Team effort raises funds for Exmoor tree planting

Under clear blue skies and hot temperatures, a team from Exmoor-based business Three Atop and a Peter Hoyland from the Exmoor National Park Centre at Dunster, took on the day-long challenge of walking 30 miles on the Exmoor Perambulation.

This long-distance walking and trail event is organised by Channel Events, who describe completing the route as a major achievement.

The challenging terrain is balanced by the immersion in the natural environment, heritage, and spectacular scenery of the National Park. It is a historic event that traces its origins back over 725 years to the time of Edward 1 and takes participants around the original boundary of the Royal Forest of Exmoor.

Together Three Atop Woodland Services and Peter Hoyland raised over £1,000 in aid of the CareMoor for Exmoor Woods and Trees Appeal. This appeal raises funds to help the Authority plant more trees and create new woodlands. Donations to the appeal have supported the planting of 13000 trees at Bye Wood near Winsford last year and work is just starting on the next new woodland creation called Kings Wood near Simonsbath, where the planting of over 6000 trees will start this winter.

The Three Atop team headed by business owners Kerrie and Nick Hosegood set out to show their customers and supporters just how strongly they feel about woodlands and the value of trees on Exmoor. “As a company living and working on Exmoor, the landscape around us is extremely important” said Kerrie, “Exmoor is a working landscape and a truly special place to be. Our no waste ethos, cyclical processes and teaching of old rural skills falls in line with the conservation efforts CareMoor for Exmoor strive to achieve. Ensuring our landscape is managed with a rotation of tree crop is vitally important to the future of Exmoor.”

“The Perambulation was one of the hardest challenges I have ever had to do. It was grueling, rough, and raw but, to have the opportunity to support the future of Exmoor and immerse ourselves into those hidden places of beauty was truly worth the blisters, aches and pains” added Kerrie.

Peter Hoyland commented “I love walking on the wilder parts of Exmoor and have taken on the challenge of the Perambulation on a number of previous occasions. It’s a tough event but well worth the effort to walk over parts of the National Park that are not usually open to the public. It’s even better knowing that my efforts have been supported by sponsors donating to the CareMoor appeal.”

The event organisers, Channel Events, support CareMoor by offering free entry for those raising funds. For many years both Channel Events and Three Atop Woodland Services have worked closely with the National Park Authority, and both organisations are recognised as Exmoor National Park Partners for putting Exmoor and the environment at the heart of all they do.

Dan James Rural Enterprise Manager for Exmoor National Park said:

“We are incredibly grateful to Three Atop, Peter Hoyland and all those that sponsored them, for raising funds for our CareMoor appeal. Support from local businesses and individuals who love Exmoor is vital to help us keep Exmoor special for future generations.”

More details about the CareMoor for Exmoor Woods and Trees appeal can be found at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor.