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ITEM 19 EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

EXMOOR CONSULTATIVE AND PARISH FORUM MINUTES of the meeting of the Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum held on Thursday, 15 June 2017 at 7.00pm at Brendon Village Hall.

PRESENT

Steven Pugsley Exmoor National Park Authority and Chairman of the Forum John Anson Liz Bulled Ron Buckingham Ian Cowling Martin Dewdney Mike Ellicott Maria Floyd Jackie Harman Bruce Heywood Suzette Hibbert Eric Ley Will Lock Susan May Frances Nicholson David Peake Bernard Peacock

Cutcombe Parish Council North Molton Parish Council Elworthy Parish Council Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset Council Exmoor National Park Authority and Exford Parish Council Brendon & Countisbury Parish Council Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council and Exmoor Young Voices Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset Council Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council Exmoor National Park Authority and North Devon Council Exmoor Young Voices Exmoor Trust Exmoor National Park Authority and Somerset County Council Somerset County Council Area Highways Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council and Exmoor National Park Authority

Sir Richard Peek Alastair Rodway Leslie Silverlock Richard Webber James Webber Vivian White

Exmoor National Park Authority and North Molton Parish Council Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council Exmoor Young Voices Business Exmoor Exmoor Young Voices Exmoor National Park Authority and Cutcombe Parish Council

1. Apologies for absence were received from: John Addicott Sarah Cookson Simon Derby Richard Edgell Roger Hall Nigel Hester Nick Holliday Ivor Jones Graham Lamacraft Baroness Mallalieu Malcolm McCoy Evelyn Stacey Rachel Thomas Nick Thwaites Penny Webber Karen Mills Katherine Williams Pat Williams James Wilmoth

Beagles Brushford Parish Council Invitee Exmoor National Park Authority and Devon County Council Porlock Parish Council National Trust Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset Council Dunster Parish Council Invitee Porlock Parish Council Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor Society Dulverton Town Council and West Somerset Council Exmoor National Park Authority and Minehead & Selworthy Without Parish Council West Somerset Council Exmoor Hill Farming Network Withypool & Hawkridge Parish Council Wootton Courtney Parish Council

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National Park Authority staff in attendance: Sarah Bryan, Chief Executive David Wyborn, Head of Planning & Sustainable Development Dan James, Sustainable Economy Manager MINUTES: The minutes of the Forum meeting held on 23 March 2017 were agreed as a correct record.

MATTERS ARISING:

West Somerset College Farm: Following the work of the partnership group over some months, recent contact by Exmoor National Park Authority and Somerset County Council with Bridgwater College Trust indicated there was unlikely to be any positive news in relation to the future of the West Somerset College Farm Unit.

Exmoor Young Voices: Will Lock, Chairman of Exmoor Young Voices, reported that good progress was being made towards achieving the funding required to appoint a part-time co-ordinator for the group. A number of organisations had contributed including Exmoor National Park Authority, Parish Councils, Caractacus Housing, Devon Community Found and Somerset Community Foundation. The Exmoor Trust were also supporting the group with administration costs and equipment. The outcome of a funding bid to the Comic Relief Devon & Somerset Fund was awaited and the group would be making a presentation to North Devon Council in the coming weeks. Any Parish Council that had not yet made a contribution was invited to do so.

The meeting was advised that according to census data there were 960 18-30 yr olds living in Exmoor National Park and this emphasised the importance of the Young Voices’ work. In relation to housing, it was noted that useful discussions with the National Park Authority’s planning department were continuing and that the Exmoor Rural Housing Network was working well.

The meeting was pleased to hear that Will Lock had been nominated for the Volunteer of the Year Award in Somerset.

Signpost Project: A successful volunteer training event had taken place on 19 May. Project Co-ordinator Charlotte Thomas would be arranging additional training opportunities during the evenings, recognising that a number of people interested in joining the project were unable to attend during working hours. The project was aiming to achieve practical works during the coming summer months.

Woody Material in Rivers and Streams: The proposed workshop event to bring communities together to discuss concerns and to help inform a set of guidelines for land management near rivers would be arranged to take place in the autumn and further details would follow nearer the time.

2. QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR:

It was noted that some new stock fencing used galvanised metal posts as opposed to timber.

