Equality - Improving Access for All


It is the range of cultures, ages, experiences and abilities of our residents and visitors that contribute to making Exmoor a special place. Exmoor National Park Authority is working to ensure that everyone on Exmoor has equal access to the services we provide. The Authority aims to tackle all forms of discrimination and promote equality of opportunity. Our equality commitments apply to every employee of the Authority, our Authority Members and to all those contracted to provide services on the Authority’s behalf.

Equality must be central to the way in which we provide our services to the public. Our annual Business Plans build on the work we have already completed and help us focus on putting our commitment to providing fair and accessible services and employment opportunities into practice.

The Authority would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our work so far. We welcome and encourage further contributions to our work in improving equality of opportunity.

Improving Access to Exmoor  - outcomes

Heddon Valley - Tramper HireIn April 2011, Countryside Mobility South West ran its first Tramper event in partnership with the Authority on Haddon Hill. Trampers are available for hire in the Heddon Valley and Wimbleball Lake making these parts of Exmoor more accessible than ever.  Find out more about Tramper Hire on Exmoor here (will direct you to the Countryside Mobility South West website).

For more information visit our Accessible Exmoor pages.
 

Exmoor National Park staff and volunteers with the Bristol Group of the Exmoor Society had a great day at the recent hustle and bustle of the July 2011 St Paul’s Carnival in Bristol which drew thousands of people from the city and beyond. The staff and volunteers were kept busy working on the stall in Portland Square and were delighted with the level of interest from the wider community. Some people had been to Exmoor before and were inspired to plan another visit while others were unaware that their local National Park was so close and had so much to offer. Exmoor National Park Authority is working with the Mosaic Project to support greater participation of black and minority ethnic people and young people in this special place. Individuals representing their communities are recruited, trained and supported by Mosaic so that, in turn, they can involve others and set up a groundswell of support of people who want to use and protect Exmoor and all National Parks.

Madeen Oriwhal and Bilal Khan, copyright David Rolls, MosaicYoung Champions take the plunge - gorge scrambling on Dartmoor

Mosaic Young Champions Project

Mosaic Annual Report 2010/11

Click on this link for more information about how we are working with others to increase opportunities to access, enjoy and understand Exmoor.

The Authority has an Equality Policy that explains our committment to promoting equality of opportunity.

 
What's Next?

Priorities for 2010-12 to promote understanding and enjoyment for all:

  • Continue maintenance and improvement of public rights of way so that, by the end of 2011, at least 95% of public rights of way will meet ease of use criteria.
  • Undertake an annual education programme reaching at least 3,000 young people.
  • Ensure that existing accessible rights of way are publicised and promoted in appropriate formats, media and outlets.
  • Support disabled users and groups to access Exmoor National Park through the Exmoor Moorland Landscape Partnership Scheme, ROW improvements and working with partners such as Countryside Mobility South West.
  • Support for the Mosiac Project seeking to increase awareness of the opportunities Exmoor National Park provides for all
  •  Continue to support events, education projects and develop volunteering opportunities.
 
Do you have any comments?
 
Have your Say - Contribute to our work by commenting on your experience of our services and experiences on Exmoor. Your comments and suggestions will form part of our wider consultation and the development of our priorities and plans.
 

If you would like a copy of any of the information on this page, or any other pages on our website, in a different format, please contact our Corporate and Customer Support Manager, Rachel Oxenham at ROxenham@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or ring 01398 323665 and speak to any of our Corporate and Customer Assistants.