National Park celebrates 70th 'Exmoor Day'

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 70th 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.”

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.

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

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, Friday 18 October until Sunday 3 November www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/darkskiesfestival

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

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EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK MEDIA RELEASE

North Devon Focus. Looking back on a colourful 2018

NORTH DEVON COAST AND COUNTRY CHRONICLE 2018.
A colourful reminder of the year around the Bideford Bay area and Exmoor.
Looking forward to a bright and beautiful 2019 on the North Devon Coast. Thanks for visiting and following.

Moor rain, winter storms, wet recollections and looking skyward

January is nearly over and we still haven’t seen enough light to take a decent shot, a sunrise or a sunset. Such a gloomy start to 2018 colourless, featureless skies and rain, rain, rain…..

A succession of storms hit the UK as the New Year was heralded in with Storm Dylan followed in quick succession by Storm Eleanor on the 3^rd January then Storm Fionn on the 16^th. The constant roar of the wind, the sound of rain and hailstones lashing on the window pane made for a disturbing night’s sleep. The downpours have continued, culminating in flash flooding in parts of North Devon on the 21^st January.

We were driving over to Exmoor, dodging stone-studded flooded roads and diversions, driving up hill, as water cascaded from hedgebanks, culverts and gullies beside the road, then down again motoring on slowly through pools of water at the bottom of each hill. We passed swollen rivers, fast-running streams and flooded fields and still it rained….we stopped briefly at Simonsbath to take a shot of a wider than normal River Barle then headed out over Brendon where the River Exe was just starting to bleed onto the road then down to Malmsmead where Badgeworthy Water raced through the ancient packhorse bridge and over the ford.

We saw very little wildlife on the way, a buzzard, an Exmoor pony, head hung low, a few Ruby Red cattle and sheep of course all well prepared for the harsh weather up on the moor with their natural, fluffy winter coats. Looking a little less at home in the rain were a couple of horses over the fence standing stock still in their man-made coats. This makes me realise how birds and animals can fare well in bad weather with maybe just a little help from us humans. Local farmers are out feeding their animals at all times of day even on a Sunday and you too can do your bit by leaving food and water out for the  birds and critters in the garden.

As January 2018 draws to a conclusion it’s once again time for some colourful events starting with the RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch on 27th-29th January. Stargazers enjoyed  the first of two 2018 supermoons on 1^st January. The next one is on the 31^st January,  I am so hoping for a clear star-lit night and no moor rain....!!!

The River Barle in flood at Simonsbath. Photo copyright B. Adams (All Rights Reserved)

River Exe heading for the road. Photo copyright Pat Adams (All Rights Reserved)

Free running Badgeworthy Water at Malmsmead - Photo copyright B. Adams (All Rights Reserved)

 

The Road Ahead. Flood waters 21st January 2018 Photo copyright Pat Adams (All Rights Reserved)

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Lunar Eclipse and Supermoon 2018 

Tap here for Where and when to see the Supermoon 2018 UK

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 What is a Supermoon 

“Some people will call the full supermoon on January 31 a Blue Moon, too. That’s because it’ll be the second of two full moons in one calendar month. Moreover, the January 31 supermoon will stage a total eclipse of the moon.”  http://earthsky.org/space/what-is-a-supermoon

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Big Garden Birdwatch. 
Join in, and count the wildlife that's counting on you.
Tap here for information/request a pack

S is for SNAKE. Watch where you're walking on hot balmy days.

Found this little critter taking a sunny wander on the busy coast road at the Valley of Rocks, Lynton & Lynmouth on Sunday 7th June. Thanks to watching the feature on Adders on  BBC Springwatch recently I recognised it as a female Adder. I have never seen one before as they tend to hunker down in the undergrowth. We moved it back to the safety of the bracken, which is probably wrong but it was about to get squashed by a car! If you are a walker, explorer or dog walker you might want to read this Safety Note from Devon Wildlife Trust http://www.devonwildlifetrust.org/species/Adder/

 

Adder bites are rarely fatal to a healthy adult human but medical attention should be sought as soon as possible. If you are concerned about the safety of your dog, please refer to this ARC leaflet: http://www.arc-trust.org/…/Docume…/Dogs-n-Adders-leaflet.pdf

