VISITORS to Exmoor will be given discounts on purchases from National Park Centres in return for doing something to help care for the moorland, under a pioneering new pilot scheme which started this week.

Believed to be the first of its kind in a UK national park, and based on an idea from Denmark, the ‘Pay with Exmoor Care’ scheme will run until September 30.

Actions by visitors which will qualify for a 20 per cent price cut include picking up litter, travelling by public transport, including cycling, recording wildlife, and sharing positive messages on social media about caring for the national park.

People taking part can choose an action to complete, show evidence of it, and redeem the reward at National Park Centres in Dulverton, Dunster, and Lynmouth.

A national park spokesperson said: “The idea is simple, do a little good for Exmoor and enjoy a thank-you from us in return.”

Exmoor National Park enterprise and communications manager Dan James said: “We hope the scheme will encourage more people to take positive action while increasing awareness of responsible and regenerative tourism and supporting footfall and spend in national park centres during the summer.

“We believe it is a simple but powerful idea, rewarding small, positive actions, with real benefits.

“With the current cost of living challenges 'Pay with Exmoor Care' may also provide a little helping hand.

“It builds on the free and very low-cost activities we already offer to help ease those challenges, from guided walks and talks to activities in our National Park Centres and rock pooling sessions with our rangers.

“The pilot will also help shape future plans with the potential for the scheme to expand in 2027 to involve other providers, organisations and businesses.”

More information about ‘Pay with Exmoor Care’ can be found on the national park’s website.