Parish Project – new skills for old coastal pathway at Lynmouth.

A section of the coast path at Lynmouth has been reconstructed thanks to the work of young people from the Somerset Rural Youth Project with funding from the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund..

In the latter part of 2006, Exmoor National Park Authority together with Somerset Rural Youth Project (funded through the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund) invited “the Parishes of Exmoor” to identify small, practical projects which would, when complete, “enrich their community”.

Working in partnership with Exmoor National Park Authority’s Volunteer and Outreach Coordinator, Patrick Watts-Mabbott and Sara Knight from the Devon Youth Service, Somerset Rural Youth Project’s Madi Robinson helped 5 young people, (four girls and one boy) to reconstruct a section of the coastal path at Lynmouth.

“The path was very overgrown with vegetation and overhanging branches” records Madi, “so it was hard work clearing the way before we could start to re-build the steps”. As a result, the crew of 5 spent three full days at the site, but the result is fantastic. With Patrick and Madi’s expertise and guidance, the young helpers learnt a number of new skills in the process.

“It was really tough to start with, but it was great fun” was the overall feeling. The young people were then presented with certificates and fleeces as a reward for all their efforts. The locals and tourists in Lynmouth were also very impressed with the completed work.

Phil Cookson, Exmoor National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Manager concludes, “Thecentral objectiveof the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund is toengage young people inimproving and learning aboutExmoor's environments and sothe enthusiasm shown by these young Exmoor people is fantastic, and a testament to the partnership work between the Rural Youth Project, Parish Councils and the National Park Authority.We are alllooking forward tocompleting the remainder of thevillage projects, creating moreteams whowillcarry onimproving Exmoor's environment for many years to come."