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ITEM 10 EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

EXMOOR CONSULTATIVE AND PARISH FORUM MINUTES of the meeting of the Exmoor Consultative and Parish Forum held on Thursday, 23 March 2017 at 7.00pm at Exford Memorial Hall.

PRESENT

Steven Pugsley Exmoor National Park Authority and Chairman of the Forum John Anson Liz Bulled Ron Buckingham Adrian Branfield John Bray Dr Teresa Bridgman Kevin Connell Sarah Cookson Martin Dewdney James Edwards Mike Ellicott Roger Foxwell Molly Groves Roger Hall Will Lock Susan May Malcolm McCoy Mel Mileham Robin Milton Frances Nicholson Bernard Peacock

Cutcombe Parish Council North Molton Parish Council Elworthy Parish Council Exmoor Uprising Winsford Parish Council Old Cleeve Parish Council Winsford Parish Council Brushford Parish Council Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset Council Exmoor Young Voices Exmoor National Park Authority and Exford Parish Council Cutcombe Exmoor Uprising Porlock Parish Council Exmoor Young Voices Exmoor Trust Porlock Parish Council Winsford Parish Council Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor National Park Authority and Somerset County Council Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council and Exmoor National Park Authority

Fred Rawle Alastair Rodway Martin Ryall Marion Silverlock Mark Taylor James Webber Sam Webber Pat Williams James Wilmoth

Exton Parish Council Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council Exmoor National Park Authority Exmoor Young Voices Exmoor Young Voices Exmoor Young Voices Exmoor Young Voices Withypool & Hawkridge Parish Council Wootton Courtenay Parish Council

1. Apologies for absence were received from: John Addicott Keith Branfield Ian Cowling Louise Crossman Marilyn Crothers Andrea Davis Simon Derby Richard Edgell Roger Ferrar

Beagles Withypool & Hawkridge Parish Council Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Invitee Nettlecombe Parish Council Exmoor National Park Authority and Devon County Council Invitee Exmoor National Park Authority and Devon County Council Invitee

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Lady Gass Bruce Heywood Nick Holliday Jeremy Holtom Ivor Jones Graham Lamacraft Eric Ley Baroness Mallalieu John Patrinos Sir Richard Peek Julian Spicer Rachel Thomas Vivian White Katherine Williams Tom Yandle

Invitee Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset Council Exmoor National Park Authority Parracombe Parish Council Exmoor National Park Authority and West Somerset Council Dunster Parish Council Exmoor National Park Authority and North Devon Council Invitee Exmoor National Park Authority and North Devon Council Exmoor National Park Authority Stogumber Parish Council Exmoor Society Exmoor National Park Authority and Cutcombe Parish Council Exmoor Hill Farming Network Invitee

National Park Authority staff in attendance: Sarah Bryan, Chief Executive David Wyborn, Head of Planning & Sustainable Development Rob Wilson-North, Conservation Manager Bea Davis, Headwaters of the River Exe Project Officer Charlotte Thomas, Exmoor Historic Signpost Project Officer 2. MINUTES: The minutes of the Forum meeting held on 19 January 2017 were agreed as a

correct record subject to amendment to Minute 7 to record that “The operation of drones weighing more than 20kg [not 20g] was governed by the Civil Aviation Authority”.

MATTERS ARISING:

Impact of the result of the EU referendum in the National Park: The latest information from government was that consultation documents on the environment and on food and farming would not be released before Article 50 was triggered. The anticipated date for release was early May, followed by a 10-week consultation period.

West Somerset College Farm: The following update was provided by Bridgwater College Trust. “The College has made a commitment to continue to provide staff and maintain the farm unit over the next 6 months to September while planning continues towards a longer term future. In the meantime, the partnership group is meeting regularly to explore options for the continuing operation of the farm in ways that are less reliant on College funding. Following the sale by the Crown Estate, we now know the identity of the new owner of the land that the College leases for the farm and will be seeking an opportunity to follow up on the briefing that we have provided to the new owner regarding the Farm’s future”.

