Enhancing visitor experiences on Exmoor

Tourism providers on Exmoor are being invited to attend the 6th series of ‘Exmoor Awareness’. Three 1 day workshops, hosted by Exmoor National Park Authority, aim to increase awareness and understanding of the special qualities of Exmoor amongst those who work with visitors whether as accommodation providers, information centre staff, activity providers or other service providers.

It is hoped that the courses will help to provide a better visitor experience for the millions of people that come to Exmoor each year and also develop local tourism businesses. Each day will be led by staff from the National Park Authority along with guest speakers from partner organisations and will include a buffet lunch, networking opportunities with other local businesses and a field trip to explore the National Park and the selected topics in more practical detail.

This year’s series starts off on the 25 February with a look at the West Somerset Mineral Line. The fascinating history of the line, which operated for just 20 years from 1860 carrying iron ore from mines on the Brendon hills to the coast at Watchet, will be brought to life through presentations from experts such as local author and historian Mike Jones. The day, based at Exmoor house in Dulverton, will also include visits to the incline and the Langham Engine House – both of which are being restored and interpreted through a Heritage Lottery Funded project led by Exmoor National Park Authority.

The second workshop takes place on the 11 March at the National Trust’s study centre at Piles Mill near Porlock and will focus on the unique coastline of Exmoor, looking at its landscape, wildlife and recreational opportunities. Nigel Hester of the National Trust will lead a study visit during the afternoon looking at specific issues in Porlock Bay – a unique coastal system.

The final session on 25 March will look at how we can sustain the moor for future generations, whilst also having immediate benefits for the National Park, businesses and visitors alike. The day will be covering issues such as the value of local produce, how we strive towards the ambitious aim of making Exmoor carbon-neutral by 2025 and the impacts of climate change. Participants will be able to see the work of the Mire Project on the ground where wetland habitats are being restored which will help absorb C02 from the atmosphere, encourage water retention on the moor to decrease the effects of flooding downstream and improve water quality in the rivers of Exmoor.

Commenting on the series, Dan James Sustainable Economy Officer for Exmoor National Park said: “In the current economic climate there is a lot of talk about the huge opportunities for domestic tourism in 2009. Exmoor Awareness will provide all tourism providers a unique insight into some of the special qualities of Exmoor allowing them to offer improved services to visitors, which should increase return visits and recommendations to friends and family.  It will also help to ensure that Exmoor maintains its position as a leader of sustainability where tourism derives value from the special qualities of the National Park without detracting from them”

Advanced booking is essential for the workshops which cost £18 a session, reducing to £25 to attend any two or just £30 to attend all three. Further details and booking forms are available from Exmoor National Park Authority by contacting Dan James on 01398 322234 or emailing: DTJames@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk