Exmoor projects allocated funding

Over £50,000 of funding has been awarded to four exciting new projects within the Exmoor National Park thanks to the National Park Authority’s Sustainable Development Fund, provided by Defra.

A new low tech community/farm scale Anaerobic Digester (AD) is to be developed and demonstrated by Aardvark EM Ltd. The unit will utilise locally available biodegradable wastes to produce a biogas which can be used for generating electricity and heat. The project, which attracted support of £19,598 from the Fund, will demonstrate the potential to develop a series of small sale Anaerobic Digesters within Exmoor which will be more suitable and cost effective for remote rural areas compared to the existing options available in the UK. Following research and development the demonstration AD unit will be transferred to the community.

Imayla, an environmental and arts based charity, was awarded £14,000 to provide reconnaissance and training for community and youth leaders enabling them to lead trips to Exmoor for those from disadvantaged backgrounds living in Somerset and Bristol. The project will demonstrate the huge variety of activity available in the natural environment and particularly within Exmoor National Park. Imayla will provide training for over 200 participants, employing and showcasing local activity providers, caterers, producers and other tourism providers. They will also disseminate an Exmoor Sustainability Pack as a legacy promoting sustainable visits and education to and about the area.

Funding of £15,950 was awarded towards the relocation, development and expansion of Exmoor Trees - the only upland native tree nursery in the area. The nursery is set to expand production of cell grown native broadleaf trees and develop a series of training courses in the lifecycle and management of trees allowing employment to increase. A new straw bale building will be developed incorporating a number of sustainability features to be used both as a training venue and to grow trees.

A delegated grant of £1,568 has also been awarded to Devon County Council youth services for the X-Fest – a two day festival on Exmoor organised by young people themselves from North Devon wishing to showcase Exmoor to their peers. The festival will involved up to 100 young people participating in practical conservation tasks during the day with evening entertainment. The festival will make use of local goods and services and use the Greener Events guide to minimise any impacts.

“Both the National Park Authority and the Independent Grant Advisory Panel are excited about these initiatives which it is hoped will bring positive benefits to the Exmoor area” said Dan James, Sustainable Economy Officer for Exmoor National Park Authority. “We are all aware of the difficult economic situation facing many, yet these projects demonstrate how the natural environment of Exmoor National Park can be used as an asset to secure innovation alongside sustainability benefits for all”.

The Fund remains open for applications and can invest up to a maximum of 50% of total costs (75% for non commercial community and charity applicants) in innovative projects that benefit the conservation and/or understanding and enjoyment of the National Park whilst demonstrating social, environmental and economic benefits. Full information on the core criteria and priorities of the fund can be found at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/sustainable-development-fund. Anyone interested in applying is encouraged to contact Dan James on 01398 322234 or email sdf@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk