THE chief executive of Exmoor National Park Authority has warned of a “nightmare scenario” if there are further cuts to the park’s budget.

In the last five years, Exmoor saw its government grant cut by 40% in real terms resulting in job losses, projects cancelled and maintenance work being paired back.

None of the main parties have promised to ring-fence future grant provision which has led Dr Nigel Stone to warn of serious problems should funding be reduced again.

“We have not sought to complain and realise that the whole of public spending is under pressure,” said Dr Stone.

“This is particularly so for expenditure by government that is not protected, including that of Defra, the main sponsoring department for national parks.

“We are realistic about the challenges that lay ahead and we are doing all we can to be as efficient as possible and seek funding from other sources.

“We have sought to minimise any impacts on local communities and on the experience of visitors that make a vital contribution to the local economy.

“While it is speculative at this stage, we are worried that any further funding reductions will have a much bigger impact than the ones we have experienced so far.”

He added: “Ultimately, we believe that we provide good value for the public investment that, for Exmoor, amounts to around fivepence a year per person in England.

“This funding enables us to work alongside local communities to look after the valued landscapes which, in Exmoor’s case, brings in around £100 million a year to the regional economy from two million visitor days.“ The Exmoor Society, which works to protect and enhance the moor, has issued its own manifesto calling on candidates to make clear their support for the park.

Rachel Thomas, the society’s chairman said: “The real danger is funding that is like salami slicing where you cut until there is very little left.

“If that happens it would be an absolute tragedy because the authority does so much work which enhances the moor. We could lose the habitats, the archaeology and the farming.”

Dr Stone added: “According to Visit Britain, our national parks are a recognised international brand. We get a lot of visitors from Europe which contributes to the balance of payments for the UK. If we are not maintaining that brand, that will suffer. If you look at other countries they are investing in their national parks.”