AN official launch takes place next week for a new initiative to promote Porlock and inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers by linking with the legacy of Ada Lovelace.

Ada in Porlock links to the legacy of Ada Lovelace, a world pioneer of computer programming who lived near Porlock Weir nearly 200 years ago.

The launch in Porlock Village Hall on Tuesday, May 27, will be attended by local schoolchildren and businesses and feature a number of talks and exhibitions.

There will also be an opportunity to be among the first to follow a new ‘Ada Lovelace Walk’, a 30-minute walking guide to the Porlock which Ada Lovelace would have known.

Exmoor National Park Authority senior woodland officer Graeme McVittie will explain how volunteers have been helping to open stunning vistas in Culbone woods overlooking the Bristol Channel.

The volunteers have been restoring paths which formed part of the famous ‘Philosopher’s Walk’ at Ada’s home, Ashley Combe, where she and Charles Babbage, known as the ‘father of the computer’, envisioned a digital world.

Attendees can also hear about Ada in Porlock’s successful first year of teaming up with the Moorland Federation of primary schools and with Minehead Middle School, and discuss plans for extending its work to more schools next year.

A spokesperson said: “Learn how two local engineering companies, Singer Instruments and Shearwell Data, have already built outstanding international reputations from their West Somerset bases.

“Hear about new research conducted by Bristol University revealing why Ada and her husband William King should be credited with creating the first arboretum in the South West of England.

“We also welcome those interested in joining us.”

The group is encouraging interest in and uptake of science, technology, engineering, and maths (STEM) subjects using the inspiration of Ada, a mathematician and writer and daughter of famed poet Lord Byron.