Sustainable Development
National Park Authority has its own Sustainable Development Fund which is available to anyone who can demonstrate that their project will further National Park purposes.
Exmoor Conservation Grant Scheme
Click here for Exmoor Conservation Grant Scheme leaflet (pdf, 437 KB)
Funded jointly by English Nature, the National Park Authority can offer small grants to organisations or individuals wishing to undertake biodiversity related projects on Exmoor. So far the scheme, which has been running for 3 years, has funded a variety of excellent projects including fencing of a species-rich grasslandCounty Wildlife Site to re-introduce grazing; control of rhododendron on heathland; dormouse nestbox and bat box schemes; and the restoration of a wildlife pond. Grants range from 50 – 80% and there is a maximum of £2000 per application in one year. Click here for Exmoor Conservation Grant form.
Contact: Alison Hawkins
Somerset Landscape Scheme
This grant scheme is run by Somerset County Council, and is aimed at conserving, restoring and creating wildlife habitats and traditional landscape features. The National Park Authority are now working in partnership with Somerset County Council to operate this scheme within the National Park. Originally it covered the Somerset side of the National Park, but it is now hoped to extend it to all of Exmoor. Grants are available for hedgelaying, hedge planting, hedgerow trees, orchard restoration, ponds, small scale tree planting schemes and woodland management. Funding of up to 50% of project costs is available to a maximum of £500 per project. Click here for Somerset Landscape Scheme form.
Contact: Alison Hawkins
Landscape Grants for the Devon part of the National Park
The National Park Authority now has small grants available for the same options as the Somerset Landscape Scheme, covering the Devon part of Exmoor. A maximum of £500 per project applies, with funding of up to 50%. Click here for Landscape Grants for the Devon part of the National Park
Contact: Alison Hawkins
Japanese and Himalyan knotweed Control
The National Park Authority is currently able to offer 100% grant for the treatment of Japanese and Himalayn knotweed, using carefully applied herbicides. The Authority is also helping to co-ordinate the treatment of all sites across the National Park.
Contact: Alison Hawkins
Environmental Stewardship – Defra agri-environment grant scheme.
Launched in March 2005, Environmental Stewardship (ES) is designed to bring together and replace the existing schemes – Environmentally Sensitive Areas (ESA) and Countryside Stewardship (CS).
The new scheme provides funding to farmers and landowners in England who deliver effective environmental management on their land. There are three main elements – Entry Level Stewardship (ELS), Organic Entry Level Stewardship (OELS) and Higher Level Stewardship (HLS).
The primary objectives of the scheme are to: conserve wildlife; maintain and enhance landscape quality and character; protect the historic environment and natural resources; promote public access and understanding of the countryside. It also has secondary objectives: genetic conservation and flood management.
Further details can be found on www.defra.gov.uk/erdp/schemes/es
As part of an HLS application, a Farm Environment Plan is needed. The National Park Authority is available to produce these Plans (at a charge) for farms within the National Park. General information and advice can also be provided about Environmental Stewardship.