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Welcome to the latest edition of

Exmoor ParkLife!

Keeping everyone with an interest in the National Park

up to date with the latest news and opportunities

Exmoor Fingerpost features in Natural History Museum

An old Exmoor National Park fingerpost is on display in the Natural History Museum, due to being covered in twelve rare lichens

The post features in an Exhibition called ‘Fixing Our Broken Planet’ as a prime example of a man-made item that has been recolonised by nature, and of an item recovered from an area with clean air.

The Natural History Museum has been working with us for some time to select the best exhibit, sending a renowned lichen specialist, Pat Wolseley to study species growing on old iconic signposts.

These particular lichens have been ‘frozen in time’ by specialists at The Natural History Museum, for educational reasons. They were very grateful and funded a new signpost, which hopefully will also attract more lichen species over years to come.”

Read more here

Ambitious New National Park Management Plan

Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) has unveiled its new Management Plan 2025-2030 – a Partnership Plan for Exmoor - setting out a bold and collaborative vision for the future of one of the UK’s most treasured landscapes.

Developed through extensive consultation with communities, partners, and stakeholders, the new plan was formally adopted by ENPA members at the July meeting of the Exmoor National Park Authority.

The Plan sets out a vision for Exmoor as a thriving, nature-rich landscape that leads the way in climate action, supports vibrant communities, and welcomes all who seek inspiration and connection with nature.

Read more here

Reviving Exmoor’s Heartlands

As part of the 'Reviving Exmoor’s Heartlands' landscape recovery project, we've been involved in a series of workshops, run by Savills. These sessions have offered farmers and landowners the chance to explore a range of topics, including dung beetles and their ecological role, woodland and wood pasture planting, moorland management, and the findings of a recent moorland breeding bird survey carried out across participating farms. Later this month, there will also be an opportunity to learn more about creating and managing species rich grassland.

These workshops have provided a valuable opportunity for knowledge-sharing, collaboration, and discussion of practical land management approaches. The aim is to support improved conditions for our Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs) while continuing to produce high-quality livestock.

Rights of Way

Summer is already a busy time for our rights of way and field services teams and extreme weather events can add to this. Danesbrook footbridge (above) near Hawkridge was recently swept away in a flash flood with debris scattered downstream as far as Dulverton.

Castle Bridge at the bottom of the Danesbrook was also damaged, after a 2m rise in the river level was recorded at the Brushford Gauge in less than two hours.

The bridleway remains open, as the ford is still passable, but walkers and cyclists need to wade through the water to cross. We're asking people not to try to cross when the river is high and to find an alternative route. The Danesbrook footbridge will be fixed later this year and we are working to understand ownership and responsibility for Castle Bridge, before clearance and repairs can be undertaken there.

Find more path news here or if you benefit from our paths how about a small donation to CareMoor for Exmoor in support of our work?

Active travel plan

We have been exploring how to improve ‘Active Travel’ options, like walking, cycling and horse riding, in and around Exmoor. Following local input and special government funding provided by Active Travel England, the Exmoor Active Travel Plan is now complete.

Active Travel means using your own body and energy to get around. It can offer the health benefits of more exercise and reduce traffic and pollution.

Read more here

Dog poo and footpaths

Spare a thought for our field services team who are out working hard vegetation paring. Dog poo left in undergrowth flies in the face of our field services team, when they are cutting back footpaths and bridleways. We're asking everyone to please pick up their dog poo and take it home to dispose of responsibly. Thank you.

White-tailed eagles

What have the Exmoor-visiting White-tailed eagles been up to recently?

Read more and find satelite tracking images on their movements here

Above is G625 - one of the 8 eagles that's been visiting Exmoor National Park over the last 6 years, following their release on the Isle of Wight.

Things to do this Summer

From a short stroll to an all-day epic, our range of Exmoor's top walks help you to explore the best of Exmoor National Park - an ideal place to explore the outdoors on foot. With over 1000km of footpaths and bridleways there are long and short walks on Exmoor for everyone.

Read more here

We have Ecology Action Days coming up for young people aged 16-18... (see image below)

Dunster Outback Guided Walk

11am start from Dunster National Park Centre, TA24 6SE Weds 6 Aug

A 4 mile circular walk through the ages, from the outskirts of Dunster village up to Bat’s Castle with amazing views of moorland, coast and woodland.

Walks every first Wednesday of the month until October 2025

Rockpooling with the Rangers

Lynmouth Seafront, EX35 6EQ

Opposite the National Park Centre

Saturday 26 July 1 - 3pm

Join Exmoor National Park Rangers in the rockpools of Lynmouth. Together we will search for chitons, crabs, sea anemones and find out more about the amazing wildlife that lives on the seashore.

Look out also for:

Storytime and Crafts 1 and 21 Aug

2-4pm

The Life of an Exmoor National Park Ranger 3 August, 2pm

Honey and the life of a Bee – Q&A and honey tasting, 6 August 11-1pm

and lots more events and activities here on our website

Working with schools

One of the most rewarding aspects of working with a National Park for our teams, is providing inspiring visits, inclusive learning and connection with nature.

Read more here

We had a wonderful delivery from South Molton United C of E Primary School Year 6 pupils recently, to our Lynmouth National Park Centre.

We love their amazing leaflets all about Exmoor National Park and why National Parks are so important.

Thank you for these marvellous pieces of work!

Volunteering

Share your passion for Exmoor National Park and help our visitors get the most out of their visit. We are looking for volunteers to help with activities and provide a warm welcome for visitors at our National Park Centre Lynmouth.

Call our staff at Lynmouth for a friendly chat about our Activity Assistant role tel: 01598 752509 or apply online here

Closing date to register your interest Fri 25 July.

Pine martens 

Fifteen pine martens were successfully released last year at secret locations on Dartmoor. Now camera trap footage has revealed the first glimpses of kits, recorded at a secret site in June this year. 

Read more here and watch the video below.

The Devon Wildlife Trust, funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, is leading a project to return a similar number of pine martens to Exmoor this Autumn. 

Over the past few months information events have been running for land managers and owners on Exmoor about living with pine martens.

The last info event and opportunity to find out more and share your questions this Summer is 31 July - held at South Molton Libary meeting room,12 noon -3pm.

These events are funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF). Find out more about Pine Maretns and their habitat in the video below.

For more Exmoor events funded by NLHF find out about the Exmoor Pioneers project here

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 and celebrate Exmoor – visit our online shop today and explore what’s on offer!

Shop Now!