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EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

4 September 2012

FINAL ASSESSMENT OF THE EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2007-12

Report of the Chief Executive

Purpose of Report: To provide members with a final summary of the progress made against targets set out in the Exmoor National Park Management Plan 2007-12

Legal and Equality Implications: Section 65(4) Environment Act 1995 – provides powers to the National Park Authority to “do anything which in the opinion of the Authority, is calculated to facilitate, or is conducive or incidental to- (a) the accomplishment of the purposes mentioned in s. 65 (1) [National Park purposes] (b) the carrying out of any functions conferred on it by virtue of any other enactment.” Section 66(1)(4) Environment Act 1995 places a duty on a National Park Authority to publish a National Park Management Plan and review the plan at intervals of not more than five years. The equality and human rights impact of this report have been assessed as having no adverse impact on any particular group or individual. Financial and Risk Implications: None arising from this report. RECOMMENDATIONS: It is recommended that the Authority: 1. NOTES the progress made against the targets set in the National Park Management Plan adopted in 2007. 2. COMMENDS the contribution made by partners and the community over the past five years to bring about significant progress against the objectives set out in the Plan.

1. INTRODUCTION 1.1 The Exmoor National Park Management Plan 2007-12 was adopted in April 2007. The Plan represented a significant development of previous Management Plans with a clear definition of Exmoor’s special qualities; a shared vision for the National Park; a series of supporting objectives, and specific targets to be achieved over the plan period, each with an identified lead organisation. 1.2 A National Park Management Plan Implementation Board was established to oversee progress against the Plan and partners were brought together on a number of occasions in the Implementation Forum. Periodic progress reports were also provided to the Resources & Performance Committee.

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1.3 Some strengths of the target-led approach were a clear statement of actions to be achieved to aid monitoring and clarity of leadership. The approach has had an important motivating effect and has focused action by a range of organisations towards a set of common goals. 1.4 It was recognised at the time the Plan was drafted, that the approach to target setting needed to be a flexible one as some targets would be achieved, some may turn out not to be achievable, new targets may emerge, and some would make a more significant contribution to Plan objectives than others. These factors were considered by the Implementation Board as the Plan progressed and a revised set of targets was adopted by the Authority in October 2010 following a mid-term progress review.

2. FINAL ASSESSMENT OF ACHIEVEMENTS 2.1 The attached report sets out a summary of achievements against the Management Plan targets adopted in October 2010. An assessment has been made of progress against each target to provide an overall picture. The assessment also provides a short statement of the status of each target at 31 July 2012. 2.2 Whilst the assessment is subjective and qualitative rather than ‘scientific’, it does provide an indication of the high degree of concerted action that has taken place over the past four to five years with some significant achievements led by the Authority and its partners. 2.3 Ultimately, action led by the plan can be best assessed by considering the overall trends in the condition of Exmoor’s special qualities. Many factors impact on the state of the park and many of these are outside local control or require concerted action over the long term. However, this does not diminish the excellent work that has been achieved over the past four to five years through action by many people and organisations committed to achieving the best for the National Park, its environment and its communities.

Nigel Stone Chief Executive 14 August 2012

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EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK MANAGEMENT PLAN 2007-2012 ‘Enhancing the qualities that make Exmoor National Park special’

Final achievement report prepared in July 2012 Based on plan objectives and targets as revised in April 2010

Exmoor is designated as a National Park for the following statutory purposes:  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 The National Park Management Plan is the key mechanism for focussing and co-ordinating the effort to achieve the purposes for which the National Park was designated. The following document sets out the targets of the Exmoor National Park Management Plan 2007-2012. There are 8 sections as follows: A. The Exmoor Landscape B. Exmoor’s wildlife C. Exmoor’s historic environment and cultural heritage D. Exmoor’s natural resources, waste and pollution E. Farming and land management on Exmoor F. Understanding and enjoyment of Exmoor’s special qualities G. Recreation and tourism H. Exmoor’s people and communities

Key to status assessment for National Park Management Plan targets:

 Target completed / substantial achievements  indicates recipient of National Park Authority Achievement Award  Target not completed but good achievements  Target commenced but little achieved 0 Target not started / not achieved

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Summary of achievements against the Exmoor National Park Management Plan 2007-12 as at July 2012

Management Plan theme:

Status A B C D E F G H Tot. Target completed / substantial  14 37 19 10 8 13 10 8 119 71% achievements

Target not completed but good  2 3 8 4 5 2 5 3 32 19% achievements

Target commenced but little  2 2 0 0 1 0 1 1 7 4% achieved

Target not started / not 0 2 0 3 0 0 1 1 2 9 5% achieved

Total number of targets 20 42 30 14 14 16 17 14 167 -

PRIORITY TARGETS A B C D E F G H Tot.

Number of priority targets 6 9 6 3 5 8 4 4 45

Number of priority targets assessed as 6 6 6 2 3 7 3 2 35 78% 

Overall, around nine out of ten of the targets set out in the National Park Management Plan in 2007 and amended in October 2009 had been completed or seen substantial or good achievements by July 2012. 2

Achievement Awards In recognition of the excellent progress made against the Plan, the National Park Authority presented a number of Achievement Awards to partner organisations at an event held in June 2012. The following organisations were presented with awards:  The National Trust for enhancement of open landscape at Countisbury on either side of the A39  Western Power Distribution for the removal of overhead power lines at Hawkcombe Head  Exmoor Society – for the Tracks & Traces drama production introducing more than 3,000 young people to importance of landscape  South West Water for the MIRE restoration project and the Upstream Thinking programme in the Wimbleball catchment  Butterfly Conservation for their programme of habitat restoration that has led to increased numbers of rare fritillary butterflies in the National Park  Exmoor & District Deer Management Society for ongoing work to monitor the number and condition of red deer in the National Park  Environment Agency for their lead role in the Exmoor Knotweed Control Partnership  Forestry Commission for support towards the control and removal of Rhododendron from woodlands in the National Park  RSPB for bird monitoring  Exmoor Natural History Society for work to map the distribution of plant species across the National Park  Dunster Working Group for undertaking a programme of enhancement work in Dunster including sympathetic approach to improving the pavement on the east side of Dunster High Street.  Devon County Council for enhancing the streetscape in the Old Village area of Lynton  Forum 21 for their contribution towards the target to reduce net emissions of greenhouse gases in the National Park  Climate Action West for the Carbon Neutral National Park Programme  Exmoor Trust for support in the development of the Carbon Neutral Exmoor project; the success of the Low Carbon Communities Challenge project, and taking on the running of the Carbon Neutral Exmoor Fund including a contribution of £10,000 of their own funding

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 Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auction Ltd with Somerset County Council and Summerfield Developments for delivery of the new Livestock Market at Cutcombe and associated housing and business unit development  Exmoor Hill Farm Project for support and training to help improve the profitability of farming in the National Park  South West Uplands Federation for raising the profile of the challenges facing farming on Exmoor and for effective campaigning on CAP and other farming issues  Exmoor Horn Sheepbreeders Society for their ongoing work to promote the well-being of the breed  Exmoor Tourism Partnership for coordinating marketing effort and partnership working  Campaign for National Parks for their Mosaic Champions work engaging young people with the National Park and for their pioneering work involving Community Champions in BME Communities with National Parks  Calvert Trust for their work in supporting disabled people and their carers to enjoy Exmoor National Park  Heart of Exmoor Project for their outreach programme  Porlock TIC for their work in providing information and innovative events in supporting National Park purposes  Exmoor Conservation Volunteers Partnership for its work in promoting opportunities for volunteers  Countryside Mobility South West for their work introducing Trampers at strategic locations in the National Park to enable people with limited mobility the opportunity to enjoy Exmoor’s special qualities  Magna and Falcon Housing Associations, the Rural Housing Project and local councils in Exford, Cutcombe, Dulverton and Porlock for helping to deliver affordable housing  West Somerset Community College for their apprenticeship schemes and the Rural Employment Enabler project

