Exmoor National Park statutory purposes

The purposes of National Parks are enshrined in law. These are:

• To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the area
• To promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of its special qualities by the public

Where there is conflict between these two purposes that cannot be reconciled, the first purpose takes precedence (known as ‘the Sandford Principle’ ).

Exmoor National Park Authority was established under the Environment Act 1995[3] as a special purpose body charged with leading action to achieve these purposes, and in pursuing in the purposes set out above has a duty to foster the social and economic well-being of National Park communities.