Tag: travel

Exmoor National Park Authority storm appeal

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has launched an appeal to help clear the significant damage caused by storm Darragh. Following recent storms, many paths on Exmoor’s 1,000km rights of way network have been battered by fallen trees.

You can donate to the Exmoor Storm Darragh Appeal at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor

Sections of the South West Coast Path, Two Moors Way and Coleridge Way have been largely blocked and the National Park Field Services Team, along with Teams from ENPA partners including the National Trust and other landowners, are working hard to reopen routes as soon as possible. ENPA warn that it may still be several weeks before some long-distance routes are fully reopen and it’s advising against attempting any affected routes in woodland areas until cleared.

Sarah Bryan CEO of Exmoor National Park Authority said:

“This comes at a time when we celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Exmoor’s designation of the National Park as well as the 75th Anniversary of the pioneering National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act (1949) which helped ensure access for the nation to some of our most special places. The National Park has a fantastic network of paths that provide great benefits to people and support many of our local businesses. ENPA’s skilled Field Services Team are out working on trees full-time, along with tractors and other machinery to get our most important routes open and safe.

We would encourage members of the public to report any rights of way still blocked by fallen trees via https://roam.somerset.gov.uk or email access@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk with location details and a photo.”

Exmoor National Park Rangers are putting extra time into inspecting routes and liaising with landowners across the landscape. Exmoor National Park Authority Field Services Teams have already cleared over 120 trees from blocked routes including in North Hill, Minehead and the Pinkery outdoor education centre near Simonsbath. Teams are currently working to clear the Coast Path between Porlock Weir and Countisbury and on the Tarr Steps circular walk.

Some popular walks at Dunkery Beacon, Valley of Rocks, Wimbleball and Haddon Hill and Porlock Marsh are still open and Tarr Steps east bank walk is currently open as far as Hinds Pitt Bridge.

Dunster Road Closure

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment

Urgent Road Closure: – ttro114W(WS) – WW – Dunster To Timberscombe, Dunster

Please be aware that we have received a notification of a TTRN (urgent) road closure at Dunster To Timberscombe Road, Dunster which will commence on 4th December 2024 – 5th December 2024 (19:00 – 06:00) for a total of 1 night.

This will enable Wessex Water to renew stop tap. 

The contractor has indicated that access for Emergency Services through the site  is not permitted on this occasion.

For any further information about this closure please contact Wessex Water on 0345 600 4600, quoting reference: ttro114W(WS)  Dunster.

Please visit one.network  https://one.network/?tm=141328773 where you will see the map of the affected area (in red), together with the supplied diversion route (in blue).

Please note: this diversion route could be subject to change on review.

With regards
Road Closures Team
Email: ttro@somerset.gov.uk
Traffic Management, Road Safety and Parking Services
Somerset Council
County Hall
Taunton
Somerset
TA1 4DY
Web: www.somerset.gov.uk

Exmoor National Park Networking Day

Published on by Lesley WebbLeave a comment
Exmoor National Park Authority is inviting businesses to join a Rural Enterprise networking event on Wednesday, November 20, 2024, at Lynton Town Hall. The event is open to representatives of businesses and stakeholders from across the Greater Exmoor area who are interested in learning from each other and hearing about the latest initiatives and opportunities for the rural economy.

The event will feature two sessions, with short presentations from representatives of Exmoor National Park Authority, Federation of Small Businesses, Cosmic – a digital training and consultancy company, the South West Visitor Economy Data Hub and Screen Somerset as well as a variety of local business owners and Exmoor National Park representatives.

The first session, from 11am to 1pm will focus on Business on Exmoor (relevant to all sectors) and consider the challenges and opportunities small rural business owners face. Cosmic will also talk about the digital world and how we can use AI to maximise our opportunities.

The second session, from 2.30pm to 4.30pm, will focus on Tourism on Exmoor with delegates hearing about Film Tourism, The Tourism Data Hub and an update from our own National Park Centre Managers.  

