EXMOOR National Park Authority (ENPA) is delighted to announce it has been awarded around £1.25 million to fund its ‘Exmoor Pioneers’ Project, supporting both nature and the local community.

Exmoor Pioneers is centred on the area of the former royal forest in the heart of Exmoor.

The funding is to be spent over four years on skills development and engaging people with the landscape, as well as nature and heritage projects.

Funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund has made Exmoor Pioneers possible, following a generous legacy to ‘CareMoor for Exmoor’ and support from BMW via the National Parks Partnerships.

This will help develop the Exford tree nursery, Exmoor’s temperate rainforest, internships for young people working with local businesses as well as the Young Rangers programme.

Rob Wilson North, head of access, engagement and estates at Exmoor National Park, said: “We are passionate about Exmoor Pioneers because it focuses on the much-loved heart of Exmoor National Park. Here, in the wild landscape around the headwaters of the River Exe, we will spend the next four years enriching nature, looking after its fragile heritage and nurturing the skills that are desperately needed to sustain this beautiful place.

“We will be able to progress our plans to develop our tree nursery and work with families and volunteers to create a new temperate rainforest.

“We are so grateful that The National Lottery Heritage Fund have agreed to fund Exmoor Pioneers, which has also been made possible with a generous legacy from the late Cynthia Hadley to ‘CareMoor for Exmoor’ and from BMW.”

Stuart McLeod, director England, London and South at The National Lottery Heritage Fund, said: “Landscapes and nature form the bedrock of our culture and heritage, improving wellbeing, sparking curiosity, and protecting and providing for the community’s surrounding and inhabiting them.

“National Lottery players have highlighted natural heritage as especially important, which is why we are pleased to award this grant to Exmoor National Park Authority.

“Our funding will allow them to lead the way on nature recovery, as well as nurture the skills that are needed to sustain this important landscape.”