Category: Events

‘Bogtastic’! – Tuesday 26 July 2016

NEWS FROM EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK

A free, fun family adventure day for all ages around Simonsbath and Blackpitts, Exmoor National Park

 “I held my first glow worm”; “Amazing fun, very informative”; “fantastic free event”; “lots of muddy but happy people”
Bogtastic visitors

This  ‘drop in’ event will feature the Bogstacle course, stream dipping, live bats, the opportunity to visit one of the South West’s last remaining operational water powered sawmills, and lots more all-weather and undercover activities. There is something for everyone! Entrance is free, although some activities may request a small charge. There are toilet facilities and food available on site – parking at Simonsbath, follow the Bogtastic signs.

Held during UK National Park’s Week and in the month of International Bog Day, Bogtastic is the South West’s biggest and best bog festival celebrating the special qualities of Exmoor’s bogs, heritage and wildlife. Over 400 people attended last year!

The UK has 20% of the World’s blanket bog and Exmoor is fortunate to have some of this rare and fascinating habitat.  This unique and internationally important landscape is often considered to be the UK’s equivalent of Brazil’s exotic rainforest. Not only is it home to numerous endangered species and a carnivorous plant, the sundew; it naturally stores carbon dioxide and water.

Exmoor National Park ‘has some of the finest and unique examples of bogs in the UK. Bogtastic is a festival of fun and learning – a great opportunity to learn more about this special landscape and Exmoor’s amazing wildlife and heritage’ Morag Angus (Exmoor Mires Partnership).

Bogtastic coordinator Lucy McQuillan says: ‘Bogtastic is great fun for all ages so do come and join in the fun, please wear outdoor clothing, wellies and bring spare clothes.”

For further information on Bogtastic please contact: Lynmouth National Park Centre on 01598 752509. If you’d like volunteer at this event please contact Patrick Watts-Mabbot on 07973 727469|
or visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk
or the Facebook page www.tinyurl.com/bogtastic16.  #Bogtastic16.

Porlock Marsh BioBlitz Wildlife Adventure Day

Wannabe wildlife explorers, young and old, are invited for a day of discovery to help find out what’s living on Porlock Marsh, on the coast of Exmoor National Park. The Porlock Marsh BioBlitz Wildife Adventure Day takes place from12 noon on Saturday 9 July to 12 noon on Sunday 10 July 2016, based in Bossington village, and everyone is welcome. 

The team of experts on hand will be looking for people to help them to identify as many birds, bugs, plants and beasties over 24 hours as possible. There will be events for kids, grown-ups, beginners and experts running throughout the day … and night.

For families and beginners, there will be stacks of activities to help introduce everyone to nature, including a chance to join a guided walk looking for birds, butterflies, bugs and saltmarsh plants, or join the sea-watch crew looking for porpoises and seabirds. ‘Night owls’ can join the creatures of the night walk to look for bats and moths, and get up close to real owls from the Exmoor Hawk and Owl Centre. Or early birds can join the breakfast bird walk and see some of the creatures that have been spotted overnight at Basecamp.

Amateur naturalists can join one of the survey teams, led by local experts and enthusiasts, and take part in identifying and recording particular wildlife groups and help complete the big nature survey. Just like the wildlife, different teams will be active at different times of day so people can change groups if they wish.

All activities are free, but numbers may be limited for some walks. See the programme at http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/bioblitz for full details or follow us on Twitter @WildlifeENPA, #pmbioblitz. 

The BioBlitz is being organised as part of the Porlock Marsh Vision project. Project Manager Clare Reid said “The BioBlitz is a great opportunity for people to get involved in surveying the wildlife of Porlock Marsh. It will help us to understand more about what’s living on the Marsh, and what’s special about it, and hopefully we’ll have lots of fun finding out! We’re very grateful to the two landowners – the National Trust and Porlock Manor Estate, and to Mike Dyer for the use of his barn for our Basecamp.  We’d also like to thank all the activity leaders and volunteers for helping to run the event.” 

Nigel Hester, from the National Trust which is hosting the event, said “We are very pleased to be working with our partners Exmoor National Park Authority, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset Environmental Records Centre, Natural England and the Exmoor Natural History Society to put on this event. Porlock Marsh has changed significantly since the breach in the shingle ridge 20 years ago, so this BioBlitz provides a great opportunity for us to find out more about how wildlife is adapting to the changes since then. Let’s hope we can rack up a great species list – and perhaps even find something rare.”

