Exmoor was designated a National Park in 1954 as part of the post-war drive to restore the nation’s health by enabling access to the countryside. Today, that mission for National Parks to be the nation’s natural health service is just as relevant, if not more needed than ever.

We know that over 1.5 million people visit Exmoor each year, inspired by the natural beauty and tranquillity of the landscape, the coastline and wildlife. They enjoy sightseeing, walking and cycling and watching wildlife, making the most of the high-quality rights of way and access network, with over 1,300km of footpaths and bridleways available on Exmoor. They rate their experiences very highly, with 99% of visitors rating their visit as good or very good.

In addition, hundreds of volunteers donate hours of their time each year to look after the National Park through carrying out practical conservation works, leading guided walks or undertaking wildlife and path surveys. There are many educational visits to Exmoor as well, ranging from immersive residential stays to day trips or Duke of Edinburgh expeditions. All these activities, along with events, information, publications and interpretation and the work of the National Park Centres and other visitor centres, help people to understand, connect with, and care for the National Park.

However, we know that the demographic of people who currently enjoy Exmoor is skewed towards older people, and those from white, British backgrounds. There are many barriers facing young people and those from less represented communities, including practical difficulties getting to the National Park, lacking the confidence to visit or explore the moors, or not feeling that it is a place for them. There are also costs and other practical barriers for some people, particularly those from more deprived communities, or people with a disability, who are not able to access the benefits that Exmoor offers, even if it is right on their doorstep.

“National Parks are for people of every class and kind, from every part of the country. They are not for any privileged or otherwise restricted section of the population but for all who care to refresh their minds and spirits and exercise their bodies in a peaceful setting of natural beauty”  John Dower, writing in 1945

During this Plan period, we want to address some of those barriers and help a greater diversity of people to access and enjoy Exmoor. The National Park Authority and partners will take active steps to support access to learning, volunteering and engagement services for targeted communities in and around Exmoor assessed as facing socio-economic, health or other challenges. We will work with health professionals and user groups, taking a targeted approach to enable the health and well-being benefits of access to and connection with Exmoor to be available to those who can benefit the most. This may be through green social prescribing, or through increasing access to and support in using our services. There are some positive signs of change, with increasing numbers of younger people and those from a wider range of backgrounds visiting Exmoor, but there is still much more that can be done. We have set ambitious targets to ensure that more people are connected with and benefit from their National Park. This includes a particular focus on engaging with young people, providing opportunities for them to learn about Exmoor and develop skills.

We also need to ensure that the rights of way and access network continues to be well-maintained, that routes and facilities are improved, and that potentially detrimental developments are managed. This is a challenge during a time of budget cuts and a changing climate, and it will require careful prioritisation, alongside working with partners and volunteers, to continue to provide the infrastructure that enables so many people to explore and experience Exmoor. Enjoyment of the National Park can take many forms including access to water, use of access land and permitted paths and a wide range of activities. Public access needs to be considered as a whole in order to be fully inclusive.

Visitors bring benefits to the local economy and communities, with almost two thirds of employment based around tourism and hospitality. Whilst Exmoor is fortunate in not experiencing many of the impacts from high visitor numbers that other National Parks face, there are still pressures and challenges. This Plan includes a target for regenerative tourism, an approach that is moving from a position of tourism ‘doing less harm’ to ‘helping give back more than it takes’. The National Parks have collectively set out a new vision for regenerative tourism[1]. The aim is to champion and support tourism development that contributes to the enhancement and regeneration of the places and communities in which it operates. As well as supporting tourism activity that helps reduce carbon emissions and increases nature recovery, while ensuring National Parks are relevant to everyone’s needs. Part of this challenge is to enable greener modes of travel to the National Park, contributing to the net zero target, and to encourage more people to leave their cars behind whilst here, making the most of the wonderful footpaths and bridleways.