Airband: The Airband programme was continuing to be rolled out. Concern had been raised at the recent Exmoor Young Voices meeting about potential lack of service provision in Simonsbath and Westermill Valley. It was confirmed that the Authority was continuing to work proactively with Airband to find solutions in these areas and the aim was to achieve coverage to 96% of Exmoor premises by the end of September 2017.

Through its regular liaison with the Connecting Devon & Somerset programme, the Authority would enquire whether the voucher scheme for premises not covered by BT or Airband would be reintroduced (the voucher scheme was intended to enable the use of satellite alternatives to be explored).

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Community Land Trusts: David Wyborn, Head of Planning & Sustainable Development, had met with representatives of North Devon and West Somerset District Councils in relation to drawdown of funding from the government’s new Community Led Housing Fund. Both Councils were committed to working with the Exmoor Rural Housing Network and with local community land trusts, which were identified as an increasingly achievable method of local affordable housing delivery.

3. QUESTIONS FROM THE FLOOR:

The issue of motorists attempting to visit Tarr Steps from Hawkridge was raised and it was suggested that highway signage be improved at Colland Cross, advising motorists that access to parking and other facilities at Tarr Steps required vehicles to cross a deep ford. It was agreed that Somerset County Councillor, Frances Nicholson, would raise the matter with the Highway Authority.

Will Lock, Chairman of Exmoor Young Voices, provided a summary of issues/concerns raised at their recent meeting, as follows:

o Planning policies did not provide for housing of a size suitable for those employed in agriculture or land management, who needed space for boot-rooms, wash areas and storerooms, as well as areas to store quad bikes and other machinery, and to accommodate working dogs.

o There was a need to take account of the number of generations who might live and work on a farmstead, and that succession farm dwellings should be of sufficient size to include space for medicine stores, workrooms, offices and areas to change clothes and wash.

o The planning process was perceived as being time consuming, expensive and emotionally draining, and it would be helpful to have examples of planning success stories, including case studies, so that potential applicants could learn from the experience of others.

o The new Local Plan was complex and planning applications should be considered on a case by case basis.

o It would be helpful to develop a standard design for a 2 or 3-bed affordable home to help reduce planning and design costs for applicants, and it was questioned whether a local needs affordable dwelling of 90sqm could be extended.

o Housing Associations could do more to publicise the potential for people in housing need to house-share, as had been the case recently at a property in Cutcombe.

o The lack of mobile coverage in remote areas of Exmoor raised health and safety concerns, particularly for lone workers, and there was concern about the cost of the Airband broadband service.

In response, David Wyborn, Head of Planning & Sustainable Development advised as follows:

o During the recent consultation on the main modifications to the new Exmoor Local Plan, a number of representations had been made about the size limit for some types of dwelling. The Local Plan Inspector was currently considering these submissions and would be issuing his final report in the coming weeks, including a recommendation on the size of succession farm dwellings.

o The Authority provided free planning guidance and planning officers aimed to be as accessible as possible. Anyone considering making a planning proposal was

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encouraged to seek early advice to help ensure that any application progressed as smoothly as possible.

o The Local Plan policies aimed to support local people in housing need and included a range of policies to support farmers and land managers. This necessitated setting out detailed criteria and a degree of complexity was therefore unavoidable. Once the new Local Plan was adopted, an ‘easy read’ summary document would be produced, and members of the planning policy team were always happy to provide free advice on the opportunities available under the housing policies.

o Every planning application was considered on its own merits – ie on a case by case basis. However to achieve planning approval, an application must comply with planning policies which were there to support strategic planning for the National Park area, as well as to ensure a consistent approach to planning proposals and that every applicant was treated fairly.

o The potential to develop a standard design for an affordable home could be taken forward once the new Local Plan policies had been formally adopted. Planning policies did not prevent an extension to an affordable dwelling but a strong case would need to be made to support any application.

o Housing Associations would allow home-sharing and information about available properties on the District Council housing lists was regularly circulated to local networks, including Exmoor Young Voices.

o The Authority was continuing to work with Airband, EE and the Home Office on the roll out of broadband and mobile services within the National Park. The costs associated with retaining an existing land line in addition to the Airband service were acknowledged.