 

Female Adder

 

Female Adder 

Coast Road below at Valley of Rocks

Photos Pat Adams North Devon Focus (All rights reserved)

Hidden habitats of Exmoor to be explored

During August through to March, surveyors from the Devon Biodiversity Records Centre (DBRC) will be working with Exmoor National Park staff and local landowners to uncover hidden gems within the National Parks's diverse range of habitats. The Hidden Habitats and Sites of Exmoor project is funded by the Exmoor National Park Authority's Partnership Fund and DBRC. No new County Wildlife Sites have been identified on Exmoor since 2003, and with growing pressure on the parks landscape, these field surveys will help future planning of resources and projects to help protect its rich biodiversity. Devon Biodiversity Records Centre is the central repository for species, habitat and geological data within the county. Although a lot of habitat data is provided to DBRC by partners, groups and individuals, they also have an active programme of survey and monitoring which specifically focuses on local sites such as these. DBRC staff know that surveying on Exmoor can throw up unique challenges. Emma Magill who is leading the survey commented: 'Many sites are hard to access and include steep-sided river valleys so it can be physically very demanding and the weather can have a real influence on our progress. The continued dry spell has also made grassland sites more difficult to survey this year, but thankfully many sites show signs of recovering during September'. County Wildlife Sites contain some of Exmoor's rarest habitats including flower-rich meadows, lowland heathland and ancient woodland, many of which are of importance in a national context. A County Wildlife Site is not a statutory designation, unlike a Site of Special Scientific Interest, but is identified according to strict criteria and form part of the Local Sites Framework. They complement the already existing large suite of Sites of Special Scientific Interest on Exmoor. Exmoor's status as a National Park already offers large areas a level of protection through designation as Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). However, SSSI were designated prior to the birth of the Local Sites Framework and it is recognised that if Natural England were to consider designating new SSSI, numerous Local Sites would meet the criteria. Ian Egerton, DBRC Manager, concluded that: 'it is important we record the species present on these sites not only for their protection and future land management, but because these sites provide a way to monitor the health of the park if revisited over time. Many of the sites represent corridors through which mammals, butterflies and invertebrates can travel and connect. Climate change and land use change has put increasing pressure on many of the parks iconic species and maintaining a network of local sites will be important to ensuring Exmoor can continue to be home to species such as the heath fritillary butterflies and nightjar.

Heath Fritillary Butterfly - Coyright Chris Root

Four-legged employee is welcomed by charity

Devon Wildlife Trust (DWT) is celebrating the birth of a new staff member - one with four legs. Early on the morning of Monday 6 May one of DWT's herd of six pedigree Exmoor ponies gave birth to a colt (male) foal at the charity's Meeth Quarry nature reserve, near Hatherleigh. Meeth Quarry's Nature Reserve Officer is Ian Chadwick. Ian had been nervously anticipating the birth for several weeks and said: "I've been on 'foal watch' for awhile now, but of course the baby arrived very early on Bank Holiday Monday when no one was around. Nevertheless, mother and foal are doing very well, although the youngster was a bit wobbly to start with." Ian continued: "Our next job is to name the foal. With the mother being called 'Liquorice' we plan to carry on with a tradition of sweet names. The frontrunners at the moment are 'Fudge', 'Toffee' and 'Rock'." The arrival is especially welcome because it strengthens a vital team of workers within Devon Wildlife Trust. Speaking about their important role, the charity's Steve Hussey said: "The herd of Exmoor ponies are our unpaid workforce at Meeth Quarry. They work 24 hours a day, seven days a week munching the rank grasses and scrubby shrubs which would otherwise quickly overwhelm the nature reserve's open areas." Meeth Quarry is Devon Wildlife Trust's most recent acquisition. It was purchased in December 2012 using funds from Viridor Credits Environmental Company and generous local donors. At 150 hectares it is one of the largest of the charity's 48 reserves. Its Exmoor ponies are playing a crucial role in its upkeep. Using funding from Natural England, Devon Wildlife Trust has been busy since January improving the nature reserve for visitors and wildlife. Amongst many changes it has installed a number of trails for walkers, wheelchair users and cyclists. These paths link to the Tarka Trail which passes through the centre of the site which was a working clay quarry until 2004. At present Meeth nature reserve is not yet open to visitors but Devon Wildlife Trust is planning an opening event at Meeth Quarry nature reserve on Friday 31 May between 10.30am and 4.30pm. The free event will be a chance for people to visit the site for the first time and may be to catch a glimpse of charity's latest 'staff member' - the Exmoor foal. 

