THE RETURN OF THE EX-FACTOR

Building on its great success and acclaim last year, the eX-factor Project is inviting more talented young people from Bristol’s inner city to use Exmoor as a ‘place for inspiration’. Over three weeks of the summer they are taking part in a Film Week, a Music Week and a Survival Week at Exmoor National Park Authority’s Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Education situated in the middle of Exmoor. More than half the funding for the project in both 2005 and 2006 is provided by the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund.

As part of their courses the youngsters will also be exploring and learning about the area, going mountain-biking, horse riding, sailing, canoeing and visiting the coast, as well as tasting the delights of locally-produced organic food. For most it will be their first experience of the moors, and for some their first stay in the countryside. The educational and leisure activities will introduce the young people to the vast resources available on Exmoor, whilst creating an environment that they are comfortable in and catering for the needs and interests of a culturally-diverse group of inner city teenagers and staff.

Last year’s eX-factor project was hailed as a great example of good practice in showing how we can help to give more people the opportunity to enjoy the countryside and green spaces, and increase the diversity of visitors to this rich public resource. The project has acted as a blueprint to inform National Parks and the Countryside Agency’s ‘Outdoors for All’ strategy. Research has shown that many people in Britain don't have the chance to enjoy the outdoors or don’t have the right information to help them decide, although they clearly express a desire to enjoy the benefits of being outdoors.

Steven Pugsley, Chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority and the Association of English National Park Authorities said: “This eX Factor project is an excellent example of how National Parks and inner city groups can work together for everyone’s benefit.” Imayla’s eX-factor project has helped many organisations who feel they lack the confidence in dealing with diverse groups.

Project co-ordinator Kim Cavanagh said: “Imayla is very excited to be involved in this linking of urban and rural communities and encouraging the involvement of young people and other groups who are traditionally less likely to benefit from our National Parks. Learning new things in a new environment will give these young people new inspiration, fresh motivation and a first-hand understanding of their relationship with nature. It’s about new horizons. The artistic quality of the work last year was amazing and many have taken these art forms further as a result of their stay on Exmoor. All want to come back to the countryside on a regular basis ‘to breathe’, as many put it, and to step out of the normal environment that shapes them. I think it would come as a shock to much of the British public just how little opportunity and choice many people in our society have to do simply that.”

The Project running, from 14 August to 2 September, will also be benefiting the local economy – hiring in local staff, activity instructors, transport providers, food producers etc and thereby contributing to economic sustainability in the area.