The Chairman closed the discussion by stating his understanding that Exmoor National Park Authority was the only planning authority in England to have a policy that enabled succession farm dwellings, acknowledging that the next generation of a farming family may gradually take over the business but may not initially be able to justify a full-time agricultural need at the holding. The policy was innovative and an exception to a longstanding national planning policy which limited the building of new homes in the open countryside. It was therefore unsurprising that a few teething problems were being experienced, and it would be helpful to have clarification on the policy criteria from the Local Plan Inspector in the coming weeks.

4. EXMOOR HISTORIC SIGNPOST PROJECT

The meeting welcomed Charlotte Thomas following her recent appointment as the Exmoor Historic Signpost Project Officer. The meeting was advised as follows:

Funding for the project had been received from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Somerset County Council and Exmoor National Park Authority. The project would also be liaising with Devon County Council to ensure a consistent approach across the National Park area.

The next stage would be to continue with the surveying of Exmoor’s signposts and to identify the level of repair/refurbishment required for each post. The project officer would be responsible for working with parish councils to assess the degree of work required and whether to appoint a local contractor or whether minor works could be completed by volunteers.

 

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There would be a variety of activities available for volunteers including surveying and practical work (ie cleaning and painting of signs), as well as helping to research the heritage of Exmoor’s signposts.

It was hoped to hold a training day for volunteers on Friday 19 May at Exmoor House with a second training event planned for June (the training events were being funded by Somerset County Council and not being met from the project’s budget or successful HLF bid). It was noted that volunteers must attend a training session in order to be permitted to carry out surveying or practical works on the public highway, although anyone able to evidence ‘Chapter 8 training’ would be exempt.

All communications about any aspect of the project, including interest in volunteering, should be to Charlotte Thomas at cthomas@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.

It was acknowledged that a number of parishes were frustrated at the lack of progress and it was questioned whether in the longer term it would be more efficient and cost effective to appoint a professional local contractor to carry out all the works, rather than using the services of volunteers. It was noted that community involvement was an important part of the project and following the appointment of a project officer, it was aimed to make significant progress during the summer months.

5. UNDERGROUNDING OF OVERHEAD POWER LINES

As part of its business planning, Western Power Distribution (WPD) was aiming to improve the visual amenity in the region’s National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty by replacing some sections of overhead lines with underground cables. WPD were currently inviting the National Parks and AONBs to nominate potential undergrounding schemes as part of a competitive process and any nominated sites would be assessed against detailed criteria and must demonstrate strong community support. Forum members were invited to consider any potential sites for nomination. Further information was available from Pamela Morris, the Authority’s Landscape Officer at pmorris@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.

6. WOODY MATERIAL IN RIVERS AND STREAMS

Rob Wilson-North, Conservation Manager, introduced the discussion by recalling the flood events in 2012 and more recently in November 2016 when high river levels washed away the central section of Tarr Steps.

Since 2012, there had been increasing concern about woody material in rivers and streams, and the potential for this to exacerbate the flood risk to homes, businesses and infrastructure, and also to have a detrimental effect on the river environment. However there was also evidence that woody material may help to prevent flooding by slowing water flow. The issue was therefore complex and local communities would be likely to have different experiences and conflicting opinions about the risk of flooding and the impact of woody material in rivers and streams.

The Authority was therefore proposing to arrange a workshop event to bring communities together to discuss their different concerns, and to help inform a set of guidelines for land management near rivers. The aims would be to better safeguard settlements and infrastructure close to Exmoor’s rivers, and to protect and enhance the river environment.

Forum Members expressed frustration that farmers and landowners were sometimes portrayed as being to blame for flood events, and there was disappointment at the lack of a locally based river management programme.

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It was noted that existing guidelines issued by the Environment Agency, ‘Living on the edge’, were generally advisory and that the legal obligations imposed on riparian owners were limited. However the meeting also noted that some riparian owners reported difficulty in obtaining Environment Agency licences to remove trees from river banks, and that landowners were often encouraged to leave woody material to support biodiversity. It would therefore be important for the proposed workshop to involve the local Environment Agencies.