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A. The Exmoor landscape Desired outcome for Exmoor’s landscape “By 2020 Exmoor’s distinct and diverse landscape will be in good condition and there will be an increased awareness of its importance” Objectives and targets for the Exmoor landscape Objective A1 To conserve and enhance the distinctive characteristics, qualities and condition of Exmoor’s landscapes Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status A1.1 Amended A strategy to strengthen landscape character based on Yes Achieved – Landscape Action Plan  the Exmoor National Park Landscape Character Assessment will drafted consulted on and available on web be adopted by the end of 2010. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority A1.2 Trees or groups of trees of high amenity value, particularly in and Incomplete – summary paper only  around towns and villages and important hedgerow trees, will be identified and conservation plans to conserve and enhance these landscape features will be established by the end of 2010. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority A1.3 Management proposals to conserve and enhance the former Partially achieved - Ashcombe  character and key features of designed landscapes at Dunster, Management Proposals drafted. Dunster Ashcombe (Simonsbath) and Tarr Steps will be completed by the Parkland Plan complete. end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority A1.4 Amended Opportunities will be taken during the period of the plan Achieved principally through ESA, HLS  to conserve and enhance the existing farmsteads and associated and Landscape Conservation Grants. field patterns and features, e.g. historic boundary features, water features, buildings, beech hedges, lime kilns and orchards. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority A1.5 Amended Key views and sequential views within, into and from the Partially achieved. Historic significant  National Park will be identified and a monitoring scheme put in views collated and re-photographed and place by the end of 2010 to ensure that there is no deterioration. brief prepared for future project. Lead organisation: Exmoor Society

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A1.6 Amended A programme of fixed point photography to monitor Not achieved. Decision made to monitor 0 landscape change over time will be established by the end of 2010. through use of existing photography/aerial Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority photography.

Objective A2 To ensure that Exmoor’s moorlands are open, remote and relatively wild in character and that strategically important areas of former moor and heath are managed in a way that restores their wilder landscape character Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status A2.1 Amended Management plans will be in place for all the major Achieved – Moorland Unit maps have  moorland blocks by the end of 2010. Lead organisation: Exmoor been prepared for all 21 moorland blocks Moorland Initiative and agreed with key parties including owners and farmers A2.2 Amended Management action to restore a wilder landscape Substantial achievements including  character on former moorland and the moorland fringe will be fence removal and rewilding by The supported during the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Trust at Countisbury National Park Authority A2.3 Amended Action will be taken during the period of the plan to Yes Substantial achievements made and  control scrub invasion and tackle erosion on open moorland where ongoing through swaling and moorland this is causing significant visual damage. Lead organisation: management plans Exmoor National Park Authority A2.4 Amended Opportunities will be taken during the period of the plan Yes Substantial achievements including  to remove or ameliorate man made features that detract from the removal of overhead powerlines in apparent naturalness of the moorlands; e.g. fences, signposts, Hawkcombe by Western Power  interpretation boards, masts, power lines and poorly sited car parks. distribution; removal and replacement of Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority public toilets at County Gate A2.5 A long-term programme to restore open upland character on Substantial achievements - good  prominent hill tops currently dominated by conifer plantations at progress at Haddon and Croydon, with Haddon Hill, Wootton Ridge and Croydon Hill will commence by the additional work complete at Dunster Deer end of 2010. Lead organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority Park with Crown Estate and Forest Enterprise

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A2.6 Amended Opportunities will be taken during the course of the plan Yes Substantial achievements including  to maintain and restore areas of open moorland/heathland fence removal and rewilding by The character along the A39 corridor between Porlock and Lynmouth. National Trust at Countisbury and  Lead organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority with The additional moorland management at National Trust Cosgate A2.7 The numbers of grazing livestock on moorland areas will be Not achieved 0 monitored through moorland management plan grazing returns and by condition monitoring of SSSIs to help identify where it may be necessary to establish conservation grazing during the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Natural England

Objective A3 To ensure that Exmoor remains a landscape relatively free from intrusive developments and activities, and take opportunities to redesign or enhance landscapes that have been affected by intrusive development or are in declining condition Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status A3.1 Amended Opportunities will be taken during the period of the plan Yes Substantial achievements including  to remove visually intrusive features such as unnecessary and reduction in signing proposals at Porlock excessive signage and low quality highway boundary features Hill and sign audits / removals in Devon alongside public roads in the National Park to enhance the highway and in Dunster. environment, including proposals for signing to Exmoor, provision A39 corridor at Porlock achieved revision of enhanced gateways at main National Park entrance points and of ‘Red Route’ proposals village signing. Lead organisations: Devon and Somerset County Councils in partnership with Exmoor National Park Authority A3.2 A Tranquillity Map and map of ‘dark skies’ to help identify Yes Substantial achievements including  opportunities to further enhance tranquillity in the National Park will securing Dark Skies Reserve status – be produced by the end of 2010. Lead organisation: Exmoor second such designation in the world National Park Authority

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Objective A4 To increase public involvement in the monitoring, evaluating, protecting and celebrating of Exmoor’s landscape Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status A4.1 Base-line data from the public on what is important to them in the Achieved - Perception Study 2011  landscape and why, will be established by the end of 2012. Lead completed. 2010 Visitor Survey organisation: Exmoor Society with Exmoor National Park Authority completed. Additional engagement through LDF (Your Future Exmoor) A4.2 A survey of the different views on perceptual landscape Achieved - Perception Study 2011  characteristics such as scenic quality, tranquillity and wildness will completed. 2010 Visitor Survey be completed and the results taken into account by the end of completed. Additional engagement 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor Society with Exmoor National through LDF (Your Future Exmoor). Park Authority Public and all Exmoor Society members consulted on special qualities A4.3 Comments from people on factors that affect their appreciation of Achieved - carried out as part of  the landscape will be recorded and remedial action undertaken Perception Study 2011. wherever possible during the life of the plan, e.g. invasion of gorse that restricts views, suburbanisation of different landscapes, recreational motorised use of ROW, excessive signage. Lead organisation: Exmoor Society with Exmoor National Park Authority A4.4 A compendium of cultural events and activities, awards and Achieved  competitions and other activities that involve people in celebrating different aspects of Exmoor’s landscape will be maintained during the life of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor Society with Exmoor National Park Authority A4.5 A programme of training for different groups in specialised areas Partially achieved  such as preparing landscape and visual impact assessments; use of field photography and sketches; promoting landscape appreciation, and learning how to “read” the landscape, will be established during the life of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor Society with Exmoor National Park Authority

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B. Exmoor’s wildlife Desired outcome for Exmoor’s wildlife “By 2020 there is an increased extent of wildlife habitats in good condition and thriving populations of native plants and animals that are most valued nationally and locally” Objectives and targets for Exmoor’s wildlife Objective B1 To improve the diversity, extent and condition of Exmoor’s most important and valued habitats and adopt a long-term, landscape-scale approach to habitat conservation Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status B1.1 95% of Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) on Exmoor will Yes Achieved – by the end of 2010 97% of  be in ‘favourable’ or ‘unfavourable/improving’ condition by the end SSSI land in the National Park had of 2010. Lead organisation: Natural England achieved target status B1.2 100% of County Wildlife Site owners will have information on the Partially achieved - desk based DBRC  importance of their sites and will have been offered support for study on status of county wildlife sites in appropriate management so that 80% of such sites will be being Exmoor completed. Advice on county managed to maintain and enhance their interest features by the wildlife sites received through Agri end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority in Environment consultations and English partnership with Somerset Environmental Records Centre and Woodland Grant Scheme advice. Devon Biological Records Centre B1.3 95% of non SSSI upland oak woodland will be in favourable or Yes Partially achieved Condition criteria  recovering condition through appropriate site and landscape scale defined. Insufficient capacity to monitor management by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor outcomes but thought to be substantially Ancient Woodland Project achieved. B1.4 95% of other ancient woodland will be in favourable or recovering Yes Partially achieved Condition criteria  condition through appropriate site and landscape scale defined. Insufficient capacity to monitor management and “progressive improvement” (ref UKWAS) in the outcomes for other ancient woodland but condition of 4 major PAWS (plantations on ancient woodland sites) thought to be substantially achieved. will be demonstrable by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Progressive improvement demonstrated Exmoor Ancient Woodland Project for 6 major PAWS through thinning, conversion to native species or action on ancient woodland recovery