"Mother 'Liquorice' keeps a maternal eye over Devon Wildlife Trust's latest team member." - Photo copyright Devon Wildlife

Wider Focus. Stepping over to Exmoor

We have walked many a trail on Exmoor around Brendon Common and Doone Valley but a couple of times a year we step over the border to visit one of Somerset’s most popular attractions, the Tarr Steps. Located in Exmoor National Park between Withypool and Dulverton, there is a car park and toilets close by. (see map). The Exmoor National Park Authority are in the process of revamping the information at Tarr Steps top car park to include new interpretation boards, a new leaflet and circular walk so watch this space. At this time of year you can hear regular Kok-Kok followed by a clapping sound, this is pheasants from a local Shoot, watch out for them flying, flapping, feeding or roosting in the trees. It’s a gentle stroll down beside a lush meadow with views over to the wooded valley. You will eventually pass by Tarr Farm Inn and Restaurant before reaching the main point of interest, the ancient clapper bridge which spans the fast-running River Barle. The lower car park is for disabled visitors only, there is an ice cream kiosk here in the Spring and Summer. The Tarr Steps, like Clovelly is probably one of the most photographed tourist attractions and is popular with amateur and professional photographers as well as happy family snappers. Beside the huge stone slabs is a busy ford, 4x4’s, horse and riders make it look easy but mountain bike enthusiasts normally have a bumpy crossing and receive applause from onlookers if they succeed without falling into the brink. Canoeing is only allowed (by arrangement) downstream of Tarr Steps in order to reduce any potential impact on breeding birds and mammals. Nature lovers please note that the woodland around here is internationally significant for the mosses, liverworts and lichens. It was made a National Reserve in 2004. Local residents include dormice, which make their home in hazel, blackberry or honeysuckle. If you’re lucky you might just spot an otter or an eel. The Jubilee Trail, part of the Golden Walk series, is a short circular walk, signposted with orange waymarks from the bridge. Please scroll down for information on the longer route from Dulverton. The area is particularly colourful towards the end of October when these photographs were taken. The green spikes amongst the rusty leaves and bracken are an indication that come Spring the woods will be filled with bluebells.

 

 

  TAP HERE TO VIEW TARR STEPS FOCUS THROUGHOUT THE YEAR ON FLICKR

 

Tarr Steps is a 17 span clapper bridge (a bridge made of unmortared stone slabs), the longest of its kind in Britain.  It was first mentioned in Tudor times but may be much older.  The river has silted up over the last century and often now comes over the stones in times of flood.  The bridge has had to be repaired several times as stones of up to two tonnes have been washed up to 50 metres downstream.

Official Golden Walk from Dulverton – A varied walk taking in the Tarr Steps, the beautiful wooded valley of the River Barle, the heathland of Winsford Hill and its wild ponies. Visit Exmoor National Park website for the latest information on this walk.

• Visit Exmoor National Park Authority Web Site  
• Click here for information about Tarr Steps
• Kayaking /Canoeing on the River Barle. A new booking arrangement has been agreed with local landowners and user groups - Please click here for details
• Wikepedia Stub - Tarr_Steps
• Ordnance Survey Explorer Map OL9.
• Ordnance Survey Landranger Map 181.

View Larger Map
Following the recent flood damage to Tarr Steps, the longest clapper bridge in the country, early estimates show that repairs to the rights of way network around the bridge and across Exmoor National Park are likely to cost thousands of pounds. National Park Rangers are currently busy assessing the damage in more detail.

 

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Oriinal Article written Oct 2012 - Link updates Oct 2024 PMA

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Tap here to view  my Exmoor Trails On Flickr through the seasons 

 

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