ENVIRONMENT Minister Richard Benyon was given an insight into the management and landscape of Exmoor on a recent flying visit to the National Park.

His first port of call was the new livestock market at Cutcombe and the Moorland Hall after which he went across Dunkery to the National Trust's Holnicote estate.

Last-minute changes that had to be made to his schedule kept the visit short only allowing time for a brief introduction to Exmoor: "However, it was clear that he already knew Exmoor quite well," said Dr Nigel Stone, Exmoor National Park Authority Chief Executive.

"The Minister was very interested to hear about projects that included environmental programmes, community projects and work in support of local business development.

"He was particularly interested to hear about moorland management in the national park and concerns about grazing levels and traditional swaling to help manage the moorland vegetation.

"He also took an interest in the red deer and wildlife conservation projects including the excellent work of Butterfly Conservation to help conserve the very rare Heath Fritillary which has its main remaining UK stronghold on Exmoor."

At Cutcombe, the Minister met auctioneer Peter Huntley, Chris Winter of Summerfield Development, Exmoor National Park Authority's head of planning and sustainable development David Wyborn and local park authority members Frances Nicholson, Steven Pugsley and Roger Webber.

He heard from them about the background to the development of the new Cutcombe market, business units and housing.

The Minister was then shown the community renewable energy projects at Moorland Hall and examples of self-build local affordable housing before visiting Shearwell Data Limited.

He was impressed by the scale of Shearwell, which started out in a lambing shed at Putham Farm and now ow employs 60 staff. The range of high technology products includes electronic identification tags for the UK and international livestock industry.

Proprietor Richard Webber said: "We were delighted to show the Minister around the business and to explain our role in developing new products and technology to help livestock farmers meet the challenges they face."

From Cutcombe, the party moved on to hear of the work the National Trust is developing to manage the landscape in ways that help reduce flood risk.

Nigel Hester explained the measures being taken to help reduce run-off after heavy rain and to spread flood water so that it does not reach such high levels and is kept away from vulnerable properties.

Mr Benyon said: "Exmoor National Park has some of the most amazing and unique landscapes in England and I had a great opportunity to experience this first-hand and to meet some of the people who are working hard to improve the quality of life for the local community and visitors.

"I was pleased to see the various steps they have taken, such as using the latest technology to galvanise businesses and the pilot scheme set up to reduce the risk of flooding to this beautiful, natural environment."