7. HEADWATERS OF THE EXE: A summary leaflet about the project was circulated to the meeting (copy attached). Bea Davis, Headwaters of the Exe Project Officer, advised as follows:

The project was largely funded by South West Water with a focus on improving water quality and water abstraction. Funding contributed by Exmoor National Park Authority was directed towards achieving environmental benefits.

There were six main strands to the project:

o Advice to farmers, foresters and game shoot managers; o A capital grant fund of up to £4,000 per holding to support implementation of

necessary works and management; o Training events, site visits and demonstrations to promote good practice; o Rights of way maintenance to reduce erosion and run-off in high risk areas; o Monitoring to identify any localised water quality issues relating to sewerage; and o Control of invasive species.

Through specialist services provided by FWAG SW, the project was aiming to visit approximately 50 farm holdings and during its first 2 years, over 20 farms had received advice on the maintenance of water quality. A similar programme of advice and support for woodland owners was being delivered by the Authority’s woodland team.

The Authority’s Rights of Way team was working to identify routes with the highest risk of erosion and run-off that would be likely to affect watercourses and up to 4.3km of repair work would be undertaken using local contractors.

The project would be supporting existing partnerships to tackle a number of invasive species affecting watercourses including Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan Balsam and signal crayfish.

Concerns raised about the potential development did not fall within the remit of the project and any such development would need to be monitored carefully.

Advice on the secure installation of felled tree crowns or whole trees on river banks to provide habitat for fish species (known as ‘kickers’) was available from the Wildlife Trust. The use of kickers was not part of the Headwaters of the Exe project and any concerns relating to their maintenance and potential to become loose would be a matter for discussion at the proposed workshop discussed earlier in the meeting.

The Authority’s website would be updated to provide information on the project’s achievements to date and how the funding had been allocated.

 

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8. FARMING ISSUES:

The recurrent issue of dogs worrying sheep was raised, particularly in relation to recent incidents in the Hopcott area which was a popular with dog walkers, and where there was also an issue with walkers straying from the public footpaths. In addition to regular press releases, articles in Park Life and posters asking dog walkers to keep their dogs under close control, it was suggested that leaflets be provided to visitor accommodation, camping and caravan sites. It was also suggested that posters should feature a graphic image of a sheep that had suffered a dog attack. It was noted that the NFU and the South Downs National Park Authority both produced good examples of durable signage for use on gates and stiles.

BVD (bovine virus diarrhoea) was becoming an increasing problem across the UK and the meeting was advised that the Exmoor Hill Farming Network was considering proposals to achieve a BVD-free Exmoor. A meeting was planned for 26 April and anyone interested in attending the meeting or in supporting the initiative should contact to the Exmoor Hill Farming Network for further details.

9. PLANNING ISSUES: David Wyborn, Head of Planning & Sustainable Development advised on three matters raised, as follows:

Permitted Development Rights: Under planning legislation many types of alteration to a property were considered to be development for which planning permission was required, including very minor works such as changing the colour of a property or installation of replacement UPVc windows. However planning permission was automatically granted by Parliament for development identified as falling within Permitted Development Rights. This meant that although planning permission was required, permission was automatically granted and an application for planning permission to the local planning authority was not required, and the local planning authority had no control over that particular development.

The replacement of windows in a property, including with UPVc windows, in a conservation area fell within permitted development rights and therefore a planning application was not usually required. Other types of development in a conservation area could also benefit from permitted development rights (subject to criteria).

A local planning authority may remove permitted development rights by issuing an Article 4 direction. However, the government’s advice was local authorities should consider making an Article 4 only in exceptional circumstances and where there was a substantive local case to support its use, for example to protect the setting of a heritage asset or when the character of an area is of acknowledged importance. Where an Article 4 direction was made with immediate effect or with less than 12 months’ notice, compensation could be payable in relation to planning applications which were submitted within 12 months of the introduction of the direction and which were refused or granted permission subject to conditions. Where 12 months’ notice of the introduction of an Article 4 direction was given, there would be no liability for the planning authority to pay compensation, however this would provide a period of 12 months in which development under the existing permitted development rights could take place.