3. TOURISM UPDATE: Dan James, Sustainable Economy Manager, provided an update on tourism in the National Park and circulated a hand-out on tourism trends from 2009 to 2016 (copy attached). The meeting noted the following:

The value of tourism has increased from £85m in 2009 to £115m in 2016 (if indexed linked this represented an increase of approximately 9%).

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There had been a growth in the number of staying visitors using self-catering establishments with people preferring to rent holiday cottages, rather than staying at middle market serviced accommodation.

The long-term strategy to extend the tourism season outside the main months of April to October was proving successful, with increased visitor numbers in the ‘shoulder season’ and particular growth during the January to March period (23% increase in visitor days and almost 30% increase in economic impact (indexed linked).

The most recent visitor survey indicated that two thirds of visitors had not considered an alternative destination, which correlated with the high levels of repeat visitors.

The key motivations for visits to Exmoor National Park were landscape and scenery, tranquillity and wildlife, with the top activities being walking, visiting towns and villages, sightseeing by car, visiting attractions and wildlife watching. Visitor satisfaction levels remained high with 99% of those surveyed describing their experience as good or very good, and 1% indicating it was fair.

Visitors identified the following areas for improvement: availability of public transport, public toilets cleanliness and availability, car park costs and signage. The majority of visitors arrived from regions connected to the South West via the M4, M5 and A303 corridors. The proportion of overseas visitors had increased.

The proportion of young adult visitors had decreased, although this should be viewed against an aging population with many people remaining active in their later years. Working with Visit Exmoor and other partners, the Authority would be looking to encourage younger visitors by promoting outdoor activities and the adventure tourism offer.

The National Park Authority’s role was to look after Exmoor and to provide the infrastructure for visitors to enjoy, eg the rights of way network, and opportunities to help visitors understand Exmoor’s special qualities. Visitor Exmoor was the lead organisation in relation to the marketing of the National Park as a tourism destination.

It was suggested and agreed that recent improvements to broadband and mobile phone communications in the National Park may encourage younger visitors. The improved services would be included in marketing details once the Airband rollout had been completed.

It was commented that the low proportion of visitors from Wales may be due to the proximity of other destinations such as the Breacon Beacons and Pembrokeshire Coast National Parks, the Mendip Hills and the Forest of Dean, and/or the lack of a motorway link to the South West.

4. GEOCACHING IN EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK

The Geocaching Association GB describes this activity as a pastime which can be enjoyed by the whole family that combines technology with outdoor adventure, and that uses problem and puzzle solving along with map skills.

There were numerous websites available which provided information on where to find hidden geocaches, which range in size from a small box containing a few objects, to film canister size, or even smaller ‘mini caches’. Geocachers would enter the co-ordinators into GPS receiver, search for and find the cache, and then record and log the finding on the website. Access to the internet would be needed initially to access information about geocache sites but once the coordinators were stored the process was operated by GPS and an internet connection was no longer required.

The geocache websites also provided information on the availability of parking and public

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transport, whether the route was suitable for bicycles, the approximate length/time of walking required, and whether the route was recommended for children.

There was a large geocaching online community who shared comments about the places they had visited, with some people being competitive about the number of geocache searches they had completed. There were a number of geocache conventions and the Devon Mega UK 2017 event would be taking place at Bicton College, Devon later in the summer.

People who hide geocaches must have the landowner’s permission and must abide by a code of conduct which ensures that sensitive sites remain protected. There were over 1000 geocache locations on Exmoor; some being individual sites and others forming part of a geocache trail.

Currently, the Authority did not have a website dedicated to geocaching on Exmoor, as the existing geocache websites were already extremely popular. The potential to develop an Exmoor specific website could be considered in the future.

5. TRAFFIC MANAGEMENT AND STREET DESIGN

David Peake, Somerset County Council Area Highway Manager advised that the County Council Highway Authority delivered traffic management policies and was responsible for managing the resources allocated to new signage and maintaining existing signs.

The principal traffic issues affecting communities tended to be speeding vehicles, lorries and large agricultural vehicles, and parking.

The Highway Authority had a duty to work with the National Park Authority in relation to signage schemes on Exmoor, with the aim of achieving its objectives of improving road safety and reducing casualties while respecting the designated landscape of the National Park.

