Minister visiting Exmoor to discuss future vision

A MINISTERIAL visit to Exmoor will take place tomorrow (Thursday) as the national park authority showcases some of its successful work.
Jonathan Shaw (pictured), the new Minister with responsibility for national parks, will spend the day seeing projects for himself and considering important local issues.
Mr Shaw, who is Minister for Landscape and Rural Affairs, will discuss the future of farming and the vision for a carbon neutral National Park by 2025.
During the afternoon, he will travel to Anstey and Molland Moors to consider the potential impact of proposed wind farms outside Exmoor’s southern boundary.
Then, he will pay a visit to Blackpitts, near Simonsbath, to view habitat restoration work and moorland restoration proposals.
Mr Shaw, who has been Labour MP for Chatham and Aylesford since 1997, said: “Exmoor is important, not just for its wonderful scenery and tranquility, but for its contribution to a better environment for all of us through conservation of the land and wildlife and tackling climate change.
“I am impressed by the National Park’s efforts, working with others such as farmers and landowners, local communities, businesses, and local authorities so that many more people in the future can appreciate and enjoy Exmoor’s special qualities.”

'Royal' resident is settling in at Tropiquaria

A ‘royal’ guest has taken residence at West Somerset animal centre Tropiquaria.
Elfin, a royal python snake, was given to the centre’s collection shortly before Christmas and has now settled in and is being handled regularly in public.
The arrival of Elfin is part of a long-term aim by Tropiquaria’s new owners to specialise in African wildlife and to develop a collection themed on the sub-Saharan part of the continent.
Tropiquaria managing director Chris Moiser said: “Although this is a common African species, this individual is one of the most beautiful snakes that I have ever seen.
“They are occasionally found in this country as pets, but I have never seen such a well-marked specimen before, either in captivity or in the wild.”
Royal pythons are found across the whole of sub-Saharan African, from Senegal to Kenya.
The ‘royal’ part of the name comes from an alleged involvement with the Egyptian Queen Cleopatra, who was said to sometimes wear a live one.
Tropiquaria is currently open daily from 11 am to 4 pm until January 6th and then at weekends until February 9, which is the start of the school half-term holiday, when daily opening resumes until Sunday, February 24.
On the days when the Washford tourist attraction is closed, the centre is still available for exclusive group bookings.

• Our photograph shows Elfin the African royal python with Tropiquaria reptile keeper Rebecca Welsh. Photo submitted.