1 December 2004

 

To all Members and Benefactors of the Exmoor Trust

 

Exmoor Trust Christmas Progress Report

 

In my last letter I highlighted what we had identified as the most pressing issues and challenges facing us as we look to the future of Exmoor. But the principal role of the Trust is to raise, manage and disburse funds in the attainment of our objectives. There are so many demands for funds that we could easily double our annual grant rate of some £10,000, but this energises us to prioritise for the most deserving and to seek partnerships in levying other support. Regrettably we have been least successful in attracting donations to the trust and to this end we have produced a new leaflet which covers all our work and invites people to help. I enclose a copy for you and your friends but if you need more please get in touch.

 

The challenges for everyone who loves Exmoor are evident in the face of constantly shifting factors which have hitherto just enabled the people of Exmoor to live reasonably well albeit not in great wealth. But now there is greater uncertainty. Farming lies at the crossroads of doubts as the changes to CAP herald a most significant change in the subsidy regime. Tourism this year has stalled in the face of poor weather as well as changing patterns and demands of tourists. Alternative commercial starter enterprises have encountered difficulties accessing good communications and a less than beneficent enterprise culture. The economy and our social life will also be dramatically affected if the ban on hunting is implemented. And the influx of retirees and second home owners has lifted the costs of home ownership to levels well outside the dreams of most of our young people. Not one of these issues would bring down the hopes for the future but the combination is having now a serious impact leading to a migration of the young and significant changes to our village culture and values.

 

We are sure that consistent pressure must be brought to achieve rural regeneration of the economic bedrock on which so much depends. Income levels need to be improved and we can no longer accept that this area pays lower wages than most other rural parts of the UK. Following the introduction of Broadband across most of Exmoor, it is important that access to enterprise locations is assisted by all the planning authorities involved. This should be accompanied by more active marketing of the area for high tech businesses as well as craft industries.

 

Affordable housing is a cry on everyone's lips but it is not a unique challenge and many parts of the country are faced with similar problems. The result of the inward relocation of retirees and second home owners, who are usually considerably better off than the majority of local people, has led to a significant shift in the balance and vitality of our villages. In addition to the steady movement of young people out of the area; villages are losing their schools, shops, post offices, and bus services. We will continue to press for 'affordable' to be considered in the round and not merely related to the ability to pay. We will play an active part in calling for an open discussion on options to reduce the cost of building homes balanced with differing approaches to the funding of ownership. We intend to play a full role in the reconsideration of the Planning and Design Guidelines produced by our local authorities. Meanwhile our idea of a Land Bank for local people has been also taken up by a recently formed Caractacus Housing Charity which now has two houses in local ownership.

 

We took part in an excellent Exmoor Moorland Seminar called to examine the state and way forward for the high moor. My previous reports have highlighted this as an area of key concern and so we were delighted when the National Park chose this topic as its Jubilee Challenge. We were invited to support the process and determined that we would provide substantial support to arrive at and implement an agreed action plan. £10,000, our largest grant ever, has been earmarked for this most important project.

 

Finally could I again welcome all who have joined as members this year and thank you all for your continued support. We have received one very large donation this year from a source who wishes to remain anonymous but we are very grateful for all gifts or bequests. Do please use the enclosed leaflet to encourage your friends to join or support our work.

 

All my Trustees join with me in wishing you a happy and peaceful Christmas.

 

Yours sincerely

 

Edwin Beckett

Chairman