General Permitted Development Order: In relation to a recent application to install a small water tank in a field, this type of development fell within the General Permitted Development Order in relation to agriculture and forestry and for which the developer must apply to the local planning authority to find out whether prior approval of the

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authority would be required as to the siting, design and external appearance of the building. If so, the local authority planning would consult the usual statutory consultees. This was not a mechanism imposed by the National Park Authority but was a provision of national planning legislation that would apply anywhere in England.

Objectively Assessed Housing Need: The assessment of projected housing requirements was an extremely complex process and local authorities within the housing market area had a duty to work together in relation to housing strategy. Exmoor National Park Authority had therefore worked closely with its constituent local authorities in relation to assessing the evidence of future housing need and in developing a strategy for housing delivery. The inclusion in the North Devon and Torridge local plan of proposed new dwellings in North Molton was not as a consequence of land availability constraints within the National Park or of the National Park Authority’s approach of providing affordable housing on exception sites, but was part of a series of complicated accounting mechanisms used to calculate and present an objectively assessed housing need for the wider housing area.

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

11. EMERGING ISSUES OR TOPICS FOR WIDER DEBATE: The following were noted: Renewable Energy Commercial activity of NPAs Geocaching

12. DATE AND TIME OF NEXT MEETING: The next meeting would be held on Thursday, 15 June, at 7.00pm, venue to be advised.

13. OTHER BUSINESS OF URGENCY: There was none.

The meeting closed at 9.30pm

Chairman

BRIEFING NOTE: HEADWATERS OF THE EXE CATCHMENT PROGRAMME

Summary

Background

Following exploration of opportunities on Exmoor through the Wimbleball Project (carried out in

2014) ENPA decided to submit a bid to SWW for a range of activities across the Exe and Barle

during 2015 - 2020.

Work by ENPA and Westcountry Rivers Trust in the Wimbleball catchment had identified a

number of issues affecting water quality. Additional research through the Holnicote Flood Relief

Project showed that the impacts of tracks and paths had previously been underestimated. Much

of the flooding and silt deposition in rivers is caused (in the Holnicote Catchment) by the erosion

of tracks and pathways. Silt in the river is particularly damaging to salmon redds but also causes

discoloration issues in drinking water. In addition to silt, water quality can be impacted upon by

pesticides, waste from various sources and sewerage.

After discussion with farmers, foresters, shoot owners, fishing interests, local farm advisers, South

West Water and the Environment Agency, a bid was submitted to SWW in November 2014 for a

programme of works within the headwaters of the River Exe catchment. This bid was approved by

SWW in early 2015, with the aim of reducing pesticides and silt in the upper Exe catchment.

Introduction to the Programme

The Headwaters of the Exe programme focusses on water quality and wider ecosystem services in

the headwaters of the River Exe. This covers an area of 27,559 hectares and includes the upper

Exe, the Rivers Barle, Quarme, Pulham, Haddeo and smaller tributaries, as well as Wimbleball

Reservoir (see map 1).

Map 1Map 1Map 1Map 1:::: Exmoor Catchment Exmoor Catchment Exmoor Catchment Exmoor Catchment

Management Programme Management Programme Management Programme Management Programme

area area area area

South West Water (SWW) has worked closely with Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA)

over recent years to improve water quality and flow into the River Exe through the Exmoor

Mires project. The work has mainly been funded by SWW through its Upstream Thinking

programme, a five yearly planned expenditure on works to improve the catchments in the

South West. The last period of work ended in March 2015 and the new programme started

in April 2015. In 2014 organisations were invited to bid to SWW to run programmes of

activity that would help to improve water quality in the various catchments.

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Water quality is generally good but this needs to be maintained by encouraging sustainable land

management practices, as well as addressing diffuse pollution issues identified through Water

Framework Directive monitoring. The programme will therefore deliver a range of work, including:

• Advice to farmers, foresters and game shoot managers;

• A capital grant fund of up to £4,000 per holding to support implementation of necessary

works and management;

• Training events, site visits and demonstrations to promote good practice;

• Rights of way maintenance to reduce erosion and run-off in high risk areas;

• Monitoring to identify any localised water quality issues relating to sewerage; and

• Control of invasive species.