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B1.5 8 new native woodland areas will be created on strategically Achieved and target exceeded with 15  important sites (i.e. within woodland habitat networks) by the end of schemes funded through enhanced grants 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor Ancient Woodland Project to link, extend or buffer ancient woodlands B1.6 Deleted – covered by B 1.1 [Heathland habitat will be restored to good condition on 500 hectares of land by the end of 2012, particularly on strategically important sites such as the former commons south of the Exmoor Forest, the central moorland block and the A39 corridor. Lead organisation: Exmoor Moorland Initiative] B1.7 Amended All known species-rich neutral grassland sites on Achieved - desktop survey completed -  Exmoor will be recognised as County Wildlife Sites and have carried forward to 2012 plan. conservation measures in place by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority B1.8 Achieved – 10 known upland wetlands will be restored so as to Yes Achieved  improve the condition of 900 ha of SSSI and their peat deposits and restoration will commence on a further 10 sites by the end of  2010. Lead organisation: Exmoor Mire Restoration Project Partnership See new target B1.12 B1.9 The populations of salmon and trout in the River Exe will be Achieved – salmon parr numbers  increased through enhanced riparian management over the period increased by 20% on Little Exe following of the plan. Lead organisation: West Country Rivers Trust actions delivered through this project B1.10 Amended A management plan will be in place for coastal habitats Yes Partially achieved (HLS on part of site)  at Porlock Marsh with commitment from landowners, local community and key agencies by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: The National Trust B1.11 Appropriate management will be undertaken on roadside verges to Achieved – SCC has mapped special  maintain their wildlife value over the period of the plan. Lead road verges and carries out verge organisations: Devon and Somerset County Councils management in line with highways Biodiversity Action Plan

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B1.12 New key target – Opportunities will be taken during the remainder Yes Achieved – Phase 2 of the MIRE Project  of the Plan period to restore upland wetlands where this will help has commenced with substantial conserve and enhance the biodiversity, archaeology, hydrology, investment by South West Water including landscape and carbon retention qualities of moorland areas. Lead recruitment of a project team. organisation: Exmoor Peatland Restoration Project Objective B2 To maintain or increase the populations of native wildlife species on Exmoor that are most valued for their conservation status and local distinctiveness Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status B2.1 The long term decline in Exmoor’s woodland birds will be reversed Achieved - appropriate management and  by 2020 by establishing appropriate management at key sites, and monitoring achieved. Programme in place a monitoring programme will commence in 2008. Lead to monitor long term trends. organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority (delegated by Forestry Commission) B2.2 The long term decline in Exmoor’s farmland birds will be reversed Achieved - Farmland Bird Survey  by 2020 through encouraging low intensity mixed farming in key completed and arable options trialled in areas and arable options in improved pastoral systems, and the one key area. Restrictions on HLS budget trends will be monitored by repeating the 2002 Exmoor Farmland reducing capacity for bird focus/arable Bird Survey every 6 years. Lead organisation: Natural England as options. part of the South West Farmland Bird PSA target B2.3 Sympathetic moorland management and re-wilding of currently Achieved - Moorland Breeding Bird  improved adjacent habitat will lead to increased populations of survey repeated in 2009. Results being nationally important breeding moorland birds such as stonechat incorporated into new HLS Agreements. and whinchat and will encourage increases in the populations of Limited opportunities for rewilding. other moorland birds such as wheatear, grasshopper warbler, Dartford warbler, meadow pipit, skylark, tree pipit, cuckoo, Merlin, snipe, yellowhammer and linnet by the end of 2012. Changes will be monitored by repeating the 2002 Exmoor Moorland Breeding Bird survey every 6 years. Lead organisation: Natural England

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B2.4 The habitat for nightjar will be managed over the period of the plan Achieved – habitat management carried  to help maintain the population of nightjar at or above the level out although impacts on Nightjar numbers recorded in 2004 (75 churring males). Lead organisations: Forestry has not been established Commission and Natural England B2.5 Knowledge of the distribution and population of dormice on Exmoor Achieved and well established through  will be developed and dormouse conservation measures will be volunteer programme. incorporated into agri-environment schemes during the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority B2.6 All sites supporting regionally important grassland waxcap fungi will Achieved - launched Waxcap survey and  be recognised as County Wildlife Sites and will be in appropriate results incorporated into new Agri management by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor Environment Schemes. Monitoring National Park Authority ongoing and results sent to record centres. B2.7 Populations of heath, high brown and marsh fritillary butterfly Yes Achieved – Heath Fritillary increased from  species will have increased or stabilised so that heath fritillary will 10 colonies in 2007 to 15 in 2011. High have increased to 15 large colonies (population in 2005 = 7 large Brown Fritillary increased at all known  and 2 small) by the end of 2012, and the habitat quality for extant sites and 3 new sites discovered. colonies of high brown fritillary (6 in 2005) will be maintained and enhanced with an increase in the areas of suitable habitat at a minimum of 3 additional sites over the period of the plan. Lead organisations: Butterfly Conservation and The National Trust B2.8 Knowledge of distribution and population of bats on Exmoor will be Achieved - knowledge increased and all  expanded with particular emphasis on rare species such as 17 species of British bat now recorded on Bechsteins and Barbastelle, and bat conservation measures will be Exmoor. Bat protection measures incorporated into agri-environment schemes and planning policies included Development Management by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park process Authority B2.9 No further loss of thatch moss as a result of inappropriate re- Achieved – surveys have confirmed that  thatching will take place over the period of the plan and Holnicote estate is the national stronghold colonisation of new sites will be encouraged. Lead organisation: for this species and population has The National Trust increased through sympathetic management.

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B2.10 All known populations of river jelly lichen (53 colonies identified on Achieved – surveys complete  the River Barle in 2005) will be conserved over the period of the plan by maintaining natural unmodified watercourses and investigating their management requirements. Lead organisation: Environment Agency B2.11 A comprehensive database of veteran trees will be compiled and Achieved - database and GIS layer  information on sympathetic management provided to owners by the compiled. Information included in Agri end of 2010, and long-term protection will be provided through Environment Consultations. Data shared appropriate measures such as planning conditions, Tree with the Ancient Tree Forum Preservation Orders and recognition within agri-environment schemes. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority B2.12 A stable and healthy population of red deer in balance with its Achieved - research studies carried out  impact on the natural environment will be retained in the National into deer numbers, health, economics, Park and a population monitoring programme will be maintained impact on economy, genetics and ecology.  over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National New health database designed. Count Park Authority with Exmoor & District Deer Management Society carried out annually and numbers stable. B2.13 Knowledge of locally significant Sorbus (whitebeam trees) will be Achieved  increased through survey; sympathetic management will be encouraged where necessary, and the Malcolm Scott collection of Sorbus trees will be maintained over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor Natural History Society

Objective B3 To control and eradicate non-native species that have an adverse impact on the condition of important habitats and species in the National Park Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status B3.1 Amended Action will be taken throughout the period of the plan to Yes Substantially achieved - excellent  eradicate invasive knotweed species from all known sites in the progress made and Knotweed Partnership National Park where landowners allow access. Lead organisation: extended  Exmoor Knotweed Control Partnership B3.2 Amended Rhododendron control will be targeted so that no more Yes Substantially achieved – the majority of  than 5% of ancient semi-natural woodlands are in unfavourable ancient semi-natural woodlands have 13

condition because of the extent of rhododendron at the end of received some action to control or

2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority eradicate Rhododendron  B3.3 The occurrence and spread of non-native species in the National Achieved – a non-native species  Park will be monitored over the period of the plan, particularly database has been set up and Montbretia where they have the potential to become invasive, for example, control trials carried out Himalayan balsam, winter heliotrope (Petasites), Montbretia and Himalayan honeysuckle. Lead organisation: Exmoor Natural History Society

Objective B4 To undertake a programme of research and monitoring to improve understanding of wildlife on Exmoor particularly in relation to UK BAP species Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status B4.1 The biological quality of Exmoor’s rivers will be monitored over the Achieved  period of the plan and action taken to ensure that they remain in good condition. Lead Agency: Environment Agency B4.2 The presence of otters on Exmoor rivers and streams will be Achieved – rivers at capacity  monitored over the period of the plan (recorded on all Exmoor rivers in 2006) to better understand their numbers and distribution in the National Park and assess any trends. Lead organisations: Somerset & Devon Otter Groups B4.3 The populations of Exmoor’s moorland, woodland and farmland Achieved  birds will be monitored over the period of the plan, including a winter roost survey of hen harrier. Lead organisation: Royal  Society for Protection of Birds (RSPB) B4.4 Amended Information on lichen and bryophyte species in Atlantic Achieved  oak woodlands will be increased over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

