HIGH Sheriff of Somerset Robert Drewett has toured Exmoor’s ‘Seed to Sawmill’ operation to learn more about the national park authority’s (ENPA) access and education work and recent investments toward its carbon neutral plans.

Mr Drewett visited the ENPA depot in Exford and the off-grid Pinkery Outdoor Education Centre, near Simonsbath, as the national park celebrates the 70th anniversary of its designation.

He saw the authority’s newly-extended Exford tree nursery, which has been funded partly by grants from the Devon Environment Foundation and the Forestry Commission, as well as donations to the charity ‘CareMoor’ woods and trees appeal, which supports the growing of native species such as sessile oak from ENPA-gathered seeds.

Mr Drewett also toured the authority’s highly-sustainable sawmill and workshop and saw the public rights of way furniture making operation where signs and gates are made from locally-sourced timber produced by conservation-focussed woodland management.

Moving on to Pinkery, Mr Drewett toured the centre’s wind turbine and biomass boiler which, along with a switch to electric vehicles and tools, have contributed to ENPA’s actions to cut climate-changing emissions.

He learned more about educational activities such as ‘Young Rangers’ and discounted residential places in Pinkery for pupils in receipt of free school meals.

Mr Drewett said: “It has been fascinating to learn about the wide range of projects ENPA are involved with and how they are leading by example in sustainable operations at their sites.

“A lot of hard work goes into preserving our national park, from rangers overseeing 620 miles of public paths and bridleways across Exmoor, to the locally-made wooden gates, stiles, and iconic signposts in the Exford depot workshop.

“Activities encouraging young people to connect with our national park, develop new skills, and build confidence are also vital.

“I hope the team will continue to inspire future generations and help them develop a desire to care for and be part of Exmoor, to help sustain this special place for the next 70 years.”