Lanacre Barn Gallery in Exmoor has raised over £2600 towards the
CareMoor Woods & Trees Appeal and the creation of a new 12-hectare woodland in the National Park, just a few miles from the gallery. Owner and artist Jo Minoprio raised the money by hosting an art exhibition of more than 60 artworks by the internationally acclaimed
Arborealists, whose works were inspired by the landscapes of Exmoor and Dartmoor.
Jo said: “It was a fortuitous moment, a collaboration of trees and art and timing, enabling Lanacre Barn Gallery to raise money and awareness for this vital cause.
“All thanks go to The Arborealists in getting their artworks here from all over the country, raising the profile of the Gallery, bringing in more visitors that in turn allowed the raffle to be such a success, and the commission on sales, which were shared with CareMoor, to be worthy of the cause. I would also like to thank all those who ventured out to see the exhibition and donated.”
“The support and enthusiasm I received from the National Park was excellent, with special thanks to Katrina Munro, and it seems fitting that the money raised will go towards conserving the very landscapes that inspired such stunning artworks."
Around 400 people came to see the 16-day exhibition during which nearly a third of the original artworks were sold, with a proportion of the proceeds going to the CareMoor Appeal. A raffle was held with the prize an original framed artwork by Minehead based artist Leo Davey imagining what Bye Wood might look like in future.
Leo said: “Creating my impression of Bye Wood in years to come has given me a real insight into what goes on behind the scenes to maintain, preserve and add to the wonderful woodlands and landscape that inspires much of my work”.
Following the gallery’s success story, the National Park Authority has published a new online guide encouraging more local businesses and organisations to sign up as ‘CareMoor champions.’
Katrina Munro, Sustainable Economy Officer at Exmoor National Park Authority, said: “We urge businesses to sign up to become CareMoor champions – their support is vital in spreading the word about the work we do to look after the National Park and how every pound raised can help us keep Exmoor such a special place to visit and live. The new guide gives examples of how businesses can get involved and how this can also benefit their business.”
Graeme McVittie, Senior Woodlands Officer for Exmoor National Park Authority, said: “There are very few people on this earth who don’t love trees and we’re so grateful to the gallery and everyone who has so far supported our CareMoor appeal by donating, growing and dedicating trees, and coming to our tree planting days.
“The Government’s climate advisors have recommended increasing woodland cover to at least 17% nationally by 2050. On Exmoor this will mean adding around 2,500 hectares of new trees to the landscape every year. Not all will be woodland – a very broad range of wooded habitats will be needed with landowners, volunteers, businesses, tourists, towns and villages all contributing towards a resilient future treescape for Exmoor.”
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