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Welcome to the latest edition of Exmoor ParkLife!
Keeping everyone up to date with National Park news and opportunities
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Exmoor Nature Festival 2026
Not long to go now, two weeks of over 50 events coming up across Exmoor, Saturday 16 to Sunday 31 May!
From meadow yoga to woodland talks, farm tours to pool dips, there’s a wide range of wildlife and wellbeing activities happening across North Devon and West Somerset this May.
Here are just a few events coming up...
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Earth Notes - Moor to Coast Poetry
Thursday 21 May Dulverton, 5pm
How can poetry illuminate and deepen our relationship with the natural world? Join award-winning poets Jane Lovell, Mark Haworth-Booth and Graeme Ryan for readings and conversation that explore Exmoor’s wildness, beauty and resilience in this changing world.
Book here
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Dawn Chorus Bird Walk
North Hill Tank Ground, Minehead, Saturday 30 May
4-6am
Join Exmoor Ranger Charlotte Wray for an early morning walk at North Hill. Meeting before sunrise, we'll walk a circular route first listening for bats with bat detectors and then hearing the beginnings of the dawn chorus including whitethroat, dartford warbler and linnet.
Book here
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Rockpooling with the Rangers
Sunday 31 May 2026 2.30-4.30pm
Lynmouth seafront EX35 6EQ
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.
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The rockpooling site is very exposed so please dress for the weather. Water shoes or wellies encouraged. Nets, buckets and knowledge provided.
Free event - donations to CareMoor welcome online or pop in to Lynmouth National Park Centre opposite the beach.
Call 07970099116 or email cwray@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk for more info.
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Exmoor Society
Big Nature Day
31st May 10am-4pm at Nettlecombe Court
Perfect for the whole family, the Exmoor Society’s Big Nature Day offers a packed programme of hands-on creative workshops, guided nature walks, live performances, delicious food, inspiring stalls, interactive arts and fascinating talks from some of Britain’s best-known environmentalists.
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Find more details and the full event listing for the Exmoor Nature Festival here
Our thanks to the Somerset and Exmoor Local Visitor Economy Partnership for their support.
| | Credits: North Hayne Farm Lambs, Marsh Fritillary Butterfly Iain Leach, Heather Neville Stannikk | |
Supported Internships for young people on Exmoor | |
We are delighted to be part of a new Supported Internship Programme for Exmoor. Supported Internships are designed for young people who want to work but may need some additional support to get there. They are a great opportunity to improve the life chances of young people with SEND or other challenges by supporting them into sustained, paid employment – while meeting the needs of local employers.
This programme has been developed with the support of the Exmoor Pioneers programme, which is funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund and a legacy to CareMoor for Exmoor.
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Exmoor's Historic Environment Record Brought to life through film | |
Exmoor National Park has been included in a new film produced by Historic England, celebrating the work of Historic Environment Records (HERs).
The film features Dr Lucy Shipley, Historic Environment Record (HER) Officer for Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) below, talking about her role and the Exmoor sites cared for by the Historic environment team at ENPA. The job of the HER Officer for each National Park is to collect information about all important places in our Heritage and to share that information with the public. In both National Parks and across the country the data held in HERs is used to make decisions on land use and management practice, working closely with Natural England, Historic England and landowners.
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Dr Lucy Shipley, Historic Environment Record (HER) Officer
for Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA)
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Over recent months, volunteers have been helping us care for and better understand some of Exmoor’s most vulnerable archaeological sites. Volunteers learned how to scythe, using traditional techniques to clear vegetation gently and effectively, without damaging archaeology beneath. This has helped to prepare the sites for a geophysical survey taking place in June. Volunteers have learned a range of archaeological skills, carrying out work essential for monitoring the condition of these prehistoric monuments, improving our understanding of them, and ensuring they are protected and documented for future generations. This is just the beginning of the project, and there will be plenty more opportunities to get involved over the coming months.
Find out more here
| | 'Flavours from Exmoor' Celebrated in London | | |
Exmoor National Park went to an event in London this week, showcasing 'Flavours from Exmoor' at a reception in the Houses of Parliament hosted by local MP Rachel Gilmour. It was a great opportunity to highlight Exmoor's amazing produce.
Despite a busy day in Parliament, we were honoured so many MPs and their staff came to discover all that Exmoor offers and that Alistair Carmichael MP, Chairman of the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Select Committee took time to address the reception.
Our thanks to Visit Exmoor for pulling the day together. Read more
| Two Moors Pine marten Project Community Grants | | Pine Marten Kits: Mark Hamblin 2020 Vision | | The Pine Marten Community Grant offers community and nature groups, schools, businesses and landowners an opportunity to support pine marten recovery in the southwest of England. The scheme welcomes a broad range of creative applications and ideas. Consideration will be given to all applications that can demonstrate a tangible benefit to pine marten and woodland recovery in the southwest through habitat management and by supporting pine marten champions and nature recovery scientists. Read more here | |
Exmoor National Park celebrates Rights of Way and Access achievements | 89 per cent of 1000km of public rights of way on Exmoor is rated "open and easy to use", according to the latest survey for 2025/26. Despite financial challenges, increased vegetation growth, the impact of storm damage blocking paths, flooding and fire, our field services team continue to maintain and improve access infrastructure across the National Park and produce Exmoor’s iconic gates, stiles and fingerposts. | | | Photo credit Shaun Davey c/o Exmoor Commons | |
What are we doing for nature on Exmoor?
Our first Biodiversity Duty Report has been published, showcasing five years of action to conserve, restore and enhance the National Park’s wildlife and habitats.
The report demonstrates major achievements in delivering for nature - in line with new statutory requirements introduced under the Environment Act 2021. Covering January 2021 to January 2026, it also sets out the pressures and challenges facing Exmoor’s landscapes, species and ecosystems. ENPA has been working with farmers, landowners, partners, and volunteers to deliver a wide programme of work to strengthen Exmoor’s biodiversity.
Read more here
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The Dovey Manor Museum in Porlock is staging a new exhibition, supported by the Exmoor National Park Partnership Fund, exploring the history of the marsh and celebrating its rich flora and fauna.
It also examines that tense debate in the 1980s when the future of the ridge and the marsh was a test case for the nation’s policies for coastal defence.
The exhibition opens on Friday 1 May, running until the end of October. The museum is open daily from 10am until 4pm (closed on Wednesdays).
For more information go to www.doverymanormuseum.org.uk
| | For more events and news keep an eye on our social media! | | |
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!
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Hope Bourne's Living on Exmoor | | | NEW! The Complete Guide to the UK National Parks - Mike Appleton | | | |
NEW! The Official Exmoor National Park Calendar 2027 | | | Boxed set of Exmoor Explorer Walks | | | |
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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
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