemanypartnersandvolunteerswillingto
habitats.Thisisoneofthekeyattractionsfor getinvolvedinhelpingtoachievethis.
peoplevisitingtheNationalPark,andisalsohighly
valuedbypeoplelivingandworkinghere.
Notablespeciesinclude16ofthe17breeding
BritishbatspeciesfoundintheUK,otters,dormice,
andsomeoftheUK’srarestbutterfliesincluding Our Strategy:
theheathandhighbrownfritillary.Awiderangeof
l Conserve and enhance wildlife: Exmoor’s
42 birdscanalsobeseenonExmoor,bothcommon 43
andrarerspecies,manyofwhicharenational richmosaicofwildlifehabitatsandtheir
conservationprioritiesincludingmoorland, associateddiversityofspeciesaremaintained,
woodlandandfarmlandspecialists,awiderangeof enhanced,expanded,andthereforemade
birdsofprey,andseabirdsalongExmoor’scoast. moreconnectedandresilient
Thenetworksofancientsessileoakwoodlands l Control invasive species: thespreadof
containrarelichensandoneofthedensest non-nativeinvasiveplantandanimalspecies
collectionsofveterantreesinEurope,illustrating isbeingcontrolledand
thelonghistoryoftreeandwoodland populationsarereducing,
managementonExmoor.Thebeautifulriversthat suchthatnativespeciescan
riseonExmoorareimportantandsensitivehabitats re-establish
thatsupportawiderangeofwildlifeincludingthe
internationallyvulnerableAtlanticsalmon. l Increase understanding:
habitatsandspeciesonExmoorarebetter
Thankstocarefulmanagementbyfarmersandland understoodandtrendsandchangesintheir
managers,muchofExmoor’swildlifeisfaringwell conditionanddistributionaremonitoredso
comparedwithotherpartsofthecountry.But thatconservationeffortscanbeeffectively
changesinlandmanagementfavoursomehabitats targeted
andspeciesoverothers,andclimatechangeis
addingtothechallengesfacedbymanyspecies. l Get involved: Peoplelivinginandvisitingthe
TherearealsoongoingthreatstoExmoor’swildlife NationalParkunderstandandareinspiredby
fromdiseaseandinvasivenon-nativespecies,and Exmoor’sspecialwildlifeandcanbecome
alsodisturbancefromrecreationalactivities. engagedwithitsconservation
Some of Exmoor’s moorland birds are not faring so well, such as curlew, merlin,
kestrel and Dartford warbler, or are no longer found here at all: lapwing, ring ouzel
and red grouse. Other species typically associated with lowland areas are Reed bunting
increasing on Exmoor including linnet, reed bunting and yellowhammer Mike Richards (rspb-images.com)Exmoor National Park Prosperity l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Prosperity
Working landscapes: thriving communities and a vibrant local economy
NationalParksarenationaltreasures,thejewelsinthe encouragestewardshipofit,ensuringitisnurtured
crownofourbeautifulcountryside,cherishedat anditsvaluerecognised.
homeandadmiredoverseas.
Thatway,wecanhelpthegovernmentfulfilits
WewantExmoorNationalParktocontinueasaliving, ambitionfortheUKtohavethebestnatural
vibrantlandscapeofcompellingnaturalbeauty, environmentintheworld,andforustoleavethe
diversewildlife,andrichculturalheritage.By planetinabetterconditionforfuturegenerations.
celebratingExmoorasauniqueplace,wewill
44 45
West Ilkerton Farm
Victoria EveleighExmoor National Park Prosperity l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Working Landscapes
Ambition: Exmoor’s land-based communities and businesses
are supported to provide healthy food and good
quality timber, and ensure that Exmoor’s landscapes
continue to be well managed and cared for
Exmoor’slandscapeshavebeencreatedthrough Our Strategy:
l Prepare for the future: collaborativeworking
theinteractionofpeopleandnatureovercenturies.
