Ambitious New National Park Management Plan

"This Plan is a rallying call for everyone who loves Exmoor. It’s about working together to ensure this extraordinary place thrives for generations to come."

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has unveiled its new Management Plan 2025-2030 – a Partnership Plan for Exmoor - setting out a bold and collaborative vision for the future of one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.

Developed through extensive consultation with communities, partners, and stakeholders, the new plan was formally adopted today (Tuesday 1 July 2025) at a meeting of the Exmoor National Park Authority.

The Plan sets out a vision for Exmoor as a thriving, nature-rich landscape that leads the way in climate action, supports vibrant communities, and welcomes all who seek inspiration and connection with nature.

To achieve the vision the Plan sets out seven interconnected aims, which align with national priorities set by Government for protected landscapes and reflects the voices of those who live in, work in, visit and care for Exmoor:

• A Nature-Rich Landscape – Enhancing biodiversity and restoring habitats, including 4,500 hectares of priority habitat by 2030.

• A Net Zero National Park – Tackling climate change through peatland restoration, woodland expansion, and sustainable land use.

• A Cared-for Landscape and Heritage – Protecting Exmoor’s natural beauty, tranquillity, and cultural heritage.

• Healthy Natural Resources – Safeguarding water, soil, and air quality for future generations.

• A Welcoming Place for All – Improving access, health, and wellbeing through inclusive experiences and community engagement.

• A Great Place to Live, Work and Do Business – Supporting sustainable rural livelihoods and local enterprise.

• Place-Based Delivery – Coordinating action on a place basis, focusing on Exmoor’s moorland and farmland, trees and woodlands, wetlands, rivers and streams; and coast.

While facilitated by the Exmoor National Park Authority,

the Plan is a true partnership effort.

It brings together farmers, landowners, conservation groups, business voices, residents and communities and other public bodies and Local Authorities working in the area.

The plan is designed to co-ordinate delivery between partners to further the statutory purpose of the National Park:

·      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

Cllr Andrea Davis, Chairman of Exmoor National Park Authority said:

"This Plan is a rallying call for everyone who loves Exmoor. It’s about working together to ensure this extraordinary place thrives for generations to come. Exmoor is a national asset, one of a family of 15 National Parks that are special places. We have a clear ambition to work with our partners to maximise the benefits our National Park can provide for nature and people. Our partnership approach is crucial to delivery of the Plan, and we will continue to work with established partners, and develop new partnerships to achieve this.”

Sarah Bryan, Chief Executive of Exmoor National Park Authority said:

“Globally we’re facing a climate emergency and nature is in crisis, and locally our local communities and businesses are also facing significant challenges.

But, alongside these challenges come opportunities. There are new opportunities for landowners, businesses and communities that can create jobs, keep local wealth within the community, improve people’s health and well-being and connect people with nature, heritage and natural beauty. We want to work together for Exmoor to be even better; greener, wilder and more accessible to all; and a home to thriving communities.”

Following the adoption of the plan, a user-friendly summary and supporting resources will be developed, including delivery plans co-developed with partners, ahead of a formal launch in the autumn. In the meantime, further information is available here