SIR — In response to Mr Peters' letter (Free Press January 29), I wish to reassure your readers that car parking fees at Nutcombe Bottom Car Park, on our Dunster estate, will be levied on a purely voluntary basis. This will be stated on signage at the car park.

The Crown Estate has made a number of improvements to facilities in Dunster Forest, including resurfacing the car park and providing new walking trails such as the all-ability Tall Trees Trail.

These improvements enhance the area and benefit the local economy.  

In order to offset some of the costs associated with these developments and to support future improvements, we are seeking to generate a small amount of additional revenue through car parking charges, as happens at other similar facilities elsewhere on Exmoor.

We asked Exmoor National Park Authority, Dunster Parish Council and other local organisations for their thoughts and they supported our approach.

Customer surveys undertaken at the site have also shown that visitors are prepared to pay a small fee for high quality facilities and environmental improvements.

If local visitors wish to purchase a parking ticket this will of course be appreciated, as the revenue generated will help to enhance the provision of facilities and services at Dunster in the future, and help protect the environment for everyone to enjoy.

Anyone wishing further information on this issue should contact our local office on 01643 821309 and we will be pleased to help.

Andrew Wells,

Head of Countryside Management – Rural Estates,

The Crown Estate.