A range of accommodation is available locally including hotels, B&Bs, and campsites. Anyone that would like help in finding suitable accommodation should contact the Porlock Visitor Centre, telephone: (01643) 863150, email: visit@porlock.co.uk

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 The Porlock Marsh BioBlitz Wildlife Adventure Day will be based at Bossington village, accessed from the A39 Minehead to Porlock road. Additional car parking will be provided in Bossington village. Please follow local signage.

The BioBlitz will run from 12 noon on Saturday 9 July, to 12 noon on Sunday 10 July. Some activities will be running throughout the day, and there are a number of specific surveys and guided walks which will take place at particular times – please check the website for the full programme and detailed timetable. All events are subject to change and some may be weather and tide dependent. 

Please take care when visiting Porlock Marsh, keep to the footpaths and be aware of the tide times as the Marsh and some footpaths will be flooded at high tide, including the boardwalks.

A range of accommodation is available locally including hotels, B&Bs, and campsites. Please contact Porlock Visitor Centre if you need help in finding suitable accommodation. Tel: (01643) 863150, email: visit@porlock.co.uk

The BioBlitz is being organised as part of the Porlock Marsh Vision project, a partnership project promoting the conservation and enjoyment of Porlock Marsh. For further information about the project, go to http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/Whats-Special/porlock-marsh-vision

Photo: Porlock Marsh, credit:  Dan James/ENPA

 

 

Bogtastic 2016

Following on from last year’s successful event which was attended by more than 400 people, Bogtastic 2016 takes place on Tuesday 26th July from 10am to 4pm in and around Simonsbath. 

Bogtastic A4This free family event is a fun adventure day celebrating Exmoor’s wildlife, moorland and heritage with many activities and displays.  In Simonsbath, the River Barle flows past the historic water-powered sawmill, under the old stone bridge and by a meadow, along a beautiful moorland valley. Here you can play games and go stream dipping to find out about the river’s wildlife – fish, otters, birds, bats and creatures you’ve never seen – it’s a great place for a picnic too. Take a minibus up the hill to where the sky larks sing at Blackpitts and explore the bogs full of multi-coloured mosses.

Held during UK National Park’s Week, Bogtastic is the South West’s biggest and best bog festival. This  ‘drop in’ event will feature the Bogstacle course, live bats, the opportunity to visit one of the South West’s last remaining operational water powered sawmills, and lots more all-weather and undercover activities. There is something for everyone! It is free entry, with toilets and food on site and locally. Bring your wellington boots and dress for any weather – there is shelter in case it tries to rain.

See you at the welcome tent! 

Entrance is free, although some activities may request a small charge. For further information on Bogtastic please contact: Lynmouth National Park Centre on 01598 752509 or visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or the facebook page.

New Festival will celebrate the Victorian’s contribution to Exmoor tourism

The heritage team at Lynmouth Pavilion Project have been exploring the ‘History of Tourism’ in their third and final year. Moved by the impact of the Victorians in creating links, opening roads, inventing steam locomotion for easy travel, and ‘taking the waters’ in their bathing machines, Louise and Abbie have come to the conclusion that the Victorians practically invented Exmoor’s tourism.

In recognition of this, and the changes they brought, the team has been planning a Victorian Festival with events taking place from Monday 20th to Friday 24th June across Lynton and Lynmouth, Dunster, Porlock and Allerford.

Abbie Thorne said “we thought we’d take advantage of the Ilfracombe Victorian Festival happening the week before – there’ll be lots of Victorians in the area looking for other entertainments. We’re hoping they’ll stay on for a few more days and see more of Exmoor, in costume!” she added “we’ve tried to arrange a few interesting activities for the Victorians – watch out for them as you’re out and about.”

Louise Reynolds added “it’s a full line-up – heritage walks through Victorian Lynton as well as Porlock, illustrated talks, slideshows, films, special tours of Dunster Castle and more. There are even traditional Victorian craft activities. We’ve invited local businesses to be involved and know that some will be dressing up, like the Coach House in Lynton where traditional Victorian cream teas will be on the menu!”

Abbie explained that “the Festival will move from village to village during the week, starting in Lynton and Lynmouth on the Monday and Tuesday. Wednesday will see activities move to Dunster, with Porlock on the Thursday and Allerford on Friday.”

The Victorians were responsible for the steam era and so there will be Victorians at Woody Bay Station as well as a talk from the Paddle Steamer Preservation Society. The Cliff Railway in Lynton and Lynmouth owes its construction to the Victorians and so the programme involves them too.

During the Festival the Project team will be sharing some Victorian postcards and images, and scanning your old photos too. A member of the project team will be at Dunster National Park Centre on the 22nd June from 2-4pm and at Porlock Visitor Centre on the 23rd from 2:30-4:30pm ready to scan your pictures.

