Exmoor ParkLife - February 2026

Welcome to the latest edition of Exmoor ParkLife!

Keeping everyone up to date with National Park news and opportunities

Keeping up with the Pine Martens

Since their release on Exmoor, each of the 19 pine martens have been health-checked by a vet and fitted with a radio collar (designed to drop off after 6–9 months). These collars allow the Two Moors Pine Marten project to track and monitor their movements from afar.

Teams of dedicated volunteers have been out across Exmoor tracking the signals and keeping an eye on the pine martens as they explore, settle, and establish territories - some have travelled more than 40 miles!

Camera traps are also being used to record their activity, and once the collars drop off, images and videos will become the main way to monitor the pine martens

The Two Moors Pine Marten project aims to restore a healthy population of pine martens in the South West and is made possible with support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Photo Credit: Mark Hamblin 2020 VISION

Night vision camera footage from Devon Wildlife Trust

Buckley's Bees Announced as Sponsors of Exmoor 'Sowing the Seeds' Project

Buckley's Bees has sponsored the 'Sowing the Seeds' project via 'CareMoor for Exmoor', the Exmoor National Park Authority's (ENPA) donation scheme.

Thank you to Buckley’s Bees who are sponsoring our Sowing the Seeds project via CareMoor for Exmoor our donation scheme.

The sponsorship will directly support the ‘Sowing the Seeds’ Project, a CareMoor initiative dedicated to restoring nature rich wildflower meadows across Exmoor. Donations to this project help fund wildflower seed, specialist training, and on the ground support to recreate biodiverse meadow habitats that are vital for pollinators and other wildlife. Wildflower meadows provide essential food sources and shelter and play a key role in strengthening local ecosystem resilience.

Photo Credits: Ebb and Flow and Buckley's Bees

Exmoor's Biggest Ever Housing Needs Survey

Do you find accommodation on Exmoor unaffordable?

Are you a local worker who is unable to live or set up your own home in the National Park because of the cost of local housing?

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA), Somerset Council, and North Devon Council are calling on everyone who lives and works on Exmoor to complete the Exmoor Housing Needs Survey.

Megan from Exmoor Young Voices explains more about the housing survey

and why your input will help shape the future of housing on Exmoor

Traineeships launched for young people on Exmoor

We're delighted to announce the opening of two new early career job opportunities supported by the Exmoor Pioneers programme.

Exmoor has a growing skills gap in certain roles critical to caring for the landscape, while at the same time young people are struggling to land their first jobs in their dream careers. That’s why Exmoor Pioneers - a programme funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and a legacy to CareMoor for Exmoor - offers paid traineeships hosted by Exmoor National Park and local employers.

We also have a Seasonal Information Advisor post

based at our National Park Centre, Dulverton

Fixed term contract from 28 March to 1 November 2026

Join our National Park Centre teams and play an important role in promoting the National Park’s special qualities and enhancing the visitor experience.

Part Time, closing date for applications is midnight 25 February 2026.

Find out more here

Exmoor Beach Clean

Thank you to everyone who came along to the recent 'Day of Action' beach cleans at Lynmouth and Lee Bay. Including, Peter Hoyland from our Dunster National Park Centre and Plastic Free West Somerset, who took a brilliant lead in organising the event, Keith Hunt from Plastic Free Minehead, Lyn Climate Action Group, Earth Action North Devon and Lynton & Lynmouth Town Council.

Interested in volunteering?

Here on Exmoor we're really lucky to have a great team who work with us and help look after this amazing place, and help people enjoy and understand it. In return, volunteers have access to support and training, and the chance to develop skills.

From practical conservation to research, leading guided walks to undertaking wildlife surveys, there are voluntary opportunities for everyone.

Come chat to us at our Volunteer Coffee Morning

Friday 27th February 2026

10:30 am -12 noon, The Committee Room, Exmoor House, TA22 9HL, Dulverton

Drop by for a friendly chat, meet the volunteer support team and fellow volunteers.

New and existing volunteers welcome.

Find out more about the latest opportunities here

Credit Jonathan Ridley

From Water Vole Habitat to Peatland Restoration

Talk on Nature Conservation along the Upper Barle

Tuesday 24 February

3.30pm -5pm

Drop in to White Rock Cottage, Ashcombe, Simonsbath, for tea and cake from 3:30pm, with a presentation from our ecologists at 4pm

Find out more on how we’re working with our partners to conserve nature and natural resources on Exmoor, and to mitigate climate change impact such as flooding here

Exmoor Nature Festival

The 2026 Exmoor Nature Festival will take place from 16 to 31 May 2026 - a celebration of wildlife and well-being in the National Park.

Discover more about the unique wildlife and habitats of Exmoor, connect to nature and unwind. Full event details and progrmame coming soon, so keep your eyes peeled.

Interested in advertising in our 2026 Programme?

Download the advertising rate card and booking form at

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoor-nature-festival Prices start from £75 + VAT.

As well as our Exmoor National Park social media pages on a range of platforms, we also now have a CareMoor for Exmoor Facebook page, with news on how you can help us to improve access, conserve nature and cultural heritage.

Our new Facebook page will be a place to:

Share updates on CareMoor-funded projects
Highlight the people and organisations making a difference on Exmoor
Celebrate Exmoor’s landscapes, wildlife and communities
Share events, volunteering opportunities and local stories

If you’re on Facebook, we’d be very grateful if you could follow and share with anyone who loves Exmoor. Every follow helps spread the word and encourage support for the fantastic work happening across the National Park.

Thank you for helping CareMoor for Exmoor grow

Shop Exmoor!

Discover the Spirit of Exmoor - Online!

Looking for a taste of Exmoor from the comfort of home? Our Exmoor National Park online shop is brimming with locally sourced gifts, quality outdoor gear, and one-of-a-kind keepsakes inspired by the stunning landscapes of Exmoor. Whether you're after a thoughtful present or something special for yourself, there’s something for everyone.

Support local makers – visit our online shop today and explore what’s on offer! 10 per cent discount for new customers!

Exmoor Tales – Spring - A Personal Journal of Life on Exmoor

£7.99

Buy Now

Boxed set of Exmoor Explorer Walks

£8.00

Buy Now

Hope Bourne's Living on Exmoor

£12.99

Buy Now

Sale! The Official Exmoor National Park Calendar 2026

£2.99

Buy Now

There are lots of way you can give of your time and skills to support organisations working across Exmoor. Find out more about volunteering.

Can you donate to help Keep Exmoor Special? Discover how CareMoor for Exmoor donations are supporting vital conservation and access work.

Annual Parking Permits

Buy an annual parking permit covering free use of Exmoor National Park Authority car parks at Ashcombe (Simonsbath), Haddon Hill, Tarr Steps and Valley of Rocks for 12 months. Just £60.

Buy your parking permit