PRESS RELEASE

Thursday 3 October 2024

 Boost for active travel in Exmoor National Park

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Good news for anyone wanting to improve health and fitness

and travel more sustainably across Exmoor

With special government funding provided by Active Travel England, Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) will be exploring how to improve the infrastructure for walking, cycling and any active travel in and around the National Park. The funds can be used to consult with local communities and visitors.

Following the consultation, ENPA will develop some of the ideas and aspirations into detailed plans – ready to submit for future funding bids.

What is Active Travel?

Active travel means using your own body to get around, instead of a car or bus, on foot, on a bicycle, using a wheelchair or even on horseback. Active travel can offer the health benefits of more exercise and reduce traffic and pollution.

Access and Recreation Manager for Exmoor National Park Dan Barnett said:

“We are interested in all kinds of journeys, whether going to school, the shops or the doctors, or visiting a popular spot to enjoy some leisure time. People may want to think about roads, paths within villages or our public rights of way network. We can look at ideas within the National Park and routes to the Park from nearby settlements."

We want to be sure that everyone who does, or might want to, travel around Exmoor gets the opportunity to feed in, regardless of their background or interests.

Consultation

We have an online consultation running which can be found here or visit our 'Active Travel Page' at exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoor-for-everyone

People can add ideas and suggestions to a map and complete a survey to share their thoughts. We will also be running several face-to-face events over the coming months and reaching out to some specific groups.

We will report on our findings early next year and hope to have a collection of projects for which we can seek funding and make reality.”

About Exmoor National Park Authority

First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – stunning coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.

Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received towards the upkeep of the National Park and its special qualities.