Category: Media Release

WORLD CHAMPION TRACK CYCLING STAR TO COMPETE IN PORLOCK TOLL ROAD HILL CLIMB

 

Team GB Kitting OutMinehead Cycling Club’s inaugural time trial Hill Climb event up the Porlock Toll road on Sunday 29 September has attracted some of the country’s leading climbers, but the star attraction and a  true legend of recent times, will be Wendy Houvenaghel, a member of the all-conquering Great Britain Track Cycling team. Between 2008 -2012 her haul of 3 World Championship Gold medals in the Team Pursuit, 4 silvers at both Individual and Team Pursuit plus a silver in the Individual Pursuit at the Beijing Olympics mark her out as one of the country’s most successful riders of all time. Competing for the extensive prize list will be National Championship riders as well as a contingent of local and club cyclists.

Club Chairman Bernie Mitchell said “ The first staging of this exciting addition to the national cycling calendar has attracted a field of 88 top class riders from all over the west of England and beyond.

“The timed ascent of the iconic almost Alpine 4 mile climb, which Porlock Manor Estate is closing to traffic for the duration, will give the riders a rare chance to compete on a traffic-free road in one of the most scenic areas in Somerset. The route and particularly the finish are absolutely superb for spectators. The Exmoor Explorer Mountain Bike race committee has generously donated all of the extensive prize money and people from Porlock Village Hall are providing the riders catering facilities and many of the event marshals. West Somerset College Design and Technology students have designed the winners’ trophies specifically for the event.

The first rider departs at 11.01am with the remainder setting off at 1 minute intervals and I think spectators will be staggered at the rate these athletes will complete the ascent. After competing, Wendy has also agreed to present the prizes in the Village Hall at 2.0pm.

To give non-competitive cyclists and families a chance to take in the atmosphere the Club has organised the untimed Porlock Pedal starting at 1pm and casually cycling the 2 mile distance up to the Toll House. Entries are £2 per rider and anyone wishing to take part will need to sign in on the day at the Village Hall before the event. Any type of bike will be acceptable, even trikes and electric ones.”

Porlock Hill Climb

Successful start to Exmoor Pony Festival

101 Dave Rowlatt Exmoor PoniesMore than 300 visitors enjoyed the first few days of Exmoor Pony Festival activities, a very successful start to the 9-day lottery-funded celebration of the rare breed. Jason Ball from Heart of Exmoor said: “On a Bank Holiday weekend, many other attractions around Exmoor were competing for visitors, but our Festival proved very popular. So we launched a photo contest on Facebook  http://tinyurl.com/2013photocomp and invited people to share their favourite moments from the events.”

Visitors joined Experience Exmoor for two Exmoor Pony Safaris, setting off from Lynmouth on a meandering route that include Countisbury, Brendon Common and Porlock Common. Exmoor Pony Officer, Linzi Green was the ‘expert on board’ who explained herd heritage and the natural history of the Exmoor Pony. She said: “It was brilliant – in addition to taking some great photos of beautiful ponies, passengers were fortunate enough to see a Merlin, large herds of red deer, and gannets and dolphins at sea!”

103 Dawn Westcott BearDawn Westcott and her Exmoor Pony stallion affectionately known as ‘Bear’ had obviously been training hard with an even more impressive Agility and Liberty demonstration than last year (clip on Youtube). The demo busted some negative myths about Exmoors but the key theme was the connection between person and pony. Using Natural Horsemanship methods, Dawn showed how warming-up sequences and allowing space for relaxation and expression by the pony were vital to developing a mutually respectful connection and a well-focused session. Agility is a fast-growing ‘sport’ that suits the Exmoor breed’s intelligence. Dawn wrote on the Exmoor Pony Club website: “Over 60 enthusiastic people arrived to see Bear work on the line, at liberty and then ridden over the agility course, including the Triple Hoop Jump. The Heart of Exmoor team were brilliant and everyone seemed to have a lot of fun.”

The first ever ‘Meet the Herds’ event at Wheddon Cross on Tuesday drew in more than 100 members of the public many of whom were meeting the ponies close at hand for the first time. Thanks go to the local Exmoor Pony Society members who brought their Exmoor ponies to the market to represent 12 of the 20 herds currently running on the moor and to the Moorland Mousie Trust and their volunteers for supporting the event. Moor bred ponies have excelled in driving, riding, endurance, show jumping and showing and the day provided an ideal opportunity for people to learn about each herd’s heritage and meet just some of the people who take care of them. Jason Ball from Heart of Exmoor said: “Moorland herds of Exmoor ponies are part of the landscape of Exmoor National Park and the herd managers share a vital understanding of them.”

A fine collection of artworks at Dulverton’s Guildhall gallery welcomed 140 visitors in 2 days. The ‘special guest’ gallery volunteer, children’s author Victoria Eveleigh, attracted numerous fans who had discovered that she was going to be at the gallery for our first day (mainly finding out via the web). One family announced that they had travelled to holiday on Exmoor because they had to meet their favourite author! Modern artists featured include Nikki Moore, Claire Saville, Chris Eveleigh and Dawn Westcott. Jason Ball commented: “A broadside of thanks is owed to those people who have lent the outstanding range of historic and collected pieces, chiefly brought together for the exhibition by volunteers for the Exmoor Pony Society and the Moorland Mousie Trust.”

