Energy for Exmoor Event attracts world class support

Planning for the Exmoor Trust's E4Exmoor Symposium has now attracted the support of Sir Ghillean Prance a global botanical and ecological expert, and the well known Devon eco-expert Mukti Mitchell.  Both will play an active part in the programmes planned for 2 May at the Ralegh's Cross Inn.

Edwin Beckett, Chairman of the Exmoor Trust, said 'We are honoured and delighted to have such prominent independent experts join us for this symposium.  Our focus on 2 May is directed at  practical projects which could  be introduced to produce renewable micro energy within a very sensitive rural environment. We want to give the opportunity for people to listen and question the planners, the grant makers, and the utility companies involved.

The project is being managed by Exmoor Trust's  Business Trustee Archie McIntyre who expressed concern as to whether or not the venue will be big enough to cater for the numbers anticipated.  He said  'There will be identical programmes in the morning and afternoon in order to cater for the maximum attendance'.  He requests that people wishing to pre-register an interest should do so on the website – www.exmoortrust.org.uk and promises to confirm bookings by email in early April. There will be a small £5 charge to cover administrative costs and he suggests that people wishing to lunch at the hotel should do so directly.  The contact details of the Ralegh's Cross Inn are also on the website.

The Exmoor National Park Authority has already set a target of implementing sustainable energy plans for 6 villages in the next two years.  Edwin Beckett also wants  communities and shared businesses to be better aware of opportunities to save on their energy bills.   He said ' The cost of energy, both directly and indirectly, is hitting rural people hard.  Anything that could reduce running costs needs to be considered but we also hope to try and improve the grants system to assist in making capital costs more achievable.  Although our focus is on micro energy production we recognise that this is only one aspect of reducing energy dependence which has been well led by Forum 21 and other groups'.   A grant and funding guide will be available free at the symposium.