Parish Councils were encouraged to visit the Travel Choices website www.trafficchoices.co.uk/somerset  which provided information on the type of signage available, their statutory nature, and their advantages/disadvantages. This would assist a Parish Council in deciding what type of signage might achieve the desired outcome and would be most appropriate in the location. The next step would be to make contact with their elected County Council Member and the Area Traffic Engineer, who would then consider the potential to implement a small improvement scheme, a recent example of which could be seen at Brushford.

The Highway Authority recognised legitimate concerns about signage clutter and it was important that there was a good reason for every sign. It was also important to remove redundant signs and opportunities to reduce sign clutter in Somerset a few years ago had been well received.

Sarah Bryan, Chief Executive, welcomed the approach by the Highway Authority and advised that unnecessary signs could have an urbanising effect, particularly as signs were produced to a national standard and could therefore have a negative impact on an area’s local distinctiveness. Within the setting of the National Park, it was important to question the effectiveness of proposed signs and also to be aware of the public cost of installation and ongoing maintenance.

There was also a view that by actively reducing signage people tended to have greater awareness of their surroundings, to respect the road and other drivers, and to drive more

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carefully. However, this approach was considered to be more appropriate in urban areas, rather than in rural locations where there was already limited use of signage.

The difficulties of reconciling a perceived need for additional signage with the conservation of Exmoor’s landscape was illustrated by a discussion about Spire Cross, where a balance would need to be achieved between solving current traffic management issues by discouraging large vehicles from taking that route to Winsford Village, while at the same time conserving a sensitive landscape location and not discouraging visitors to local businesses.

It was confirmed that decisions relating to new signage were taken by the Highway Authority and not by the National Park Authority. However the two Authorities would work together to try to achieve a solution that supported local communities while respecting the environment of the National Park.

It was noted that the cutting of hedges overhanging the public highway was the responsibility of the landowner and that the Highway Authority had limited enforcement powers. Discussion of this issue would be taken forward at the Exmoor Panel meeting.

The Travel Somerset website was also useful to find information about obstructions on the highway network and road closures www.travelsomerset.co.uk Information on road closures in Devon was available from the Devon County Council website.

6. FARMING ISSUES:

Richard Webber, representing Business Exmoor, advised that the current database for livestock management for cattle and sheep was coming to the end of its term. It was hoped this would be replaced by an all species database which would have the ability to trace livestock movement within minutes rather than 60 days.

Maria Floyd advised that the Brendon Common Council AGM would be held on 12 July. Afternoon speakers included Robin Milton (Exmoor Hill Farmer/NFU) on farming of today; Fleming Ulf-Hansen (Natural England); and Chis Sandom (Sussex University) on re-wilding. Exmoor farmers and landowners were invited to attend.

7. PLANNING ISSUES: David Wyborn, Head of Planning & Sustainable Development advised as follows:

Exmoor National Park Local Plan 2011-31: The Examination of the new Local Plan had taken place in July 2016, following which the Inspector had required the Authority to consult on a range of modifications. The final Inspector’s report had been due to be released some weeks ago but was delayed following the announcement of the general election. Following the election result, the Planning Inspectorate was unable to release any reports until a Housing & Planning Minister had been appointed and briefed. The new Minister, Alok Sharma, had been appointed on 13 June and the Authority had received the final report on the afternoon of 15 June. The report would be published on the Authority’s website tomorrow. The Authority had a duty to take account of the Inspector’s findings and it was anticipated that the new Local Plan would be presented to the Authority meeting on 4 July for formal adoption, after which the planning policies would come into force.

Broadband and Mobile Phone coverage: The Airband rollout was continuing with over 40 masts now permitted and Airband looking to extend the network further with potentially a further 10 masts. The EE and Home Office rollout of the new emergency services network was also underway.

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8. EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK PARTNERSHIP FUND: The meeting noted the recent successful applications to the Partnership Fund.

9. EMERGING ISSUES OR TOPICS FOR WIDER DEBATE: The following were noted: Renewable Energy Commercial activity of NPAs Update on Mire Project

10. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting would be held on Thursday, 14 September at 7.00pm, venue to be advised.

