THE Exmoor Society’s Spring Conference, to be held in Dunster Tithe Barn on April 15, has the theme of how natural beauty positively affects people’s wellbeing.

The conference is held in partnership with Exmoor National Park Authority, and this year sees the 70th anniversary of the 1949 National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act.

It recognises that they are special places where, over time, nature and people have produced areas of distinct character with significant ecological, biological, cultural and scenic values.

The Government’s 25-year Environment Plan states that the creation of designated landscapes has been among the most outstanding environmental achievements of the past 100 years.

At the same time, it has set up the Glover Review to see what changes are needed in delivering the national park purposes and enhancing their environments and communities.

The conference will celebrate the British approach to the national park concept by exploring what is inspirational about them, and Exmoor in particular, and how they contribute to the nation’s wellbeing from local to the national and international levels.

Glover panel member Dame Fiona Reynolds will open the conference by speaking about her recent book ‘Fight for Beauty’.

Peter Beacham, who was responsible for the former English Heritage’s listing programme, will describe the significance of buildings in the landscape. He will be followed by Rob Wilson-North, Exmoor National Park Authority’s head of conservation and access, who will explore Exmoor’s unexpected delights.

Adrian Colston, researcher at Exeter University into the management of the natural environment, will discuss hill-farming in a time of change.

Throughout the day, poet Adam Horovitz will be reading poems celebrating Exmoor’s farming life. His book The Soil Never Sleeps has been widely acclaimed.

Exmoor Society chairman Rachel Thomas said: “National parks were created because of their spectacular scenery, wide open spaces, rich wildlife and biodiversity, a rural culture stretching back to prehistoric times and their suitability for outdoor recreation.

“There is certainly much to celebrate about them and be inspired by places like Exmoor”.

The conference runs from 10am to 3pm, and includes lunch. It will close with further information on how Exmoor will be celebrating the 1949 Act.