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B4.5 Information on marine habitats and wildlife off the Exmoor coast will Achieved – review complete and liaison  be reviewed over the period of the plan to provide the basis for a with new Inshore Fisheries Management future marine environment management plan. Lead organisation: Organisation Natural England B4.6 The distribution and status both of native white-clawed and non Achieved – surveys carried out to  native signal crayfish within the National Park and its surrounding establish distribution of native and non- environs will be identified by the end of 2010 to establish the native crayfish current population of native crayfish and to better understand the threats from the non-native population. Lead organisation: Environment Agency B4.7 The programme of Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) habitat Achieved  monitoring will be continued over the period of the plan to enable changes in these habitats to be monitored. Lead organisations: Somerset Environmental Records Centre / Devon Biological Records Centre B4.8 A comprehensive list and records of locally important species on Achieved and ongoing  Exmoor will be maintained over the period of the plan and this information will be made available through the Somerset local biological record centre. Lead organisation: Exmoor Natural History Society B4.9 A 1km distribution survey for vascular plants on Exmoor will be Achieved  prepared by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor Natural History Society 

Objective B5 To monitor the impacts of climate change on Exmoor’s most valued habitats and wildlife, and develop appropriate management responses. Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status B5.1 The earliest nesting and egg laying dates for ground nesting birds Achieved – being monitored and there are  will be monitored over the period of the plan to help set appropriate indications that stonechat are being dates for the end of the moorland burning (swaling) season. Lead affected by early spring swaling organisation: Exmoor Natural History Society 15

B5.2 Amended Methods will be established over the period of the plan Not achieved – work is being carried out  to monitor and enable rapid response to increased fire risk on to increase controlled burns and more moorland, heathland and other habitats, e.g. by monitoring effective working relationships are being vegetation condition and developing improved control techniques established with the emergency services. for wildfires. Lead organisation: Exmoor Fire Partnership B5.3 A fixed sample of characteristic woodland and non-woodland trees Achieved and ongoing  will continue to be assessed biannually over the period of the plan to determine phenological adaptation, health and condition in relation to climatic changes. An interim report will be produced in 2011. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority Objective B6 To provide opportunities for people to develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of Exmoor’s wildlife and habitat conservation Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status B6.1 Detailed information on wildlife and the Exmoor Biodiversity Action Achieved  Plan will be provided via the internet and the information will be kept up to date; new information will be provided in response to user feedback, and the number of ‘hits’ will be increased year on year over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority B6.2 An accessible source of data on Exmoor’s wildlife and organised Achieved and new public information  public events will be maintained over the period of the plan to help point provided by the Natural History increase public understanding of Exmoor’s wildlife. Lead Society at Porlock Weir organisation: Exmoor Natural History Society B6.3 The checklist of Exmoor flora and fauna will be maintained over the Achieved  period of the plan and will be available via the internet. Lead http://www.enhs.org.uk/checklists.htm organisation: Exmoor Natural History Society

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C. Exmoor’s historic environment and cultural heritage Desired outcome for Exmoor’s historic environment and cultural heritage “By 2020 there is an enhanced knowledge of the historic environment of Exmoor; increased awareness of the value of its cultural heritage, and the most important historical sites, settlements, buildings and features are conserved and their historical character retained” Objectives and targets for Exmoor’s historic environment and cultural heritage Objective C1 To undertake a programme of research to improve knowledge of the cultural heritage and historic environment of Exmoor Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status C1.1 Understanding of the ages of key monuments will be improved over Achieved – detailed historical research  the period of the plan through dendrochronological sampling, has been completed for 12 Exmoor radiocarbon dating, artefact analysis and targeted historical parishes. Radiocarbon dating has been research so that conservation activities can be better prioritised. completed at a number of sites. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority C1.2 The archaeological deposits exposed by sea level change and Achieved – quarterly monitoring has been  coastal erosion in Porlock Bay will preserved by record over the carried out throughout the life of the period of the plan utilising rescue excavation and palaeo- Management Plan. environmental sampling as appropriate. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority C1.3 Amended Knowledge about the origins of existing settlements and Yes Achieved – research has been carried out  settlement patterns on Exmoor will be increased by the end of 2012 into the Luttrell papers. through a project on Dunster carried out in partnership with the Victoria County History. Lead organisation: University of London with Exmoor National Park Authority C1.4 Knowledge of Exmoor’s earliest hunter gatherer landscapes on the Yes Achieved through a series of projects with  coast will be enhanced and understanding of the complex Bronze 3 universities Age and Iron Age settlements and society which form such an important part of Exmoor’s historic environment will be increased by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: University of Bristol/ Exmoor National Park Authority

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C1.5 Amended A survey of pollen and plant remains found in peat in Yes Achieved through a PhD research project  Exmoor’s deepest valley mires will be completed by the end of that has been completed. 2010 to increase understanding of Exmoor’s past environments and identify priorities for conservation. Lead organisation: University of Plymouth C1.6 Understanding of the character of Exmoor’s historic farmsteads, Partially achieved – detailed fieldwork  especially their economic and social basis, will be increased over and historical research has been the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park completed on a number of farmsteads Authority although much more needs to be done C1.7 Achieved – Digital mapping of archaeological features and Achieved – and data added to Exmoor  landscapes from air photographs will be available for the whole of National Park Historic Environment Exmoor by the end of 2010 as part of the National Mapping Record Programme to help increase understanding of Exmoor’s changing historic landscape and its archaeology. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority See new target C5.8

Objective C2 To conserve and retain the historic features and character of Exmoor’s landscapes Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status C2.1 Amended 100% of owners of Scheduled Ancient Monuments will Achieved through regular communication  be aware of the status and importance of these assets by the end with monument owners of 2011 so that they understand the need to seek consent before undertaking works that will affect the fabric of their protected structure and/or its setting. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority / English Heritage C2.2 Amended Survey the condition of all Scheduled Ancient Yes Achieved – survey completed and annual  Monuments before the end of 2010 (and every five years programme established to conserve and thereafter) and take action to ensure that 100% of sites are protect all monuments maintained in stable or improving condition. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority / English Heritage

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C2.3 Amended A process for compiling and maintaining a Local List of Partially achieved – archaeological sites  archaeological sites will be in place by the end of 2011. Lead on moorland have been identified for organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority inclusion on a local list – criteria for selection have yet to be developed. C2.4 Amended Phase 1 of the conservation and interpretation of the Yes Achieved  remains of the West Somerset Mineral Railway and associated structures will be completed by May 2010. A strategy for the future of the Railway will be formulated by the end of 2010. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority.

Objective C3 To conserve and retain the historic character of Exmoor’s settlements and buildings Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status C3.1 Amended 100% of owners of Listed Buildings will know why their Not achieved 0 property is considered so important, the significance of listing, and will have opportunities to learn more about Exmoor’s historic built heritage and its care by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority C3.2 Amended A process for compiling and maintaining a Local List of Partially achieved  buildings of local historical or architectural importance will be in place by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority C3.3 Amended Action plans for the conservation and enhancement of Not achieved 0 conservation areas will be drawn up by the end of 2012 based on appraisals of conservation areas within the National Park. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority C3.4 Amended A condition survey for all 16 Conservation Areas in the Not achieved 0 National Park will be completed by the end of 2011. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