11. OTHER BUSINESS OF URGENCY: There was none.

The meeting closed at 8.40pm

Chairman

Tourism in

Exmoor National

Park Review July 2017

Dan James

Sustainable Economy Manager

Exmoor National Park Authority

Day vs Staying visitors

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Historic prices Prices index linked to 2016 values

% change 2009 – 2016 (economic impact index linked to 2016 values)

Volume and value 2009 - 2016

Statistics used in this handout are derived from the ENPA commissioned 2016 STEAM report, and Exmoor

National Park Visitor Survey 2016

Obtaining information

During a visit Staying visitors

Day visitors

Previous visit 46% 66%

Info from local people 39% 23%

National Park Centre / TIC 36% 16%

Printed Guides 40% 22%

Information Panels 24% 14%

Internet 11% 6%

Smart phone/ tablet 25% 10%

2

4%

-4% -3%

16%

23%

1% 3%

22%

2%8%

22%

-10%

0%

10%

20%

30%

Visitor numbers Visitor days Economic impact (index linked)

Seasonal changes 2009-2016

Jan –Mar Apr – Jun Jul – Sep Oct – Nov

Before a visitRepeat visitors

First time visitors

Previous visit 80% 0%Friends/relatives 25% 33%Newspaper or magazine advert/article 4% 22%Tourist Information Centre 9% 19%Printed brochure/guide 20% 31%Internet 33% 71%

66%

9%

14%

7%

2% 2%No

Another UK National Park

Another destination in the south west

Another UK rural destination

Any other UK destination

An overseas destination

44%

66%

72%

79%

Culture

History

Wildlife

LandscapeIncrease in understanding as a result of visit to the area

Did visitors consider any other destinations?

Key motivators / attractors

Scenery / landscape

(85%)

Tranquillity / peace (68%)

Wildlife (53%)

Coast / beaches

(52%)

History and heritage

(39%)

Key activities

Short walk up to 2hrs

(70%)

Visiting towns / villages

(62%)

Sightseeing by car

(50%)

Visiting attractions

(40%)

Long walk

(43%)

Wildlife watching

(35%)

3

76%

23%

1.00%

VeryGoodGood

Fair

Satisfaction

Satisfaction - ‘good’ or ‘very good’

Rights of Way

99%

Accommodation

quality

95%Quality of attractions

99%

Areas for improvement Fair Poor / Very Poor

Public transport 11% 1%

Public toilet cleanliness 18% 3%

Public toilet availability 15% 3%

Car park costs 18% 5%

Signage 16% 3%

4Yes, 63% No, 21% Unsure, 16%

Recognition of the Exmoor brand identity

Quality of ENPA publications

99%

5

12%

8% 9%

43%

28%

0%

5%

10%

15%

20%

25%

30%

35%

40%

45%

50%

Under 16 16-24 years 25-44 years 45-64 years 65+ years

2016

2005

Age profile of visitors

81%Repeat visits

53%Visit more than once a

year

At least

86%expect to come here

again

Origin of visitors

ENPA tourism related work highlights

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For more information visit

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/tourism

• Ongoing support for Visit Exmoor including support and hosting of Development Manager. Visit Exmoor website traffic increased 45% (25% of traffic directed from ENPA site)

• Completion of £23k digital marketing and social media campaign by Green Traveller

• Supported Secret Somerset and Exmoor and Wild West Somerset and Exmoor marketing campaigns led by HTAP

• Completed Two Moors Way reinvigoration project in its 40th Anniversary year

• Secured circa £100k from EU Interreg programme for collaborative Dark Skies Tourism project.

• Core partner in the Discover England's South West Coast Path projectaimed at increasing German and Dutch visitors

• Increased CareMoor donations by over 300% with over £20k raised in 2016/17

• New Coast and Moor Outdoor Festival held May 2017 and first Dark Skies Festival under preparation for October.

• Awaiting outcome of stage 2 application with other National Parks to the Discover England Fund for international marketing work

• Support for Coastal Communities Teams in Porlock, Lynmouth and Combe Martin (as invited)

• The Walker sculpture unveiled by John Carven on BBC Countyfile Diaries at Lynmouth to highlight the range of Long Distance routes on Exmoor

• New Videos produced – Exmoor through time, CareMoor and Dark Skies (coming soon!)

• Chinese Pocket guide published• National UK sponsorship secured from Columbia for National Parks.