Farming

Land management in the catchment is primarily upland farming, mainly extensive cattle and

sheep rearing. The sustainable management of farmland is crucial to the maintenance of water

quality in the catchment, with the main risk factors comprising soil erosion and run-off arising

from compaction and poaching, nutrient management including the storage and application of

manure, management of livestock, pesticide applications (particularly around Wimbleball

reservoir) and handling of chemicals.

Wimbleball Lake

The programme of support for farmers consists of advice, training and events. Farm visits are

carried out by specialist advisers from FWAG SW and include:

• Identifying high risk areas using surface flow maps;

• Reviewing nutrient, manure and soil management on the holding;

• Pesticide and sheep dip (if applicable) use;

• A review of current Environmental Schemes running on the farm; and

• An inspection of the farm buildings and high risk areas to identify potential sources of

pollution and advice on potential mitigation methods to reduce the risk of pollution;

• Free soil sampling packs together with follow-up interpretation of the soil results.

The farm reports arising from this work are confidential and are not shared with third parties.

Wherever possible the reports provides examples of potential benefits – financial, agricultural and

environmental – for the farm holding. These reports are used to target the delivery of a capital

grants scheme which forms an important component of the programme by delivering actions on

the ground to support improvements and protect water quality. Capital grants are only available

to farmers who have received a visit.

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Forestry

The other main land use in the catchment is forestry, and woodlands form an integral part of the

special qualities and landscape character of the National Park. Within the Headwaters of the Exe

catchment, woodlands are primarily found along deeply incised wooded valleys, and around two-

thirds of the woodlands are actively managed. Consequently they provide both risks in relation to

water quality from run-off and sedimentation or pollution risks arising from forestry operations,

but also opportunities to deliver multiple benefits within the context of other ecosystem services

provided by woodlands (particularly in relation to biodiversity, carbon, and flood risk

management).

A programme of support for woodland owners and managers is being delivered, comprising

training events, advice and capital grants. Woodland creation is encouraged in appropriate parts

of the catchment through working with landowners to explore opportunities for woodland

planting, particularly wet woodlands which will also deliver other ecosystem services such as

biodiversity. The woodlands work is being delivered by ENPA’s specialist woodland officers who

advise woodland owners and oversee management of ENPA’s woodlands.

Game Shoots

The catchment is also a premier game shoot location, which is important to the local economy. A

number of shoots operate in the catchment, some with quite intensive shoot management. Some

pheasant rearing pens and access tracks are in close proximity to watercourses, with possible

associated risks from run-off and nutrient enrichment.

A programme of support for game shoot owners and managers is proposed, comprising events,

advice and capital grants. This work will primarily be delivered by exemplary shoot managers.

Access

Recreation and access are very important in the catchment, underpinning one of the statutory

purposes of the National Park. The network of public rights of way, permitted paths and open

access are an important asset base for the National Park, with more than 2 million visitor days

spent in the National Park each year, contributing around £80 million to the local economy.

River Exe at Exford

Many routes (including a number of long distance trails) cross the high, exposed moors, or wind

through the steep combes following rivers and streams, and there is high potential for them to act

as pathways for run-off and erosion, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, as demonstrated

by the Defra Multi-Objective Catchment project carried out by the National Trust at their

Holnicote estate on Exmoor.

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ENPA acts as the Highway Authority in the National Park, with delegated responsibility from

Somerset and Devon County Councils. The rights of way network and permitted paths (those

which ENPA is responsible for maintaining) are inspected by the Ranger Service on a rolling annual

basis, to identify maintenance that is required. An analysis of current path condition and

discussions with the Ranger team has identified particular ‘hot spot’ areas, where significant run-

off is known to be leading to erosion and forming rapid pathways into watercourses.

