PRESS RELEASE

Tuesday 15 October 2024

National Park celebrates 70th 'Exmoor Day'

Exmoor Day is coming soon on Saturday 19 October.

It’s a day when we take a moment to celebrate all that Exmoor offers and this year it’s an extra special one, as it marks the National Park’s 70^th anniversary and the 75th anniversary of the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Exmoor has officially been a National Park since 19 October 1954.

Sarah Bryan CEO of Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) wants to remember and thank “everyone who had the vision and foresight to create National Parks and allow people to have that access to and enjoyment of nature.”

Sarah continued: “National Parks were created in response to the end of World War Two, ensuring outstanding landscapes were protected into the future as national assets. 70 years on, we have been reflecting on where we have come and what the future may hold. The challenges surrounding looking after nature and enabling everyone to benefit from these spaces are greater than they’ve ever been, but so too are the opportunities. As we look to the next 70 years, we are committed to doing more for nature and people and we really appreciate everyone’s support in helping us fulfil those opportunities.”

Seven ways you can celebrate Exmoor day

and our 70th anniversary

Exmoor 70 for 70 virtual walk

Thank you to everyone who is walking, running, cycling, or riding 70 miles this month for Exmoor - It isn't too late to sign up...

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoor70

You can clock up your steps any time, any place, any how while raising funds for CareMoor for Exmoor.

Above: Exmoor70 for 70 Walk - background image by Shaun Davey

Donate to our CareMoor 70 for 70 Appeal

We know not everyone will be up for walking, but we're encouraging everyone who loves Exmoor to consider giving a gift, or fundraising in any way they like to raise £70 for 70 years of Exmoor as a National Park. Thank you to our 10 Platinum Sponsors for supporting our #exmoor70 appeal:

Exmoor Distillery, Porlock Holidays, Lynmouth Holiday Retreat,

Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway, Tors Park, Cottage Beer Project,

The Fox and Goose, Seven Fables Dulverton, Woodcombe Lodges,

Exmoor Tea Company

Exmoor 70 for 70

Above: CareMoor for Exmoor 70 for 70 Platinum Sponsors

Above: Exmoor National Park Staff and Volunteers with CEO Sarah Bryan celebrating 70 years at the National Park Centre in Lynmouth

Share your photos, memories and experiences of Exmoor or let us know how you’re celebrating by using the #Exmoor70 #ExmoorDay hashtags.

Look out for local business holding special promotions by searching #Exmoor70 #ExmoorDay online and on social media.

Visit one of our award-winning (and dog friendly) National Park Centres in Dulverton, Dunster and Lynmouth. There are interactive displays, Exmoor Films (with dedicated film theatres at Dunster and Lynmouth), and information on Exmoor’s dark skies as part of this year’s Dark skies Festival

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival

Friday 18 October until Sunday 3 November.

To mark #Exmoor70 our National Park Centres will offer a Discount of 10% off on Saturday 19 October to everyone mentioning the phrase ‘Exmoor Day 70’ and a Discount Code for 10% off in the online shop EXMOORDAY70 http://shop.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Give a unique gift

Why not dedicate a tree that you and your family can watch grow over the next 70 years or donate a gate at a special spot with a personalised plaque to remember loved ones, or to commemorate a special anniversary.

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor

Visit an historical site or enjoy one of our Exmoor Walks. There are lots to choose from for all abilities, from ‘accessible strolls’ to more challenging ‘classics’ – lots of inspiration here on our historical 70 sites for 70 years blog and at www.exmoorwalks.org

For press enquiries contact our media team

Above: Brian Seward who donated a gate in memory of his late wife Caroline who loved Exmoor

Exmoor National Park Authority - 70th Anniversary Year

First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – stunning coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.

For Dark Skies info visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival

Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received towards the upkeep of the National Park and its special qualities.

www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk