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
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Exmoor National Park Authority is delighted to announce the launch of the programme for the biggest ever Exmoor Dark Skies Festival
Running from Friday 17 October to Sunday 2 November 2025. Sponsored by BMW Vertu, Bridgwater, this annual celebration of Exmoor’s internationally recognised dark skies promises a packed programme of over 70 stargazing events, science activities, storytelling and outdoor adventures. There's also a fun Exmoor Dark Skies Festival Competition for children.
The full free event listing and programme is available now from our Exmoor National Park centres and to download here
| Photo below - Telescopes available for hire and to buy in our National Park Centres | |
Thank you to our field services team who have been out cutting back footpaths and bridleways. Battling heat and horseflies, brambles and wasp stings - Over 150 miles of paths have been cut back so far this Summer across Exmoor. Our team use hand held hedge trimmers and only cut off annual growth, rather than deeper into the hedge, to help them avoid flowers and birds' nests, keeping the path network open, whilst minimising impact on wildlife.
And thank you to everyone who donates to CareMoor for Exmoor - you are helping to fund public access projects to help everyone enjoy being out in nature!
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Things to do this Summer
We have the last of our Ecology Action Days series coming up for young people.
Explore different habitats, enjoy interesting activities with our rangers and experience ecological surveying – no experience necessary!
Following some great sessions themed on Meadows and Woodland we still have these sessions available:
Rivers: Tuesday 19 August
Peatland: Thursday 28 August
"I found the Ecology day informative and interesting. The staff were really lovely and knowledgeable and I particularly enjoyed learning to identify trees and assess the health of the woodland" Henry
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To book a space, please email pioneers@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk stating the days you would like to book. Aimed at ages 16–18 years
Made possible with the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a legacy donation to CareMoor.
If you live in or around Exmoor and don't have access to transport, please get in touch - we may be able to help (although cannot guarantee).
| | Find lots of great Exmoor's walks help you to explore the best of Exmoor National Park. With over 1000km of footpaths and bridleways there are long and short walks on Exmoor for everyone like this one in the video above on Dunkery Beacon. Find out more here | | |
Come into our National Park Centres to join a free activity or drop in to discover...
-Exmoor Films on show
-Our state of the art digital microscopes
-Telescope hire
-More about Exmoor’s wildlife, heritage, landscape and dark skies, through inspiring and interactive displays
-Exhibitions
-Opportunities for young people to become a Park Protector
Find us in Dunster, Lynmouth and Dulverton
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The Red Deer of Exmoor
Come and find out all about native wildlife - Talk with Ranger Rich Eales
Saturday 23 August 2pm
Free - donations to CareMoor welcome
Lynmouth National Park Centre
Red Deer have lived on Exmoor since prehistoric times. It’s estimated around 3,000 deer today inhabit the farmland and moors, with people flocking to the area each Autumn to experience the rut.
| | Image above: red deer stag credit Heather Lowther | | |
8 White-tailed or Sea Eagles have been visiting Exmoor National Park over the last few years, following their release on the Isle of Wight by Roy Dennnis Wildlife Foundation and Forestry England.
Find out more about them and what they like to eat in this latest video above.
Three white-tailed eagle chicks have successfully fledged in Southern England this summer. The chicks were bred by eagles released in a joint project with Forestry England and the Roy Dennis Wildlife Foundation to return this lost species.
All of the eagles are tagged so we can keep up to date with their progress and we look forward to seeing if the chicks will follow the flight path of their predecessors and visit Exmoor.
More on White-tailed Eagles here
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Help Us Rebuild Venford Wood Footbridge
On 13 June, torrential rain swept through central Exmoor, destroying the much-loved Venford Wood Footbridge and damaging surrounding paths. This vital crossing connects walkers to Hawkridge, Anstey Common and the Barle Valley and we need your help to bring it back.
Read more here
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Any donation, large or small, will help restore this important crossing for walkers, nature lovers, and the local community Make a donation to CareMoor for Exmoor
Above and right: Before and After photos of the footbridge
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Sowing the Seeds
Thank you to the landowners who are helping us with our meadow restoration projects.
Our conservation team have been working hard, harvesting and sifiting seed from donor meadows, to create more species rich habitats across Exmoor supporting soil health and pollinators.
Read more on meadow restoration here
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Volunteering
Want to boost your CV, gain skills or work experience or just meet new people and enjoy the fresh air?
Come along to our Volunteer Coffee Morning to find out more about volunteering opportunities on Exmoor. Join staff and volunteers from Exmoor National Park for a friendly chat over tea/coffee and cake.
Monday 18 August at our offices - Exmoor House, Kemps Way, Dulverton
10:30am – 12 noon
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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 - 10 per cent discount for new customers!
Shop Now!
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Lost Exmoor: Hidden Histories, Untold Stories - Volume 1 - David Ramsay | | | The Official Exmoor National Park Calendar 2026 | | | |
Exmoor Strolls: Our Top 12 Step and Stile Free Walks | | | Sowing The Seeds Dedication Card (Personalised) | | | |
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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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