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C3.5 Achieved The majority of replacement windows in Conservation Achieved – national planning policy  Areas and for historic buildings on the local list will be of changes require replacement windows etc. appropriate materials and design from 2008 onwards. Lead to be constructed of the same materials as organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority - Permitted existing development requirements amended C3.6 Deleted [Measures will be in place to ensure that all repairs to Exmoor’s thatched buildings use appropriate materials and methods, and to ensure that locally grown wheat reed is available and that guidance exists in the use of the traditional Somerset style by the end of 2009. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority] C3.7 The streetscape and historic environment of Dunster will be Yes Substantial achievements – improved  enhanced and through-traffic and parking will be better managed pedestrian environment provided at corner by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Dunster Working Group by Luttrell Arms and through new  pavement to East side of High Street C3.8 The built and historic environment of Lynton & Lynmouth will be Substantial achievements with  enhanced over the period of the plan, including the Lynmouth sea enhancement of the Old Village area of front. Lead organisation: Lyn & Exmoor Vision Lynton.  C3.9 The pool of people with skills in building conservation work and Partially achieved  renovation will be sustained and increased by encouraging training bodies to offer appropriate courses over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority C3.10 New target Plans will be in place by the end of 2011 to guide the Partially achieved – proposals for new  enhancement of the A39 road corridor through Porlock to reduce approach to shared use surfacing to the dominance of road traffic and improve the experience for highways and footpaths have been worked pedestrian users. Porlock Parish Council with Exmoor National up but no programme is in place to Park Authority implement any improvements C3.11 New target Dulverton conservation area will have been enhanced Partially achieved - plans approved and  through the placement of overhead power lines underground by the budget secured but not yet fully end of 2010. Western Power Distribution with Dulverton Town implemented council and Exmoor National Park Authority

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Objective C4 To identify, record and understand aspects of culture and traditions that are special to Exmoor Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status C4.1 Local rural life museums and heritage exhibitions that interpret Achieved – local museums all continuing  aspects of the life and history of communities in the National Park and substantial investment made at will be sustained over the period of the plan, e.g. Allerford Rural Doverhay Manor, Porlock. Lyn & Exmoor Life Museum; Doverhay Manor, Porlock; Lyn & Exmoor Museum, Museum, Lynton celebrates its 50th Lynton; Lynmouth Flood Exhibition; Combe Martin Museum; Anniversary in July 2012 Barnstaple & Lynton Railway etc. Lead organisations: Individual museums in partnership with local authorities C4.2 An oral history archive for Exmoor will be maintained and enhanced Achieved – interviews completed for  over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Somerset County farming and WWII memories Council

Objective C5 To provide opportunities for people to develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of Exmoor’s historic environment and cultural heritage Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status C5.1 Amended Information on aspects of Exmoor’s archaeology, Achieved – Exmoor Historic Environment  historic landscapes and built heritage will be accessible via the Record set up and online internet from the end of 2008 and this data will be expanded to cover all aspects of Exmoor’s historic environment with detailed information on specific places by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority C5.2 The majority of property and landowners in the National Park will Partially achieved  be using appropriate methods and materials in the repair and maintenance of buildings and other historic features over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

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C5.3 Deleted The public understanding of Exmoor’s past will be enhanced through the provision of an accessible static education centre by the end of 2012 using up to date media as well as conventional interpretation facilities (as part of F4.2). Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority. The proposals for a new 'Heart of Exmoor' National Park Centre have been dropped for the current plan period - see also target F4.2 C5.4 Amended Access to information on Exmoor’s iron industry as Achieved - Field Guide on Exmoor’s Early  revealed by the 4-year Exmoor Iron project will be improved over Iron Industry prepared and waiting to be the life of the Plan. Lead organisation: University of Exeter published and Historic Environment Record enhanced C5.5 Amended Access to information on Exmoor’s earliest hunter Achieved – all published information on  gatherers and their impact on Exmoor’s landscape as revealed by the Hawkcombe Head excavations is the Exmoor Archaeology Field School’s excavations at Hawkcombe recorded on the Exmoor National Park Head will be improved over the life of the Plan. Lead organisation: Historic Environment Record University of Bristol C5.6 Amended Access to information on the natural processes and the Achieved – all reports relating to the  archaeological discoveries which are being made at Porlock Beach archaeology of Porlock Beach is available and Bay will be improved over the life of the Plan. Lead online through the Exmoor National Park organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority Historic Environment Record C5.7 Awareness of Exmoor’s historic environment will be increased Achieved  amongst young people over the period of the plan by working with 10 local schools, young people’s organisations and colleges each year, and by setting up training schemes, courses and field schools. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority C5.8 New target A book will be published in 2011 to set out the findings Partially achieved A book on the  of the digital mapping of archaeological features and landscapes Archaeology of Hill Farming has been from air photographs of the whole of Exmoor undertaken as part of written and will be published by English the National Mapping Programme. Lead organisations: English Heritage in 2013. Heritage with Exmoor National Park Authority

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D. Exmoor’s natural resources, waste and pollution Desired outcome for Exmoor’s natural resources, waste and pollution “By 2020, Exmoor’s air, water and soil are of high quality and we will be closer to achieving a carbon-neutral National Park to help tackle climate change” Objectives and targets for Exmoor’s natural resources, waste and pollution Objective D1 To maintain and improve the quality of air, water and soils on Exmoor Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status D1.1 Air quality monitoring will be carried out in and around the National Achieved  Park over the period of the plan to determine levels of key air pollutants so that targets can be set for improvement. Lead organisations: North Devon and West Somerset Councils D1.2 The length of river in the National Park assessed as good chemical Achieved - The South West River Basin  quality will be increased over the period of the plan (see also target Management Plan (RPBMP) indicates that B4.1). Lead organisation: Environment Agency none of Exmoor’s rivers require assessment for their chemical status – because the chemical pollutants assessed through the RBMP are not discharged into these water bodies in significant quantities. D1.3 100% of samples for bathing water quality taken off the Exmoor Partially achieved - Bathing water at  coast will be of high standard over the period of the plan. Lead Porlock, Lynmouth, Combe Martin and organisation: Environment Agency Minehead has been meeting higher standards during 2012 D1.4 100% of geological SSSIs will be in favourable or Partially achieved – Geological SSSI  unfavourable/improving condition by the end of 2012. Lead sites on Exmoor that meet the target organisation: Natural England include Glenthorne; Porlock Ridge & Saltmarsh, and the River Lyn. The small SSSI at Dean Steep is classified as ‘unfavourable no change’.

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D1.5 Achieved A Strategic Flood Risk Assessment will be completed by Achieved  the end of 2009 to ensure that future development takes place with adequate regard to flooding and flood risk. The process shall include the mapping of ‘Functional Floodplain’ areas, as defined within the government’s Planning Policy Statement 25 (PPS25). Lead organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority and Environment Agency

Objective D2 To improve the sustainability of Exmoor’s communities and minimise waste and emissions Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status D2.1 An increasing proportion of agricultural and building materials will Achieved  be sourced locally over the period of the plan, including timber, stone and cob etc. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority D2.2 Training and skills development in sustainable building techniques Achieved  will be provided locally over the period of the plan to ensure that sufficient trained people are available to meet the demand for new building development and renovation. Lead organisation: ECOS Trust (Formerly Somerset Trust for Sustainable Development) D2.3 Illegal tipping and abandoned vehicles will be monitored over the Achieved  period of the plan and steps taken to remove tipped materials/vehicles promptly and prevent recurrence. Lead organisations: North Devon and West Somerset Councils D2.4 At least 50% of waste arising from households within the National Good progress has been made over the  Park and surrounding districts will be being recycled or composted period of the plan but 50% target not by the end of 2012. Lead organisations: North Devon and West reached in all districts. Somerset Councils

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Objective D3 To minimise the net emissions of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere in order to achieve a carbon-neutral National Park and minimise Exmoor’s contribution to global climate change Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status D3.1 Amended A programme will be in place by the end of 2010 to Yes Achieved  move towards the achievement of a carbon-neutral National Park by 2025. Lead organisation: Forum 21  D3.2 Amended A local supply network for woodfuel will be in place and Yes Good progress has been made in  there will be at least 50 installed wood heating systems within the increasing understanding for wood heating Greater Exmoor area by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: West systems. There is not sufficient data to Somerset and Exmoor Carbon Reduction Implementation Board demonstrate 50 installations. D3.3 Amended At least 6 Exmoor settlements will be implementing Yes Achieved - 5 Exmoor settlements had  sustainable energy plans by the end of 2010. Lead organisation: produced sustainable energy plans by the Low Carbon Communities Challenge Board end of 2010; 6 plans are now in place for  2012 D3.4 Training and skills development in the installation and maintenance Achieved in partnership with local  of a wide range of renewable energy systems including, wind, colleges. solar, hydro, geothermal, heat exchange and biomass systems (e.g. woodfuel and energy from waste systems) will be available locally over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Greater Exmoor Network for Renewable Energy D3.5 Amended There will be good access to information and advice for Achieved  anyone wishing to carry out small-scale renewable energy projects in the National Park from the end of 2010. Lead organisation: Climate Action West