The programme focusses on those paths which have the highest risk of erosion and run-off

affecting watercourses. Site visits and assessments have been carried out to determine more

detailed design information and specifications. This includes an assessment against any potential

issues relating to landscape character, priority habitats and archaeology. These assessments are

undertaken by ENPA specialist staff, contributing towards ENPA’s in-kind match funding. Work to

repair priority paths in the catchment is underway, with a target of 4.3km of repair before March

2020.

Sewerage

A large proportion of the National Park is not on mains sewerage, relying instead on septic tanks.

In addition, there are a number of small sewage treatment works (STWs) serving populations of

fewer than 250 people which only have descriptive consents.

Localised monitoring is being carried out to collect further data relating to sewerage, particularly

around discharge points for the smaller sewage treatment works. This monitoring will be

undertaken by volunteers through the Riverfly Partnership and the River Exe and Tributaries

Association. This will provide an evidence base for action under any future funding programmes,

or to trigger regulatory responses by the Environment Agency if appropriate.

Ecology

The catchment includes the River Barle Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), parts of which are

assessed as being in unfavourable (recovering) condition, with the presence of non-native invasive

species including Japanese knotweed, montbretia and Himalayan balsam listed as contributory

factors. These species are also present elsewhere within the catchment and, together with non-

native invasive signal crayfish which are present in the Rivers Barle and Exe, they have a major

impact on the native flora and fauna of the upper Exe catchment.

River Barle

The programme supports ongoing treatment of knotweed in the headwaters of the Exe catchment

through the Exmoor Knotweed Control Project (a partnership between the Environment Agency,

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Natural England, Exmoor National Park Authority and the National Trust). In particular the project

is supporting a trial of knotweed control on organic sites.

Additional work on the control of other invasive species such as montbretia and Himalayan

balsam is being carried out where the necessary funding and support is available. In the case of

Himalayan balsam, clearance of identified areas along the rivers by volunteer parties is being co-

ordinated by the Exmoor Conservation Volunteer Partnership.

The programme also supports a ground-breaking project which may help to enable future control

of signal crayfish populations, with research into control techniques, monitoring to assess the

effectiveness of the techniques used, and monitoring to assess impacts of the signal crayfish on

the ecology of the river (for example on salmonid eggs, alevin and fry). The River Barle Invasive

Crayfish project is the result of a strong partnership between the Environment Agency, the River

Exe and Tributaries Association, Nicky Green Associates, Exmoor National Park Authority, the

Heart of Exmoor Project and the Centre for Environment, Fisheries and Aquaculture Science,

working together with a team of dedicated volunteers.

Climate Change

There have been a series of extreme weather events bringing additional challenges in how the

National Park is managed, and these trends are likely to continue. A series of winters with heavy

snowfall caused significant damage to the rights of way network, with damage to paths and

blockages from fallen trees. Heavy downpours in both the summer and winter months have also

led to rapid rises in the rivers with flooding to local communities including Dulverton. The

catchment programme therefore provides an opportunity to promote sustainable land

management which will help to build resilience to climate change, alongside the Exmoor Mires

Partnership.

Budget

The total budget for the programme is £743,375, of which £472,180 is through a grant from South

West Water. The key elements of the programme which will be funded by the grant from SWW

are the:

• Farm advisory work and workshops (13%),

• Capital grants scheme (32%),

• Path repair works (19%),

• Control of invasive species (3%), and

• Monitoring (5%)

The remaining funds are made up of match funding. £106,175 is match funding from existing

ENPA rights of way and woodland budgets. £162,875 is in-kind match funding from ENPA’s Field

Services Team, specialist advisers and volunteers, plus other partners.

Project Management

The project is being managed through an internal secondment at Exmoor National Park Authority,

by Bea Davis, who will usually work on the project on Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday afternoons.

If you have any queries about the project please do not hesitate to get in touch on 01398 322278,

07970 099136 or bdavis@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Bea DavisBea DavisBea DavisBea Davis

Programme Manager (Headwaters of the Exe)Programme Manager (Headwaters of the Exe)Programme Manager (Headwaters of the Exe)Programme Manager (Headwaters of the Exe)

March 2017March 2017March 2017March 2017