How is Exmoor National Park managed? Information from nationalpark.gov.uk

Where is Exmoor? Exmoor National Park is situated in the counties of Devon and Somerset in South West England Exeter is 40 km (30 miles) to the south and Taunton 20 km (13 miles) from the eastern boundary.

What is Exmoor like? The park contains a variety of magnificent landscapes. Although it is one of the smaller National Parks (693 km ², 267 sq. miles) the central plateau of open moorland is remote and spacious. The coastline to the North is a Heritage Coast.

Who manages Exmoor? Exmoor was designated as a National Park in Since then the co- ordination of work to achieve National Park purposes in the area has been undertaken by local government – first by the county councils and, since 1997, by a free-standing authority

Visitor Centres Informative displays, maps, publications and specialist knowledge are all available to help visitors understand and enjoy the Exmoor area The centres are located in Combe Martin, County Gate, Lynmouth, Dunster, and Dulverton. Combe Martin County Gate LynmouthDunster Dulverton

What do the Exmoor Rangers do? Exmoor National Park Authority exists to balance the conservation of Exmoor with recreational activities whilst bearing in mind the needs of the local community. The Ranger Team works with landowners, visitors, communities and the National Park Authority in pursuit of the National Park purposes.Ranger Team

Rangers and Education The photograph shows a Ranger stocking a new school pond with ‘mini beasts’ Rangers also give guided tours to groups who visit Exmoor They often have stands at local shows to educate the public

Rangers and swaling Rangers carry out swaling each year This is when certain areas of moorland are set on fire The bracken is burnt and the heather is given a chance to grow back

Rangers getting practical! The Rangers are also involved in practical jobs around Exmoor The photograph shows a Ranger clearing a tree that has fallen across a footpath Other jobs include fixing fences, gates and seats

What do the field services team do? Exmoor National Park Authority has a team of 12 estate workers. The team carries out tasks including maintaining miles of rights of way across the national park as well as hedge-laying, fencing, swaling, walling, weed control and habitat management

Field services projects The team created a board walk at Weir Water to improve access for less able visitors to Exmoor If wood is cleared for conservation reasons the team uses it to make signposts and other items

Field Services tackle erosion The team rebuilds paths that have been seriously eroded A new path in Weir Cleeve Woods has been cut as a zig zag up the hill to minimise steepness The photo shows one path ‘before and after’

What do volunteers do? Exmoor National Park enjoys the support of numerous volunteers Many commit one day a week to help out with whatever tasks need doing. Tasks range from ‘hands on’ practical jobs to monitoring and recording The photograph shows a bridge repaired by local farmers and volunteers

Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund This fund gives grants to individuals, businesses, community and voluntary groups who want to improve Exmoor’s environment, community and economy The photo shows a project using wood chippings to power a boiler for a local business.