NEARLY 90 per cent of Exmoor’s 620 miles of public rights of way have been rated ‘open and easy to use’ despite the increasing challenges of storm damage, flooding, and moorland fires, a survey has found.

A national park authority (ENPA) spokesperson said: “The findings highlight the crucial role played by ENPA rangers, field services team, and the volunteer network.

“They uphold these standards despite financial challenges, increased vegetation growth, and the impact of recent years’ weather patterns causing blocked paths and destroying footbridges.

“In addition, ENPA continues to maintain and improve access infrastructure across the national park.

“The field services team produces Exmoor’s iconic gates, stiles, and fingerposts using timber grown and processed locally at its Exford depot, ensuring heritage-appropriate installations while supporting sustainable resource management.”

ENPA has also offered a ranger apprenticeship in the past year to enable a young person to learn and develop skills, knowledge, and qualifications.

“The apprentice has worked with the team on everything from public access management to engagement activities, nature recovery, and heritage conservation project work.”

ENPA access and recreation manager Dan Barnett said: “This is a fantastic effort by our team.

“Our rangers and field services team work hard to uphold our rating, despite rising costs and environmental challenges such as longer growing seasons and storm damage.

“In 2025, for example, the number of hazardous or windblown trees rose by over 500 per cent.

“While keeping on top of the day-to-day maintenance tasks, like vegetation cutting and fixing gates and signposts, we are also working to improve the public access network, making it more accessible for more people.

“We are also extremely grateful to our volunteers, who offer invaluable support surveying, practical repairs, and reporting issues, all vital activities that help maintain Exmoor’s network of paths across coast, moorland, woodland, and villages.”