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E. Farming and land management on Exmoor Desired outcome for farming and land management on Exmoor “By 2020 profitable and competitive farming, forestry and land management enterprises in Exmoor National Park are playing a lead role in conserving and enhancing Exmoor’s landscape, wildlife and cultural heritage, and are making a major contribution to achieving a carbon-neutral National Park” Objectives and targets for farming and land management on Exmoor Objective E1 To ensure that all farming, forestry and land management enterprises on Exmoor are contributing to the conservation and enhancement of the landscape, wildlife, cultural heritage and natural resources of the National Park Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status E1.1 The majority of farms on Exmoor will have a Farm Environment Achieved – the majority of farms are  Record, Farm Environment Plan or comparable statement participants in agri-environment identifying the important environmental and historical features on programmes their land by the end of 2012 and will be taking this into account in their land management. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority E1.2 At least 80% of the eligible land on Exmoor will be in an agri- Yes Achieved – whilst this target has been  environment scheme such as Environmental Stewardship by the achieved there are concerns that the end of 2012 to help ensure good conservation management and overall proportion in schemes will fall when increase farm incomes. Lead organisation: Natural England ESA comes to an end in 2013 E1.3 At least 80% of timber growing forestry businesses will be Achieved – around 20% of Exmoor  managing their woodlands according to the UK Woodland woodlands are certified via Exmoor Assurance Standard (UKWAS) by the end of 2012 to support good Woodcert and Forestry Commission, The conservation management and increase income for woodland National Trust and Crown Estate all have owners and managers, e.g. through the Exmoor WoodCert Forest independent certification to make up a Management or comparable scheme. Lead organisation: Exmoor further 60% National Park Authority

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E1.4 80% of timber processing and marketing businesses will be Partially achieved – Minehead sawmills,  sourcing the majority of their timber from local woodland managed Exmoor National Park Authority and The to the UKWAS standard by the end of 2012 to help increase the Local Woodshop are all part of the Exmoor value and flow of locally produced woodland products and increase Woodcert Chain of Custody scheme which profitability, e.g. through the Exmoor Woodcert Chain of Custody or represents a significant proportion of local comparable scheme. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park wood supply activity but may not equate to Authority the 80% target. E1.5 Amended At least 90% of game bird shoots in the National Park Yes Good progress in development of  will be managed in line with the Exmoor Shoot Guidelines* by the guidelines and liaison with shoots but end of 2012, to help achieve benefits for wildlife and good target not closely monitored relationships with local communities and countryside users, and to enhance the reputation of Exmoor shoots amongst the wider public. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority [* published by Exmoor National Park Authority and available on the website] E1.6 At least 80% of hedgerows will be managed traditionally or retained Partially achieved – mostly funded  as landscape features over the period of the plan to optimise their through ESA scheme and some doubt value for farming, wildlife, landscape and archaeology. Lead over future funding for hedgerow organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority with Somerset and management when ESA scheme comes to Devon Hedge Groups an end

Objective E2 To support measures that assist in the achievement of profitable and competitive farming, forestry and land management in ways that are sustainable and enhance environmental quality Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status E2.1 Amended A renewed livestock market will be provided at Yes Achieved – new livestock market provided  Cutcombe by the end of 2010 and suitable market facilities will be together with new housing and business accessible to farms across the National Park throughout the period units.  of this plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor Farmers Livestock Auctions Ltd

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E2.2 Enhanced Government support for farming in the uplands will be Yes Significant achievements – a range of  sought over the period of the plan to help ensure that farming on Exmoor organisations have played a Exmoor remains viable and that adequate recognition is given to significant role in the South West Uplands  the public benefits that farming provides. Lead organisations: Task Force to raise awareness of farming Exmoor National Park Authority with National Farmers Union and issues and seek to influence government Country Land & Business Association policy. Achievements include Parliamentary reception led by Exmoor Society and RDPE funding for Exmoor Hill Farm Project E2.3 Deleted The majority of Exmoor farms will have a clear strategy for the future development of their business in place by the end of 2010 to help ensure an adequate return on food produced and secure income from a range of sources including environmental management. Lead organisations: National Farmers Union and Country Land & Business Association See new target E2.5 E2.4 All land managers will have access to a range of relevant training Achieved – including a range or  and development opportunities delivered locally over the period of opportunities being provided through the the plan, including locally-distinctive rural skills, environmental Exmoor Hill Farm Project management, renewable energy, business development etc. Lead organisations: North Devon District, West Somerset, Devon County and Somerset County Council E2.5 New target Farmers and land managers will have increased Achieved – access to funding has  access to financial support from the Rural Development improved with the revisions to the RDPE Programme for England to help improve the profitability of livestock programme implemented by Defra in 2011  farming. Lead organisation: Exmoor Hill Farm Project

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Objective E3 To ensure that land-based businesses and other land managers are working to mitigate the effects of climate change and are making a positive contribution to efforts to reduce carbon emissions and levels of atmospheric carbon Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status E3.1 Amended At least 100 Exmoor farms will be meeting 50% or more Insufficient data available  of their heating and energy needs from woodfuel and/or other non- fossil fuel sources by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: West Somerset and Exmoor Carbon Reduction Implementation Board E3.2 Achieved A practical demonstration of farm scale ‘energy from Yes Achieved – although technology is  farm waste’ will be in place within the National Park by end of 2009. unlikely to be viable on most Exmoor Lead organisation: Greater Exmoor Network for Renewable Energy farms – feasibility study completed

Objective E4 To ensure the continued existence and viability of the Exmoor Pony and Exmoor’s three locally-distinctive breeds of livestock* so that all can be seen in the National Park and free-living Exmoor Ponies remain easily visible in moorland areas [* i.e. Exmoor Horn and Devon Closewool sheep, and Devon cattle] Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status E4.1 First part achieved Exmoor ponies will be living free on at least Achieved – the free living population of  50% of the moorland blocks by the end of 2010 and the free-living Exmoor Ponies has increased in recent population will not fall below 250 at any time during the plan period. years, partly as a response to the native Lead organisation: Exmoor Pony Society breed supplement available through HLS schemes E4.2 The number of registered Exmoor Horn and Devon Closewool Partially achieved – the numbers of  ewes within the National Park will be maintained at or above 2006 registered Exmoor Horn has remained levels over the period of the plan. Lead organisations: Exmoor stable at around 3,000 ewes and 90 rams.  Horn Sheep Breeders Society; Devon Closewool Sheep Breeders Devon Closewool numbers have reduced Society in recent years. Over 98% of pedigree registered Exmoor Horn sheep are found within the National Park and the Society has worked hard to retain and promote the breed. 29

F. Understanding and enjoyment of Exmoor’s special qualities Desired outcome for understanding and enjoyment of Exmoor’s special qualities “By 2020 there is increased public awareness and enjoyment of Exmoor National Park, particularly by young people and non- traditional users, leading to greater understanding of Exmoor and its way of life and a wider appreciation of the contribution that National Parks make to quality of life” Objectives and targets for understanding and enjoyment of Exmoor’s special qualities Objective F1 To raise awareness of Exmoor and its special qualities and ways in which they can best be experienced and enjoyed Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status F1.1 Achieved Awareness of Exmoor in national polls will be increased Yes Achieved – awareness of Exmoor  to at least 12% by the end of 2010. Lead organisation: Visit National Park was higher in ANPA Exmoor commissioned survey undertaken in 2010 

Objective F2 To provide opportunities for young people from all backgrounds and abilities to learn about and enjoy Exmoor National Park leading to greater understanding of Exmoor and its way of life Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status F2.1 Amended Every pupil attending a school located within the Yes Achieved in partnership with Exmoor  National Park will have contact with an Authority led activity at least Moorland Partnership Scheme once a year over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority F2.2 All young people living in the greater Exmoor area will have the Yes Achieved in partnership with Exmoor  opportunity to derive a better understanding of Exmoor and Moorland Partnership Scheme and other experience ways in which the National Park can be enjoyed at least key delivery partners once during their school years as a school activity or outside of school during the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Greater Exmoor Environmental Education Forum (GEEEF)

