Art in Support of Improved Understanding of the Changing Character of Exmoor National Park

In June 2021 Professor Robin McInnes OBE, Managing Consultant at Coastal & Geotechnical Services, was commissioned by The Exmoor Society, in partnership with the Exmoor National Park Authority, to undertake a study investigating how historical artworks produced since the 1770s can inform understanding of the changing character of the National Park over time; this comprehensive study was completed in November.

?About the Study

What lessons can we learn from observations of changes that have affected the landscape and character of Exmoor National Park over the last 250 years? How and to what extent has the National Park been affected by both natural and anthropogenic influences over that time? Alongside technical tools available for monitoring environmental change we can now also take advantage also of a vast additional resource of historical imagery comprising paintings, watercolours and prints spanning the period from 1770-1950 that is becoming increasingly available online, and which allows a much longer-term perspective to be gained of all aspects of change.

Such insight can helpfully inform both future planning and day to day management of environmentally sensitive inland and coastal frontages such as those found within the National Park.

The key study objectives were to inform policy-making and site management by providing an easily accessible art resource tool for use by scientists and practitioners to help inform decisions made by the National Park Authority and partner nature conservation bodies at a range of spatial scales. The findings support nature-based solutions to coastal and countryside management problems by drawing on artistic evidence of historical management practices, and more widely supporting ecosystem services, increased biodiversity and green recovery;

The study also provides a new, non-technical community engagement and educational tool that can easily illustrate processes of landscape change within the National Park and the challenges this can present over time. The results of this study will be of value to a range of organisations and individuals that have an interest in sustainable environmental management, planning, cultural heritage and nature conservation.

The Final Study Report can be viewed and downloaded at:

https://www.exmoorsociety.com or www.coastalandgeotechnicalservices.com