 “There is a fairly packed programme” says Abbie “so check the line-up and we hope to see you at some of the events”. The programme is available on the Project Facebook Page and Twitter, or in the National Park Centres.

TICKETS NOW ON SALE FOR CALVERTSTOCK 2016

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CalvertStock, North Devon’s family friendly music festival, is back for its 5th consecutive year in aid of Calvert Trust Exmoor. The 2 day event takes place on the 24th and 25th June 2016, at The Old Station House Inn, Blackmoor Gate, (EX31 4NW), just 1/2 mile from Calvert Trust Exmoor.

CalvertStock is a fantastic music event in aid of Calvert Trust Exmoor, the South West’s premier outdoor activity destination for people with disabilities, and features two stages with an exciting line-up of bands, as well as stalls, fair rides, and food.

Tickets for this fantastic event are now on sale, with an ‘early bird’ special available until the end of May, offering 2 days entry a 2 days camping for just £10 per person. Tickets can be purchased online from www.calvert-trust.org.uk/tickets, or in person from Calvert Trust Exmoor or The Old Station House Inn.

The musical line-up features local, national and international artists covering a wide variety of musical genres, all gathered together to enjoy a relaxed family friendly atmosphere and support a fantastic cause. The array of acts includes;

Friday 24th Main Stage:-

Headline Act; The Bright Eyes – www.thebrighteyes.co.uk

Julian Langer – www.facebook.com/julianlangermusic

The Salvador Darlings – www.thesalvadordarlings.com

 

Saturday 25th Main Stage:-

Headline Act: Diamond Dogz (Bowie Tribute act) – www.lemonrock.com/diamonddogzband

Snakebyte – www.facebook.com/snakebyteofficial

Steel Threads – www.steelthreadsmusic.co.uk

The Vim Dicta (USA) – www.thevimdicta.com

Falling Apart – www.falling-apart.co.uk

Zamba – www.facebook.com/zambaband

The 5.15 – www.thefivefifteen.com

Audio Clash – www.facebook.com/ACNoise

Mobilizer – www.facebook.com/mobilizerband

Saturday 25th Acoustic Stage:-

Headline Act: Dave Sharp (Ex The Alarm) – www.davesharp.org/

Kiera Osment- www.kieraosmentmusic.com

Bicycle Repair Man – www.bicyclerepairmanmusic.co.uk

Tiger Lilly – www.tigerlillymusic.co.uk

Bache- www.facebook.com/andrewehcab

Charlie Charlesworth – www.facebook.com/charley.charlesworth

Karl Kiff- www.facebook.com/karl.kiff

Into The Autumn – www.facebook.com/intotheautumn

“We’re delighted that CalvertStock is back for its 5th consecutive year, and people are already supporting us by buying tickets from the website. All the money raised from CalvertStock goes straight into helping people with disabilities, and we really appreciate the support.

We would like to say a massive thank you to all the great musicians who have volunteered their talents to support us; it’s going to be great couple of days with some fantastic music, which last year raised £4,500. Huge thanks also to everyone who has already helped to make this a wonderful event, in particular First Steps Management, Lathwell Associates, Mr. Purchase for hosting the camping, and of course The Old Station House Inn for hosting the event.”
Rob Lott, Head of Communications at Calvert Trust Exmoor

To find out more about CalvertStock 2016 please go http://www.calvertstock.com/  or contact Calvert Trust Exmoor on 01598 763221.

Photo: Copyright Tim Lamerton Photography

Date for the Diary: Simon Dawson at the Simonsbath Festival

Wednesday 11 May @ 7:30pm – St Luke’s Church

Simon Dawson

London Suits to Welly Boots –

the true and funny story of how I accidentally fell in love with the Good Life

Following a drunken misunderstanding, Simon Dawson agreed to give up his Simon Dawson 1 London life and move to the wilds of Exmoor, where he and his wife Debbie started from scratch a 20 acre self sufficient smallholding, cram-packed with opinionated, characterful free-range animals. 

Simon is an author of several books including, The Self Sufficiency Bible and two comic memoirs, Pigs in Clover and The Sty’s the Limit. He is also a journalist and radio personality. He has cooked on TV with Gary Rhodes, appeared on Countryfile with Adam Henson and was featured in Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild UK on Channel 5.

Simon Dawson 2For more details about Simon and Debbie please see the Hidden Valley Pigs website (external link).

Advance booking: £10 to reserve the seat of your choice; £5 for unreserved seating (£6 on the night); 14 year-olds and under free.

To book tickets and snacks please use the online form at Order Tickets or contact Marian Lloyd.

