Exmoor National Park Authority is offering financial help to organisations impacted by the Covid-19 pandemic who contribute significantly to the work of the National Park, through the launch of a new scheme.

The Exmoor National Park Covid-19 Response Fund offers fast-track grants of up to £1,000 to charities, community groups and other partners that contribute to the two founding principles of all UK National Parks:

1. To conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Park.

2. To promote opportunities for public understanding and enjoyment of the area’s special qualities.

A total of £20,000 has been ringfenced to support organisations facing short-term challenges due to Covid-19, such as a loss of income or increasing costs, or towards initiatives that will help them adapt to life with the virus and plan for recovery.

Dan James, Exmoor National Park’s sustainable economy manager, said: “We’re very aware of the impact the virus is having on the many partner organisations we work with to keep Exmoor special, and that not all have access to conventional support mechanisms. We really value the contribution these local organisations make towards the work of the National Park and hope that our Response Fund will go some way towards helping them build the necessary r esilience to survive these incredibly difficult times.”

All applications received byJune 1, 2020 will be considered for support, with decisions made within no more than two weeks. Further applications will be taken after this subject to availability of funds.

For further details, guidance notes and to apply visit exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/living-and-working/grants-and-funding or email PartnershipFund@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.

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