Family donation boosts Exmoor woodland appeal
Exmoor National Park Authority is delighted to announce a £25,000 donation to its CareMoor for Exmoor Woods and Trees appeal.
The Richards family, who have a strong connection with Exmoor, visited the National Park recently to see the site of a new woodland being created near Simonsbath, where their substantial donation will be making a difference.
Mark Richards said, “For some time, we’ve been looking for a way to celebrate the lives of our parents Denys and Cicely Richards who lived in West Buckland for many years and loved Devon and Exmoor.”
Denys (1922- 1999) taught at West Buckland School, whilst Cicely (1921-2014) taught at Truro High School and Barnstaple Grammar in the West Country. Later they taught in Portsmouth.
“We found the perfect solution with the new woodland planting being undertaken by the National Park Authority” continued Mark. “My sisters, Sarah and Julia and I, think this is a lovely way to celebrate the lives of our wonderful parents who inspired both us and the many pupils they taught.”
Two generations of the family visited Simonsbath and met with Senior Conservation Officer Graeme McVittie who walked them around the authority’s land at the centre of the village to show them exactly where and how their donation will be spent.
“Hearing the details of the traditional and innovative tree planting plans was inspiring and we’re now looking forward to visiting again in late autumn to help with the planting of saplings in the knowledge that the project is being well planned and managed,” added Mark. “The younger generations of our family will be able to visit Simonsbath in years to come and watch as the trees mature. It’s the perfect way for our parents to be remembered and we encourage other families to support this project. Being able to visit and see exactly how our donation will be spent has been really important to us.”
Graeme McVittie said “As part of our climate change work, we’ve got ambitious plans to increase tree cover on Exmoor from around 13.5% to 17% by 2050. Donations to the CareMoor Woods and Trees Appeal help us to ensure we achieve this and supports our efforts to use only the most environmentally friendly methods of woodland creation and management.”
Earlier this summer the Simonsbath site was visited by Somerset Deputy Lieutenant & High Sheriff Robert Drewett in recognition of the naming of the woodland as Kings Wood to mark the coronation of King Charles III.
Katrina Munro who administers the CareMoor for Exmoor donations scheme for the Authority said “Donors can choose which of our projects they want to support so whether it’s tree planting, wildflower meadow creation or our recently launched CareMoor appeal to build Great Bradley Bridge, we’re really grateful for all donations that help us to keep Exmoor special for future generations".
Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor can be made online at www.exmoor-naitonalpark.gov.uk/caremoor or at Exmoor National Park Centres at Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth