A NEW organisation inspired by the legacy of visionary Victorian pioneer in mathematics Ada Lovelace has been officially launched in Porlock.

Ada, daughter of poet Lord Byron, spent many summers 200 years ago living in the family’s Porlock Weir mansion Ashley Combe.

She is recognised as the world’s first computer programmer and her achievements in the field of mathematics were outlined by Dr Stephen Colson for the audience attending the launch of Ada in Porlock (AiP).

Dr Colson, Porlock Parish Council vice-chairman, stressed the importance of studying STEM subjects - science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

His colleague Paul Brooks showed how these achievements had helped create AiP’s programme of workshops and competitions for Moorland Federation primary schools and Minehead Middle School.

He urged people to consider taking up some of the many roles open to volunteers to support the project, including mentors and funders for schools, and for specific projects.

Dr Adrian Howkins and Dr Leonard Baker, both of Bristol University’s Department of History, shared their recent research on how Ada and her husband William King had developed the woodland surrounding Ashley Combe into a picturesque arboretum, importing exotic trees and shrubs and carving out romantic drives through to Culbone Woods.

Exmoor National Park Authority senior woodland officer Graeme McVittie reported on the authority’s collaboration with Ada in Porlock volunteers who have started a careful restoration of the woodland, revealing remarkable landscapes and vistas.

West Somerset MP Rachel Gilmour praised the project’s concept and achievements, recognising the special challenges facing schools in isolated rural communities.

Mrs Gilmour promised she would help Ada in Porlock and the local community ‘in every way’.

AiP chairman David Wardrop introduced the group’s new guide for anybody who wanted to walk through the village, pointing to buildings and architectural features which Ada would have known in her time.