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Exmoor Associates
Help be a part of the bigger picture!
Exmoor Associates is based on the concept of a small friendly group, focused on the purchase and maintenance of available land on the route of the former railway. Currently working towards conversion into a Community Interest Company, Exmoor Associates is committed to the principle of a fully restored railway between Lynton and Barnstaple.
Our Land
Exmoor Associates has been set up to acquire trackbed and property along the route of the former Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, so as to allow for future reinstatement. The route of the railway is 19 miles long, and currently comprises of a patchwork of different land owners.
Collard Bridge
To date the company have successfully purchased three sections of trackbed. The first section was ten acres of grass and woodland, with river frontage, at Collard Bridge in the Yeo Valley. "Collar Bridge", as it was known by railwaymen, marks the start of the 1 in 50 ascent which continues for the next 8 miles to Blackmoor at the boundary of Exmoor. The bridge gets its name as it is where the real collar work started for the loco crews.
This section of land and trackbed plays an integral role in the conservation work of Exmoor Associates.
Elsewhere…
We have other trackbed we now also own, including an impressive half mile stretch of the old railway at Blackmoor through part of the former Challacombe Estate.
We are currently in negotiation to purchase several other exciting and significant new sections of land and trackbed along the route of the old railway. Slotting the many pieces of the former Lynton & Barnstaple back together is very hard work, and we only have limited funds with which to do it. If you would like to help us with future acquisitions, why not help support us?
Conservation & Environment
Exmoor Associates land is managed with an emphasis on conservation and the environment. Land owned by Exmoor Associates, both along and around the railway formations, provides an important habitat for a wide variety of wild and plant life. Our river banks provide hunting ground for otters, and bats often circle the trees. From insects and small mammals through to a wide variety of deciduous trees in our woods and wild flowers in the lower meadows, Exmoor Associates is keen to see the continued care and protection of their environment.
Exmoor Associates is keen to enhance biodiversity on our land and aims to optimize the potential for wildlife by means of a ‘soft’ approach to land management, something that we have been complemented on, most noteably by the Environment Agency. This approach includes practices such as hedge laying, coppicing and dead hedging, creation of log piles, creation of wild meadows, maintenance of Devon banks and the management of dominant plant growth.
Environmental and conservation matters concerning land managed by Exmoor Associates are dealt with in accordance with this conservation policy and in consultation with local Wildlife Trust members.
Support Us!
Exmoor Associates is constantly negotiating for exciting new acquisitions. In order for us to purchase new land, as well as continue to improve and maintain our existing property, we require funding. Our company is a strong believer in maximizing the value of its funds. We have agreed that all property we purchase is done so at or near market value. We also endeavor to ensure that all work carried out on our property is done to the highest possible standard, yet at the best prices that we can achieve.
Shareholders of Exmoor Associates do not expect to receive a dividend, as it is our policy that any income is put straight back into further property acquisition or maintenance of existing land. This is reflected by the fact that we are currently seeking Community Interest status.
By becoming a shareholder, you can make a significant contribution towards the long term reinstatement of a railway between Lynton and Barnstaple.
Buying Shares
Buying shares in our company is one way you could be a part and help… Shares can be purchased in Exmoor Associates at £1 each. The minimum share holding is 500 shares, and shareholders can increase their shareholding in increments of 500. There are now two ways you can buy shares in Exmoor Associates:
- By standing order monthly installments. Only when the total paid reaches the value of 500 shares will a share certificate be issued.
- By single one off payment for a minimum of 500 shares
Exmoor Associates has in place a shareholders agreement, preventing hostile takeover, and must be signed by any party wishing to buy shares in the company. Shares are issued at the discretion of the company’s directors.
If you are interested in buying shares, please contact us where we will be pleased to discuss it further and answer any of your questions.
Contact Us
If you have any ideas, comments or suggestions; or if you would like to make a general enquiry or buy shares, please send your email to enquiries@exmoor-associates.co.ukYou can also contact our company secretary,
Tony Brown, tel: 020 8539 3067.