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F2.3 Opportunities will be provided for at least 2,000 young people from Yes Achieved – MOSAIC project worked with  Exmoor and nearby urban areas including Bridgwater, Ilfracombe young people in Exeter and Barnstaple and Barnstaple to take part over the period of the plan in shared areas to introduce them to the National  and common experiences designed to expand their horizons Park and this work has continued through through appreciation and enjoyment of Exmoor’s special qualities. the Exmoor Moorland Partnership Scheme Lead organisation: Greater Exmoor Environmental Education and other key delivery partners Forum (GEEEF) F2.4 Amended Opportunities will be provided for 250 to 300 students a Yes Achieved through close partnership  year over the remainder of the plan to receive a range of vocational working with West Somerset Community training opportunities to levels 1, 2 and 3 enabling them to benefit College and other training providers from their location close to or within the National Park and based at West Somerset Skills & Enterprise Centre. Lead organisation: West Somerset Community College

Objective F3 To provide opportunities for people from under-represented groups to learn about and enjoy Exmoor National Park leading to greater understanding of Exmoor and its way of life Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status F3.1 Opportunities to experience and enjoy Exmoor will be provided to Yes Achieved – Mosaic project has been  10 new groups each year over the period of the plan, where they instrumental in facilitating achievement of have not considered visiting a National Park or are not aware of the this target.  opportunities, but would be interested in visiting Exmoor for the first time. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority F3.2 Achieved A strategy will be in place by the end of 2009 for Yes Achieved – Fieldfare Trust report  assessing and removing the barriers encountered by people from produced and action plan is being under-represented groups that prevent or impede their visiting and implemented.  enjoying Exmoor. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

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F3.3 A range of affordable visitor accommodation such as campsites, Achieved – camping, in particular, has  camping barns and Youth Hostels will be maintained across the increased in popularity in recent years greater Exmoor area over the period of the plan. Lead organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority and Youth Hostels Association

Objective F4 To provide information about the National Park’s special qualities and how they can be understood and enjoyed to people during their visit to the National Park Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status F4.1 Amended A major National Park Centre will be provided at Yes Partially achieved - The project will now  Lynmouth on the site of the former Lynmouth Pavilion by the end of extend into late spring 2013 in response to 2012 to interpret the Exmoor coast; provide a base for educational community consultation over the timing of activities, and provide an exciting destination for the visiting public. demolition and rebuild. Additional Lead organisations: North Devon District Council and Lyn interpretation benefits will be achieved, Community Development Trust to ensure that a suitable building is facilitated by the successful bid for provided and Exmoor National Park Authority to equip and occupy Heritage Lottery Funding. the Centre F4.2 Deleted A second major National Park Centre will be provided at a central location in the National Park by the end of 2012 to interpret the Exmoor’s moorlands and the importance of farming and historic environment (see also target C5.3), and to provide a base for educational activities and an exciting destination for the visiting public. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority F4.3 Amended Local Information Centres will be supported in Combe Achieved  Martin and Porlock and a National Park Centre presence will be maintained in Dunster and Dulverton over the period of the Plan.  Lead organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority with local tourism associations and other partners

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F4.4 Achieved Appropriate information about Exmoor National Park will Achieved in Minehead where a new  be provided at new Gateway Centres at Minehead and Aller Cross, information centre was provided by West South Molton, as and when these centres are in place. Lead Somerset Council. Aller Cross was not organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority progressed. F4.5 A high quality network of 12 Local Information Points will be Achieved  supported across the National Park over the period of the plan based in local shops and business in smaller settlements. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

Objective F5 To provide opportunities for people to develop a deeper understanding and enjoyment of Exmoor and its special qualities to engender a sense of responsibility resulting in behaviour that sustains such qualities Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status F5.1 An annual programme of opportunities will be provided over the Achieved and promoted annually through  period of the plan to help people deepen their experiences of Exmoor Visitor publication and Authority Exmoor’s special qualities and how they can be best understood website etc. and enjoyed, e.g. including residential courses, guided walks and talks etc. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority F5.2 An ‘Exmoor Resource’ will be developed by the end of 2012 to 0 provide access to high quality information, statistics, research reports, archive material, etc., about the National Park. Lead organisation: Exmoor Society F5.3 A wide range of volunteering opportunities will be provided across Achieved with more than 2000 volunteer  the National Park in conservation and research projects and other days per annum. Development of an activities over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor online booking system and social media  National Park Authority presence on Facebook have helped support this target. A new partner will be joining the volunteer partnership – Marine Conservation Society potentially providing exciting linking opportunities with the new Lynmouth Pavilion NPC.

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F5.4 Information and interpretation about the National Park will be Achieved - Major website improvement  provided over the period of the plan with content that is responsive has increased the range of formats and to user requests and available at times, places and in formats that accessibility of information. are convenient for, and reflect, user needs e.g. via internet. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

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G. Recreation and tourism Desired outcome for recreation and tourism on Exmoor “By 2020 there is a warm welcome and high quality experience for everyone who visits Exmoor seeking inspiration, tranquillity and active outdoor recreation, provided by a sustainable tourism and recreation economy in harmony with local communities and the environment, and contributing to the achievement of a carbon-neutral National Park” Objectives and targets for recreation and tourism on Exmoor Objective G1 To develop and maintain the recreation infrastructure of the National Park (particularly the rights of way and open country access) to a high standard Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status G1.1 95% of rights of way in the National Park will be open and easy to Yes Achieved  use in line with national standards (Best Value Performance Indicator - BVPI 178) by the end of March 2011 with 0.5% improvement per annum thereafter. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority through delegation agreements with Devon and Somerset County Councils G1.2 Achieved Users will be able to access information including route Achieved  guides to all officially recognised promoted long distance walking routes in the National Park on the internet by the end of 2009. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority G1.3 The condition of definitive and permitted bridleways will be Partially achieved  monitored from a user perspective over the period of the plan to ensure they are useable and to help identify and achieve new bridleway routes where they are needed to enhance equine recreation and tourism. Lead organisation: West Somerset & Exmoor Bridleways Association

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G1.4 The Public Rights of Way network will be extended and enhanced Some achievements  over the period of the plan where there will be most benefit to users and landowners and no adverse impact on landscape or biodiversity. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority through Rights of Way Improvement Plans delivered in partnership with Devon and Somerset County Councils Objective G2 To promote active recreation, particularly activities utilising the rights of way infrastructure and access to open country, avoiding adverse impact on the special qualities of the National Park Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status G2.1 Amended At least 3,000 people each year will be participating in Achieved  organised recreation events (e.g. Golden Horseshoe, Perambulation, Exmoor Beast, Exmoor Explorer) over the  remaining period of the Plan. Lead organisation: Active Exmoor G2.2 The impact of recreational activity on landscape character and Partially achieved  vulnerable habitats (especially moor and heath) and wildlife species will be monitored over the period of the plan and measures taken to reduce vulnerability to disturbance and erosion. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

Objective G3 To ensure that opportunities for recreation on Exmoor can be enjoyed by people from all backgrounds and of all abilities Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status G3.1 Achieved Information will be published on the internet with details Yes Achieved  of all access furniture (e.g. stiles) and gradient severity for all public http://www.exmoor- rights of way within the National Park by the end of 2009 to enable nationalpark.gov.uk/visiting/visitor-map people to plan their visits within their capabilities. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

