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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


Apprentice Ranger


A new Ranger Apprentice has been recruited to Exmoor National Park Authority following a very competitive application process. 

We welcome 18 year old Logan Schofield who has joined the National Park’s Ranger Team, to learn and develop new skills, knowledge and qualifications. Logan will work on everything from public access management to engagement activities, nature recovery and heritage conservation project work.


The apprenticeship is part of the ‘Exmoor Pioneers’ programme, which aims to nurture connections between people and the landscape, nature and heritage of the old royal forest of Exmoor around Simonsbath. As part of Exmoor Pioneers, a skills programme will provide opportunities for at least 10 young people over the course of the next four years.


It has been made possible with funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and by contributions from the Cynthia Hadley legacy via Caremoor and by BMW.


Read more here

Woodland projects

We're carrying out a number of important woodland projects across Exmoor this year, to aid temperate rainforest recovery, enhance nature and help conserve rare and heritage species. The significant damage and disruption Storm Darragh caused to Exmoor woodland has intensified the need to manage, rejuvenate and expand the treescape. The ENPA woodland team, with the help of specialist contractors, are working on the ‘veteranisation’ of certain trees to help support bats, birds and butterflies. Veteranisation involves strategic cutting of particular trees, to encourage fungi growth and to host insects, which in turn feed bats and birds like woodpeckers and pied flycatchers.

Above - Heath Fritillary Burtterfly - Credit: Jim Asher

ENPA are engaged in a long-term work in Culver Cliff wood and Hawkcombe Wood National Nature Reserve, to restore oak coppice. This will support the recovery of the rare Heath Fritillary butterfly, also traditionally known as the “Woodmans follower". because of its habit of occupying recently coppiced areas.



Graeme McVittie our senior woodland officer is overseeing all this work, follow his updates on our social media @exmoornp 'Exmoor Woodland Diaries'.


For an example - see our short video below.

Woodland management on Exmoor

Senior Woodland Officer Graeme McVittie talks about naure recovery following storm damage

Farming in Protected Landscapes

Anyone who manages land on Exmoor, can now apply for Farming in Protected Landscapes (FiPL) funding, for one off projects where nature, climate change mitigation or cultural heritage go hand in hand with agriculture and land management.


A dedicated FiPL team within Exmoor National Park Authority (all of whom are farmers and land managers) administer this scheme, offering support and advice to applicants. Since July 2021 ENPA has delivered almost £2.4 million worth of support for FiPL projects, with 172 successful projects completed.


You can contact ENPA about applications by emailing conservation@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

 

Read about some of the projects we've helped here

Credit: North Hayne Farm

Ground nesting birds and lambing season


Ground nesting bird season has begun and continues until 31 July


Keeping dogs on a lead helps avoiding disturbing ground nesting birds. Disturbance can lead to eggs not hatching or young chicks being taken by predators, as their presence is alerted.


It also helps to protect young livestock during lambing season. There have sadly been incidents of ewes being killed on Exmoor in the past few weeks.


Ranger Tim explains in this short video below why it's so important to keep dogs on leads near ewes and lambs.

Dogs on leads around lambs

National Park Centres

 

From the 29 March our Dulverton Centre at Exmoor House will be open 7 days a week 10-5


Dunster is currenty open weekends 10-3. From the 29 March open 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week


Lynmouth is open daily 10-3 From the 29 March 10am - 5pm, 7 days a week


Do come and meet our friendly team, who are on hand to inform and inspire you with their expert advice. 

Plastic Free Exmoor Community Clear up


In and around the village of Dunster on Saturday 22 March 10.30am-12 noon


Meet at the Exmoor National Park Centre in Dunster at 10.30am


Litter pickers and collecting bags provided, please bring along a pair of old gloves to wear



Part of the Keep Britain Tidy Great British Spring Clean


Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult

all participating children will receive a 'Million Mile Clean' certificate from Surfers Against Sewage.

Dunster Outback Guided Walks 2025


A 2h-2.5hr/4 mile guided walk, exploring the hills and landscape that surround the historical village of Dunster


Next one is Wednesday 2 April,

11:00 - 14:00 


Accessibility: The walk route includes some steep inclines, over uneven ground. A moderate level of fitness is required.


Please ensure you bring suitable outdoor clothing and walking boots.


Dogs on short leads allowed.


Booking and more info here


Walk starts at the Dunster National Park Centre Dunster.


Free event - donations welcome (for the CareMoor for Exmoor scheme supporting heritage, nature and access projects on Exmoor)



Exciting Business Networking Opportunity

at Dulverton National Park Centre


Join us for an exclusive business networking event at the newly relocated Dulverton National Park Centre at Exmoor House!

 

Date: Wednesday 26th March

Time: Drop in anytime between 4pm – 7pm

Location: Exmoor House, Dulverton

 

This is a fantastic chance to connect with fellow business professionals, meet the Rural Enterprise Team and National Park Centre staff, and explore the brand-new Centre. Whether you’re looking to collaborate, seek advice, or simply take a look around, we’d love to see you there!

 

Tea/Coffee and cake will be provided

 

No need to book—just pop in!

 

For more information contact ruralenterprise@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Exciting News!


Our Updated Exmoor National Park Online Shop is Here!


We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our updated Exmoor National Park Online Shop! Packed with fantastic products inspired by the beauty of Exmoor, it’s now easier than ever to find gifts, souvenirs, and essentials that celebrate this stunning landscape.


To celebrate, we’re offering an exclusive 10% discount on orders over £25.00 with code EXMOOR10. (Restrictions apply)


From locally sourced gifts to outdoor gear and unique keepsakes, there’s something for everyone. Visit our new online shop today and explore what’s on offer.


Shop Now

Boxed set of Exmoor Explorer Walks

£8.00
Buy Now

Exmoor National Park is the ideal place to explore the outdoors on foot. We have picked 10 of our favourite shorter walks and presented them on a water and tear resistant paper in a boxed set of easy to manage pocket guides. Through oak woodlands, alongside tumbling rivers and across open, heather-covered moorland, the variety is endless. Further details including videos of each of the routes are available on the Exmoor Walks website - www.exmoorwalks.org.   

OS Compass


£20.99
Buy Now

Boxed set of Exmoor Classic Walks

£10.00
Buy Now


Lorna Doone Gift Bundle


£6.99
Buy Now

Free Photography Talk


Saturday 22 March 1:30pm

National Park Centre, Lynmouth The Pavilion, The Esplanade, EX35 6EQ


Join landscape photographer Mark Asprey (photo above) for a fascinating talk with free tea, coffee and biscuits.


The talk is free but donations to are welcome to CareMoor for Exmoor



Please book tickets here


For more info call 1598 752509 or email 

NPCLynmouth@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk


An Exhibition of Mark’s work will also be on display in the Pavilion café from 17 March to 30 April



Free Lynmouth flood walk and talk


Tuesday 8 April, 2pm (and every 2nd Tues of the month -

8 Apr; 13 May; 10 June; 8 July; 12 Aug, 9 Sept; 14 Oct)


Hear all about how this event unfolded and how it changed the village and the lives of those who lived there


Starts Lynmouth National Park Centre, book here

Free event, Donations welcome to CareMoor



Find more events on Exmoor here

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

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