Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) is celebrating achieving high standards for public access, with 89% of Exmoor’s 1,000km of public rights of way rated “open and easy to use”, according to the latest survey for 2025/26.
The findings highlight the crucial role played by ENPA rangers, the field services team and the volunteer network. They uphold these standards despite financial challenges, increased vegetation growth, the impact of recent years’ weather patterns from storm damage causing blocked paths, flooding destroying footbridges and dealing with fire.
In addition to survey success, ENPA continues to maintain and improve access infrastructure across the National Park. The field services team produces Exmoor’s iconic gates, stiles and fingerposts using timber grown and processed locally at its Exford depot, ensuring heritage-appropriate installations while supporting sustainable resource management.
ENPA also offered a Ranger Apprenticeship in the past year to enable a young person to learn and develop skills, knowledge and qualifications. The apprentice worked with the team on everything from public access management to engagement activities, nature recovery and heritage conservation project work.
You can find out more about projects and events on Exmoor in the digital version of Your Exmoor magazine – click here to read the 2026 issue.
Wootton Courtenay 