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G3.2 A suite of route descriptions will be available by the end of 2012 to Achieved  encourage people with disabilities to experience access to a wide http://www.exmoor- variety of Exmoor’s special landscapes. Lead organisation: nationalpark.gov.uk/visiting/accessible- Exmoor National Park Authority exmoor G3.3 Amended Up to date information will be available via the internet Achieved  by the end of 2010 on accessible facilities and services and http://www.exmoor- opportunities for recreational experiences in the National Park that nationalpark.gov.uk/visiting/accessible-  can be readily accessed by people with disabilities. Lead exmoor organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority G3.4 There will be an increase in the proportion of adults (aged 16-74 Active Exmoor no longer exist to lead or 0 years) who do a minimum of 3 x 30 minutes of moderate or monitor this objective strenuous activity per week and a decrease in the proportion of adults (aged 16 - 74 years) who do less that one session (30 minutes) of moderate or strenuous physical activity per week in the North Devon and West Somerset areas over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Active Exmoor G3.5 Amended At least 70% of all guided walks promoted by the Yes Achieved – largely supported by the  National Park Authority will be accessible to people using public development of the Moor Rover service. transport from 2009. Innovative solutions will be sought to increase Future funding cuts to public transport are accessibility to 80% from 2011. Lead organisation: Exmoor likely to make this target difficult to sustain National Park Authority beyond 2012

Objective G4 To ensure that Exmoor provides a high quality experience for visitors from all backgrounds and of all abilities and that tourism is environmentally sustainable, deriving value from the special qualities of the National Park and not detracting from them Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status G4.1 Amended At least 95% of visitors will express satisfaction with Achieved  their visit to Exmoor as measured in bi-annual visitor satisfaction survey and more general visitor surveys undertaken during the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor Tourism Partnership

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G4.2 Amended At least 10% of tourism businesses based in the Achieved  National Park will be participating in the “CareMoor” initiative and encouraging visitors to contribute voluntarily to funds for conservation projects by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority G4.3 At least 25% of tourism related businesses will be demonstrating a Achieved  range of actions leading to environmentally sustainable operation by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority

Objective G5 To maximise the economic and social benefits to the economy of Exmoor that recreation and tourism bring and to spread these benefits across as wide a range of people and businesses as possible Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status G5.1 Amended Overall visitor spend in Exmoor National Park will have Yes Some progress. 2010 data indicates a  increased by 25% in real terms by the end of 2012 compared to 25% increase but in real terms this estimates for 2005. Lead organisation: Exmoor Tourism equates to just a 5% increase. This is Partnership largely due to the downturn in the economy nationally. G5.2 Amended At least 60% of all food-related businesses including Good progress has been made but  hotels, restaurants and catering businesses will be utilising food measuring this objective has proved using ingredients produced in the greater Exmoor area by the end challenging and therefore cannot be of 2009 and will be identifying these on menus and publicity verified. materials. Lead organisations: Exmoor Tourism Partnership G5.3 Amended Training and skills development in recreation Good progress but not fully achieved.  management, adventure tourism and other relevant activities will be However, there have been increases in available locally benefiting at least 60 students per year over the tourism/service industry and trade skills  period of the plan. Lead organisations: West Somerset Community development. College with support from Exmoor National Park Authority

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H. Exmoor’s people and communities Desired outcome for Exmoor’s economy and communities: “By 2020 Exmoor’s communities retain a continuity of connection with the land; people have access to affordable services and facilities, and there is a strong, diverse and sustainable economy that benefits from and contributes to the care and appreciation of Exmoor National Park” Objectives and targets for Exmoor’s economy and communities: Objective H1 To ensure housing needs are adequately met to sustain local communities and the landscape and facilities of the National Park Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status H1.1 At least 60 new affordable dwellings will be completed where there Yes Achieved – at 31 July 2012, 39 homes  is demonstrable need in the National Park over the five years to the completed, 18 under construction, and 10 end of 2012, and this provision will be available to help meet need not started – planning permission has  in perpetuity. Lead organisation: North Devon & West Somerset been granted for a total of 67 local Rural Housing Project affordable homes (between 2007 and 2012) H1.2 New affordable housing will be available for occupation within 3 Partially achieved as more complex sites  years of securing suitable sites (conversions as well as new build) have taken longer than 3 years to develop over the period of the plan. Lead organisations: Exmoor National – e.g. Porlock scheme for 14 homes Park Authority with North Devon & West Somerset Councils (Local needed a new access road. Housing Authorities)

Objective H2 To support the provision and retention of community facilities and services that are reasonably accessible and affordable to Exmoor’s residents Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status H2.1 Targets set out in the North Devon and West Somerset community Achieved - Exmoor community  strategies will be achieved where they relate to communities in the considerations were included in National Park. Lead organisations: North Devon District Council, community strategies West Somerset Council.

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H2.2 The needs of Exmoor’s communities will continue to be addressed Achieved - Exmoor community  in Local Area Agreements and other local and regional strategies considerations were included in LAA’s and plans over the period of the plan. Lead organisations: Local although these have subsequently gone Authorities – Devon CC, Somerset CC, West Somerset Council, out of use. North Devon Council, Exmoor National Park Authority H2.3 Achieved The potential for a new year round bus route linking Achieved at target date although funding  Dulverton to Lynton and Lynmouth via Winsford, Exford and cuts for public transport mean that this Simonsbath will be established by the end of 2009. Lead service is likely to cease organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority with Somerset County Council – new target H2.8 H2.4 The majority of local residents in the National Park will know how Achieved principally through Park Life  they can access information regarding the management of the distribution and the website National Park over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority H2.5 The majority of local residents in the National Park will be aware of Achieved principally through Park Life  mechanisms to enable them to comment upon and influence distribution, Your Future Exmoor decisions regarding planning applications and the provision of other community consultations and the website local government services over the period of the plan. Lead organisations: Local Authorities – Devon County Council , Somerset County Council , West Somerset Council, North Devon Council, Exmoor National Park Authority H2.6 Improved cardiac health and more healthy lifestyles will be Yes Not monitored 0 encouraged amongst people living in Somerset and North Devon by providing opportunities for supported active recreation and quiet enjoyment within the National Park over the period of the plan. Lead organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority with Somerset and Devon Primary Care Trusts H2.7 Awareness of the risk of being bitten by a tick in the National Park Achieved - information is more widely  and the possibility that this could lead to infection with Lyme accessible and understanding is regularly disease will be increased over the period of the plan, together with measured at events. awareness of the action to take to reduce risk and obtain medical treatment when appropriate. Lead organisations: Exmoor National Park Authority with Somerset and Devon Primary Care Trusts

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H2.8 New target The seasonal 401 route linking Dulverton to Lynton and Not achieved – Funding has been 0 Lynmouth via Winsford, Exford and Simonsbath will be maintained withdrawn although bids are now and an extended service will be established by the end of 2012. underway for alternative funding streams. Exmoor National Park Authority with Somerset County Council

Objective H3 To develop the greater Exmoor economy in ways that will increase the range and scope of employment and training opportunities for local people, particularly those that benefit people with relatively low household incomes and that relate to or further conservation and enhancement of Exmoor’s special qualities Target Priority Position at 31 July 2012 Status H3.1 Amended Economic development programmes led by the local Yes Some achievements – new Local  authorities will benefit communities resident in the National Park. Enterprise Partnership covering Devon Lead organisations: Devon County Council, Somerset County and Somerset has secured Rural Growth Council , West Somerset Council, North Devon Council and funds for a programme that includes Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor National Park. H3.2 An up to date ‘broadband’ and communications infrastructure using Not achieved by 2010 but work continues  modern technologies will be available by the end of 2010 to ensure and will be supported through the term of potential access to businesses and households across the National the next Partnership Plan. Devon and Park particularly where there is not good access via the telephone Somerset County Councils have secured network. Lead organisation: Somerset County Council (with West £30 million from Broadband delivery UK Somerset Council and North Devon Council) and this is programmed to lead to infrastructure roll out over the next three years. In addition, Exmoor National Park Authority has fronted a grant application to the Defra funding for rural broadband delivery H3.3 Financial support from the South West Regional Development Yes Achieved – e.g. for Hill Farm Project  Agency and other sources will be secured over the period of the plan to assist in the development of a sustainable economy within the National Park and surrounding areas. Lead organisations: Devon County Council , Somerset County Council , West Somerset Council, North Devon Council and Exmoor National Park Authority

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H3.4 Deleted Support from Defra and the South West RDA for the Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund will be maintained over the period of the plan. Lead organisation: Exmoor National Park Authority H3.5 Amended At least 100 Exmoor based businesses will be meeting Good progress made – likely to achieve  50% or more of their heating and energy needs from wood fuel the 50% target by 2014. and/or other non-fossil fuel sources by the end of 2012. Lead organisation: West Somerset and Exmoor Carbon Reduction Implementation Board

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