A SUMMIT in Exeter will kick off the first Dartmoor and Exmoor Low Carbon Festival — an event promoting low-carbon living and business activities in and around the South West's two national parks.

The festival has been organised to engage moor-based communities and businesses in promoting innovative solutions to a low-carbon future.

The opening event at the Met Office on Friday, October 9, will be attended by business and community leaders from across the South West.

Delegates will debate the challenges for the national parks and the implications posed by climate change for the wider South West.

Tim Stokes, sustainability and economy manager of Exmoor National Park Authority, said: "The national parks have abundant renewable energy resources, of which only a small proportion has been exploited. The way in which land is managed within the national parks offers the potential to absorb and store large quantities of greenhouse gases.

Following the summit, more than 20 local events are taking place from October 9- 13, to show business owners and the public how to make their own low carbon contribution. For more information, visit www.lowcarbonfestival.co.uk.