Both sessions will also include input from local businesses who will be sharing their experiences of working on Exmoor. A networking lunch will be provided for all delegates as part of your ticket price from 1pm to 2.30pm, giving an opportunity to attendees to network, share ideas and learn more.

The cost is just £13 per person which includes a fantastic local produce lunch provided by Lynton eatery The Vanilla Pod.

Dan James, Rural Enterprise and Communications Manager for Exmoor National Park said:“This is a wonderful opportunity to share latest initiatives, to help businesses, nature and communities on Exmoor to thrive. There is no doubt that Exmoor faces some big challenges but also big opportunities. Last year’s event was really well received and drove lots of positive action.

On the day we’ll be sharing ideas on how we can work together and fulfil those opportunities. This is very much a partnership approach and we’re pleased to have so many partners joining us to share their expertise on the day. We’d also like to thank ‘Heart of the SW Growth hub’ who are supporting the event.”

Advanced booking is essential on a first come, first served basis and can be done online via www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/rural-enterprise.

REE is a partnership project facilitated by Exmoor National Park Authority that aims to support and promote rural businesses on Exmoor in harmony with the area’s special status as a National Park.

For more information visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/rural-enterprise or call 01398 323665

Support for those in need

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Somerset families and residents who are struggling to pay the bills this winter could be eligible for support with the cost of food, energy, water, and other essentials over the coming months.

Somerset Council will be distributing £3.8m to those in need between October 2024 and March 2025 as part of the Government’s Household Support Fund.

To find out move click on this link https://www.somerset.gov.uk/news/support-for-somerset-households-with-food-and-energy-bills-this-winter/

Check your Hot Water Bottle NOW

How long should a hot water bottle last?


The general recommendation is to replace your hot water bottle every two to three years. Most hot water bottles are made out of rubber (some are made from polyvinyl chloride, commonly called PVC), and rubber does degrade over time and with usage.

How to check how old your hot water bottle is?

Every hot water bottle sold in the UK should have a ‘flower wheel’ on the funnel somewhere, which shows the date it was made…

The number in the centre of the wheel shows you what year it was made. For example, if it says 18, it was made in 2018.

How to use your hot water bottle safely

Assuming your hot water bottle is in date, here are a few more tips on how to minimise the risk of burns…

Filling the bottle

Do:

  • Fill with a mixture of cold and hot water – Boil half the water needed and add cold water to the kettle or jug before filling the bottle.
  • Fill the bottle over the sink – Pour water into the bottle carefully to avoid spills.
  • Squeeze as much air as you can out of the bottle before stoppering it. If there’s air left in the bottle, the water can heat the air, meaning it expands, which may burst the bottle.
  • Screw in the stopper until hand-tight – Ensure the stopper is securely in place.
  • Check the bottle for leaks – Regularly inspect the bottle to ensure it is in good condition.

Don’t:

  • Don’t use if cracked, worn, or leaking – Ensure the hot water bottle is in good condition before use.
  • NEVER fill with boiling water – Using boiling water can cause damage and lead to the bottle bursting.
  • Don’t use the microwave or oven – Avoid heating the hot water bottle using these methods.
  • Don’t use hot water from the tap – Copper from pipes can affect the rubber’s strength.
  • Don’t fill more than two-thirds full – Unless the bottle is designed to be fully filled, avoid exceeding this limit.

Using the bottle

  • Don’t place in direct contact with your skin, always have a cover, towel or clothing.
  • Don’t put pressure or weight on the bottle, it’s not designed for you to sit or lie on it.
  • Don’t sleep with the bottle in bed overnight, remove it once the bed is warm before you go to sleep.    

Storing the bottle

  • Empty the bottle and hang it upside-down to drain. Make sure it’s totally dry before storing it.
  • Store the bottle with the stopper removed.
  • Store it in a cool, dry, dark place.
  • Either hang it upside down or lie it flat to store it.
  • Don’t place anything on top of the bottle while it’s being stored.