YOUNG team members from Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) represented the next generation of national park leaders at a ‘New Perspectives on National Parks’ event in Westminster on Tuesday (December 16).

The high-profile reception, hosted by MP John Whitby and attended by Nature Minister Mary Creagh, brought together MPs, youth ambassadors, and national park experts to explore how Parliament could help build a strong future for these iconic landscapes.

The event was part of the National Parks’ New Perspectives project, a pioneering initiative giving young people the opportunity to share their stories and work on developing a ‘Youth Voice Declaration’.

Th declaration will commit national park authorities to making parks greener, wilder, and more accessible, and ensuring young people are actively involved in shaping their future.

Exmoor apprentice ranger Logan Schofield said: “I am buzzing to represent Exmoor and show that young people want to take action when it comes to issues we face such as biodiversity loss, climate change, and accessibility to green spaces.

“This event is a chance to show why it is so important for young people to get involved, speak up, and help guide the choices that shape our world.”

ENPA heritage ranger Kimberley Colman said: “We are committed to ensuring that the voices of young people are heard in the decisions that will impact Exmoor for generations to come.

“The authority runs a range of initiatives, events, and festivals, to involve young people in nature conservation, young ranger activities, and educational events.”

ENPA is inviting people aged 18 to 26 years to join its new youth board (deadline January 14), seeking applicants from all backgrounds with a strong connection to Exmoor.

The board will serve as a platform for young people to collaborate with and influence the direction of the park.

A WEST Somerset coastal primary school is ready to face the winter weather thanks to donations of sets of waterproofs and wellies.

Knights Templar Community Church School, in Watchet, received 10 sets from The Outdoor Guide Foundation, funded by the Somerset Trail Partnership of the King Charles III England Coast Path.

Throughout 2025, walkers on the King Charles III England Coast Path have raised funds to support this initiative.

Highlights include April’s Watchet Walking Week, where 12 walkers completed the eight-mile route to Minehead, and September’s Somerset Coast Challenge, where 23 walkers collectively covered 500 miles along the coast path.

Two participants even walked from County Gate to Brean Down, completing the entire Somerset coastline.

The latest donations mean a total of three of Somerset’s coastal schools now benefit from waterproofs and wellies, ensuring more children can enjoy fresh air, nature, and outdoor learning all year round.

Earlier in the week, Somerset Trail Partnership representative Isobel Pring joined Fiona Payne, organiser of Watchet Walking Week, to present the waterproof sets at Knights Templar Community Church School.

Ms Pring said: “Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, we have provided two sets of waterproofs and wellies, 10 pairs each, this year.

“It has been fantastic to work with The Outdoor Guide on this initiative and contribute to the goal of providing waterproofs and wellies to every state primary school in the UK.”

Gina Bradbury Fox, from The Outdoor Guide Foundation, said: “Every child deserves the chance to embrace the outdoors, whatever the weather.

“Thanks to this effort, more children in Somerset now have that opportunity.”

For more information about walking on Somerset’s coast visit the Somerset Coast festival website.

Schools which would like to be considered for waterproofs and wellies can register by visiting The Outdoor Guide Foundation website.

STUDENTS and staff from across University Centre Somerset (UCS) college group came together for their annual RAG Day - Raise and Give - a vibrant celebration of fund-raising, creativity, and community spirit, raising thousands in support of the charities sponsored by each college throughout the year.

Colleges were filled with colour and energy as students and staff dressed up in themed costumes of their choice, transforming the day into a lively showcase of imagination and teamwork.

Alongside the fancy dress, a packed programme of fund-raising activities ran throughout the day and in the weeks leading up to the event.

Activities included a human fruit machine, nine-dart challenge, Mystic Irons fortune-telling, drag racing, escape rooms, raffles, and the ever-popular Ragapalooza, with even more student-led activities designed to raise money for good causes.

Each college within the UCS group proudly fund-raised for a dedicated charity:

• Bridgwater College supported Anthony Nolan, helping save the lives of people with blood cancer and blood disorders.

• Taunton College raised funds for Stand Against Violence, a charity working to prevent violence and support young people affected by it.

• Cannington College sponsored the RSPCA, supporting animal welfare and rescue.

• Strode College fund-raised for BIBIC, a charity supporting children and young people with brain injuries and developmental needs.

RAG Day is an annual highlight in the college calendar, giving students the opportunity to take the lead on planning and delivering activities, while strengthening connections with charities which make a meaningful difference both locally and nationally.

UCS chief executive Andy Berry said: “RAG Day is a brilliant example of our colleges living their values.

“It brings students and staff together in a positive, inclusive way, while raising vital funds for charities that support both our internal community and the wider communities we serve.

“The enthusiasm, creativity, and generosity shown across the group has been inspiring.”

Funds raised from RAG Day will support each college’s chosen charity throughout the year, reinforcing UCS college group’s commitment to social responsibility and community impact.

LIBRARIAN Karen Collings, has won a national award for arts and culture for Wiveliscombe’s community library.

She was nominated by one of the library volunteers for the Community Libraries Network (CLN) awards programme, which celebrates the incredible achievements of individuals, teams, and organisations in the community library sector.

Karen is the creator of the Wiveliscombe Literary Festival, with her leadership bringing diverse cultural experiences to the rural community, fostering inclusion and creativity.

A CLN spokesperson said: “This year’s winners exemplify innovation, dedication, and the power of libraries to transform lives.

“The awards programme is a way to celebrate the achievements of individuals, teams, and organisations in the community library sector.

“We are looking to recognise excellence and best practice across six categories, demonstrating the important impact of the work that you do on a day to day basis.

“Access to arts and culture is so important, it broadens the mind and can start some great conversations

“Karen Collings is a shining example of dedication, creativity, and community spirit.

“Known for her warmth, knowledge, and deep connection to the people she serves, Karen has gone above and beyond her role to enrich the cultural life of this small rural town.

“In 2025, Karen single-handedly brought to life the Wiveliscombe Literary Festival, an ambitious and inspiring event that showcased a diverse range of writers and welcomed readers of all ages. “From co-ordinating venues and volunteers to managing publicity and ticket sales, Karen’s leadership and determination made the festival a resounding success.

“Her commitment to inclusion was evident throughout, with events held in accessible venues and a programme designed to reflect the diversity of the community.

“She also forged strong partnerships with local organisations, including an independent bookshop and local societies, ensuring the festival was rooted in collaboration and community pride.

“Karen’s impact extends far beyond the library walls.

“Whether organising youth events in her own time or judging the arts section at the local horticultural show, she is a constant source of support and inspiration.

“Her efforts have helped Wiveliscombe ‘punch above its weight’, proving that even the smallest towns can achieve great things with passion and perseverance.”

THE Moorland Foodbank is looking for a development worker/grant application writer to work about one day a week from home or from the charity’s Dulverton premises.

The foodbank held a Christmas coffee and cakes event on Monday, December 15, to say thank you to all of its volunteers and Nikki Bonner the village agent, without whom it would not be able to help all the people it does.

The charity is always looking for new volunteers and is also hoping people will be able to put a little something extra in their Christmas shopping trolleys to help the foodbank.

Dulverton Post Office has taken delivery of a pet food donation point for Moorland Foodbank as well as already having a money pot.