Date for the Diary: Simonsbath Sawmill Open Day

National Mills Weekend 2016

Saturday 14th and Sunday 15th May 201

National Mills weekend is the annual festival of our milling heritage and this year both of Exmoor’s historic, water powered sawmills at Timberscombe and the National Park Authority owned mill at Simonsbath – will be open to the public on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15 May 2016 ,

Graham Wills who will be opening the Simonsbath sawmill says: “Small estate sawmills which were once common are now rare and Exmoor is very fortunate in having two, restored sawmills both of which will be open over the weekend, and are just 14 miles apart – being able to visit both on either the Saturday or Sunday would be a great day out.”

Simonbath sawmill will be open on both days from 10am – 4pm and there are refreshments available in the village.

Simonsbath Sawmill is an historic, water-powered sawmill and estate workshops lying in a beautiful riverside location in the heart of Exmoor National Park.  It was built for John Knight (1767 – 1850) who bought much of central Exmoor in the early years of the 19th century, and was refurbished for Viscount Ebrington in 1898. It was bought by Exmoor National Park Authority in 1996 and restored with Heritage Lottery Funding.  It is a nationally significant building – one of very few estate sawmills with evidence of systems of power and contemporary saw benches. The sawmill is no longer in regular operational use but is maintained in working condition and is used for demonstration purposes and as the venue for educational events and activities.  It is cared for by a small team of volunteers who help with maintenance, lead tours and are researching the history of the mill.  Further information:  www.simonsbathsawmill.org.uk

Cowbridge sawmill at Timberscombe will be open from 11am – 4.30pm on 14 & 15 May each day.

 

 

NEWS FROM EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK

Big Adventures off to a flying start

This year’s Exmoor National Park Big Adventures got off to a flying start with more than 300 people enjoying the Big Moorland Adventure at Haddon Hill recently. With family friendly games, bush-craft skills, orienteering and scavenger hunts, there was plenty to keep everyone entertained.

National Park ranger Adam Vasey said: “It was fantastic to see so many people enjoying being outdoors and although the weather wasn’t perfect it didn’t seem to dampen anyone’s fun.

“We’d like to thank the volunteers that helped us set up and run the event, we couldn’t do it without them and if anyone would like to help us with the upcoming Big Adventures please get in touch.”

More Big Adventures

The next event in this series is the Big Woodland Adventure at Nutcombe Bottom just outside Dunster (TA24 6TA) on Wednesday 1 June from 10am-4pm. With family games and activities lasting all day, there will be plenty to enjoy for all ages. Car parking and toilet facilities are available on site – there’s no need to book and no charge, but donations to CareMoor for Exmoor will be welcome.

Camp out in one of the most amazing locations on Exmoor at The Big Adventure Family Camp Out @ Horner from Saturday 18 June to Sunday 19 June. Booking is essential – the site opens from 4pm and there will be a chance to set camp and cook your dinner with activities starting from 6pm including story-telling, bat walks and astronomy with the Dulverton Stargazers. Tents should be taken down by 11am the next day.

Space is limited for this special event which is ideal for first time campers with support on hand for help with tasks like putting up tents, so early booking is recommended via the National Park Centre at Dulverton on 01398 323841.

Discover Porlock Marsh 

On Friday 3 June there’s a Discover Porlock Marsh Walk – join a Heritage Walk Leader to learn about the history and formation of the Porlock bay landscape. The walk leaves the Porlock Visitor Centre at 10.30am (ends approx.1pm) and booking is essential, call the Porlock Visitor Centre on 01643 863150. Dogs are welcome and there is no charge – donations requested.

There are hundreds more events on the Exmoor National Park website – for more information visit: www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or call in at one of the National Park Centres at Dunster, Dulverton and in the Lynmouth Pavilion.

Haddon Hill Big Adventure: photo by Dan James/ENPA

Haddon Hill Big Adventure: photo by Dan James/ENPA

Dunster Food Festival starts tomorrow 

Over 40 producers and street food traders will be at the Dunster Tithe Barn from 10.30am till 4pm on Saturday and Sunday, while a number of restaurants and local traders have also got into the spirit offering Exmoor Food Fest deals in the village.
    
Please note that there are no parking facilities at the Dunster Tithe Barn.

Date for the Diary: Eat Dirt on Exmoor

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Calvert Trust Exmoor is running a Mountain Bike Event on Exmoor on 2 May. There are two routes on offer:  25 miles and 15 miles.  The Start and finish is at Dulverton.  The main route runs up the Barle Valley, crosses over Tarr Steps and climbs up to Winsford Hill, and then down the Exe Valley to Dulverton.  This is wonderful country and promises to be a great ride. For more information come to: http://www.calvert-trust.org.uk/EatDirt