Lately the Exmoor National Park Authority and local people began to discuss the future of Ashcombe woods (the lost gardens!) and buildings like the sawmill, White Rock Cottage and the old village school. How will the Authority look after these places, and how can we make the best of them? Clearly this deserved a programme of its own, to explore these questions and develop some answers.
The new ‘Simonsbath initiative’ is beginning to take shape. I’ve been speaking with people from Simonsbath and the Exmoor parish, as well as visitors to the village and people who have moved away but grew up there, or went to the old school. Lots of ideas are coming through. Now the conversation is really about Simonsbath as a whole, because people are asking us about different topics – the roads, car parking, housing and business, volunteer roles and possible training opportunities. What does the future hold? What would local people like to see happen? Can we use the heritage assets to help the village?
Exmoor National Park Authority is working in partnership with the community to steer its ideas – rather than coming up with its own plan without talking to anyone first. It makes sense to think about the village, and the parish too, as we consider the best options. Meanwhile ENPA is also collecting people’s memories of Simonsbath, and looking into local history and archaeology.
Jason Ball – Programme Manager for the Simonsbath Initiative.
Tel: 01398 322164. Email: jpball (at) exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
The Simonsbath Initiative 