Forexample,withoutthegrazingoftraditional
thatinfluencesagricultural,forestryand
breedsofcattleandsheep,Exmoorponies,and
environmentalpolicyandfundingtosupport
ReddeerExmoor,wouldbeaverydifferentplace.
thefutureofhillfarmingandforestryonExmoor
Theongoingmanagementoftheselandscapesis
crucialtomaintainingExmoor’sspecialqualities. l Innovate: newapproachestorural
developmentandenvironmental
Theextensivegrasslandfarmingsystemsthat
managementaretrialled
predominateonExmoorcanalsoprotectother
elementsofnaturalcapitalsuchashealthysoils l Grown on Exmoor: themarketforlocal
producesuchashealthyfoodandgood-
46
andpeatbogsthatlockupcarbon,holdbackwater
47
toreducefloodrisk,andprovidecleanwaterfor qualitytimbercontinuestogrow
l Game shoots: gameshootingcontinuesto
aroundhalfamillionpeople.
Buttherearemanychallengesahead,particularly provideabalancedcontributiontoExmoor’s
theuncertaintyoverfutureagricultural,forestryand specialqualitiesandlocaleconomy
environmentalpolicyandfundingasweleavethe
EuropeanUnion.Manyuplandfarmbusinesses
struggletobeviableduetothevolatilityofmarket
valuesforproductssuchasbeef,sheepandtimber,
andfluctuationsininputcosts,andsubsidies
provideanimportantpartoffarmincome.Farmers
willneedhelptodiversifyorincreasetheirfarming
income.Likemanyruralareas,Exmoorhasanageing
populationandsofarmsuccessionandsupporting
youngfarmersandnewentrantsisimportantto
ensurethatskillsandexperienceareretained. l Iconic Exmoor species: healthypopulations
ofwildReddeerandExmoorponiesare
maintained
l Local breeds: ExmoorHornandDevon
Closewoolsheep,RedRubyDevoncattleand
othertraditionaluplandbreedscontinuetobe
anessentialpartofExmoor’slandmanagement
Traditional breeds are specialist
grazers, keeping grass and scrub
under control and allowing a wider Hill Barn, Kersham Hill
range of plants to flourish Nigel StoneExmoor National Park Prosperity l Partnership Plan 2018-23
Strong Local Economy
Ambition: The local economy is more sustainable with
increased innovation, entrepreneurship and
improved economic prospects
ExmoorNationalParkisaworld-classenvironment, Our Strategy:
l Prepare for the future: innovationand
enjoyedbymillionsofpeople,andgenerating
millionsofpoundsthroughthevalueofthe
businessesbasedhere.Thesebusinessesareproud increasedproductivityareencouraged.Key
tobeassociatedwithExmoorandmakethemost sectorssuchasfarming,tourismand
oftheuniqueopportunitiesandexperiencesthat business,particularlymicrobusinesses,are
beinglocatedintheNationalParkprovides. moreresilient,andstronglinksaremade
betweenthem
l Sustainable growth: economic
Wearekeentoencourageeconomicactivityinthe
NationalPark,especiallyifitbenefitsfromand
enhancesthelocalenvironment.Exmoorhas developmentiscompatiblewithExmoor’s
alwaysbeenhometoentrepreneursand specialqualities
innovators,anditisimportantthatthiscontinues, l Rural pathways to employment: peopleare
48 whereconsistentwithNationalParkpurposes.That supportedtoenterthejobmarket,including 49
way,wewillsupportnewideasandinvestment througharangeofapprenticeships
thathelptomakelifeintheNationalParkmore
sustainableandresilient. l Exmoor’s environmental economy:
traditionalandnewskillsareretained,
attractedanddevelopedbasedonExmoor’s
naturalandculturalcapital
More than 50% of businesses in National Parks
believe their performance is improved
by being in a National Park
Shearwell Data
Nigel StoneYou can also read
