ENGLAND'S wettest year on record - 2012 - has taken its toll on Exmoor with repairs to the network of footpaths and bridleways likely to cost tens of thousands of pounds.

Worst affected is the area around Tarr Steps where floods just days before Christmas swept away an estimated two thirds of the ancient clapper bridge.

Although plans are being drawn up to rebuilt the iconic landmark over the River Barle, Exmoor National Park rangers have discovered the floods have had a serious impact on the surrounding countryside.

The heavy and prolonged rainfall has resulted in fallen trees, landslips and surfaces washed away.

A popular circular footpath around Tarr Steps, taking in its surrounding woodlands and Sites of Special Scientific Interest, has been particularly badly damaged.

But the money needed to repair it and other parts of the network is more than the national park has in its funding pot for annual public path maintenance.

So the authority has launched an appeal for the public's help.

And a number of local people and businesses have already offered financial help towards the repairs through an existing conservation and access fund CareMoor.

The fund had only recently committed cash to developing new interpretative material at Tarr Steps to enhance the area and provide better information, including promotion of the circular path which now needs extensive repairs.

In the past year alone, contributions from businesses, visitors and local communities have provided thousands of pounds towards different projects.

But the national park is hoping that people will dig even deeper to help fund the recent damage.

Dan James, the authority's sustainable economy officer said: "For residents and visitors alike, the path network is an important part of enjoying Exmoor National Park and we are keen to get things back to normal as soon as possible.

"If anyone would like to support us they can send a donation, however large or small, by cheque, payable to Exmoor National Park (CareMoor) and send it to Exmoor House, Dulverton, Somerset TA22 9HL."

Mr James said the authority hoped to make online donations possible very shortly.

"Businesses can participate too, either through a one-off donation, or helping to raise funds from their customers through a variety of different ways."

However, despite the damage, the national park is keen to stress that although some of the paths are damaged, virtually all of them can still be used.

"Exmoor is very much open for business," said Mr James.