Photo by @CottagePorlock

Photo by @CottagePorlock

Over the last 3 years the Heart of Exmoor scheme has promoted the free-living herds on the moor with Linzi Green, their Exmoor Pony Officer based at the Moorland Mousie Trust and with the Exmoor Pony Society. They have achieved education campaigns, equipment grants, farmer meetings, training and the festival thanks to Heritage Lottery Fund, European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development, Exmoor National Park Authority and local partners and funders.

Established last year by the Heart of Exmoor scheme, the 2013 Exmoor Pony Festival is jointly organised by the Exmoor Pony Society, the Exmoor Pony Club, the Moorland Mousie Trust, Exmoor National Park Authority, countless volunteers, and the moorland herd managers. Behind the picturesque moorland scenes of Exmoor ponies are the dedicated farmers, volunteers, inspectors and rangers who all work to secure the future of the free-roaming Exmoor Pony.

 

 

(Press Release by Exmoor National Park)

The Exmoor Archaeology Forum 2013

During July archaeologists from the University of Bristol and Exmoor National Park were helped by local volunteers, the Young Archaeologists’ Club and pupils from St Dubricius School, Porlock, to investigate the remarkable 8,000 year old hunter gatherer site at Hawkcombe Head above Porlock. Excavations and fieldwalking* this year have recovered over 1,000 pieces of flint as well as the traces of fragile structures, the oldest so far found on Exmoor.

People can find out more about this and the fascinating archaeology of Exmoor’s moorlands on Saturday 21 September when the subject of the 13th Exmoor Archaeology Forum being held in Porlock Village Hall is Exmoor’s Moorland Archaeology.

Rob Wilson-North, conservation manager at Exmoor National Park says: “In recent years our understanding of Exmoor’s moorland past has changed beyond recognition, thanks to the work of a range of organisations and individuals. There are also concerted programmes of work directed towards the historic environment, such as the Exmoor Mires Project and the Exmoor Moorland Landscape Partnership Scheme. The Forum is an opportunity to learn at first hand where we have got to in unravelling Exmoor’s moorland story; we will also be addressing some of the challenges that face us in how we conserve these fragile remains.

“To discuss this and much more we have lined up some excellent speakers including Rebecca Bennett (Duke University, North Carolina), Chris Carey, Mark Gillings (University of Leicester) and Hazel Riley as well as staff from Exmoor National Park.”

Booking is essential to attend the Forum and a form can be downloaded from: http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/environment/history   or phone 01398 323665 to request one by post. The cost is £15 per person (lunch included) or £10 per person (lunch NOT included).

Media Release: Free family event to start off the summer holidays

ENPAAnother great BIG Adventure Day is planned for Wednesday 24 July, the beginning of the summer holidays thanks to Exmoor National Park Authority and the Heart of Exmoor scheme. This free family event will take place at Haddon Hill, near Wimbleball Lake on the B3190 (there will be signs up on the day) from 10am to 4pm.

There will be a fantastic mix of games and activities suitable for all ages including a chance to learn bush craft skills, have a go at crafting a dormouse box, join in the fabulous Wild Wellies Story Walk, meet Tom the Exmoor Pony and learn more about this ancient breed.

National Park ranger Adam Vasey says: “The Big Adventure Days have been a great success this year with hundreds of people coming along to enjoy fun activities on Exmoor. Once again, there will be plenty of things to see and do including an opportunity to join in the dry stone wall challenge with local expert Russ Liversidge and of course go on the famous Exmoor Beast Hunt.”

There is car parking and toilet facilities on site – for more information please contact the National Park Centre at Dulverton, phone 01398 323841.

A limited number of Tramper all-terrain mobility buggies will be available for hire at this event for free. For more details contact Countryside Mobility on07841 204397 and 01392 459222, info@countrysidemobility.org or visit www.countrysidemobility.org

Media Release: Adventurous families wanted for Exmoor Discovery Week

Exmoor Discovery Week is four days of environmental adventures, conservation challenges and moorland expeditions. The course is organised and led by local nature experts from the Field Studies Council at Nettlecombe Court, the Heart of Exmoor project and Exmoor National Park.

Families will take part in a series of adventures, including exploring ancient trees, barefoot bog walking, bracken bashing and butterfly surveys. Activities are designed around achieving the John Muir Discovery Award, an environmental award focusing on discovering, exploring and conserving wild places.

Lucy Hellier from Nettlecombe Court says: “Exmoor Discovery Week is always a great few days and an absolute bargain at £25 per family, thanks to support from the Heart of Exmoor project. If your family loves getting muddy and enjoying the great outdoors then this week is definitely for you”.

Exmoor Discovery Week runs from Monday 12th to Thursday 15th August at various locations around Exmoor. It is suitable for children 7 and over, who must be accompanied by an adult. For more information or to book please contact Lucy Hellier on 01984 640320 or email lucy.nc@field-studies-council.org. Only 25 places are available, so anyone interested should book now to avoid disappointment.

Media Release: The 2013 Exmoor Pony Festival

ENPAThe 2013 Exmoor Pony Festival will take place Saturday 24 August – Sunday 1 September at Exmoor National Park, the home of the famous Exmoor Pony. A week full of special events and activities will celebrate and rediscover the unique pony breed, and the dedicated people who take care of the free-roaming moorland herds. The festival is funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund through the Heart of Exmoor scheme.

EP close upJason Ball, Heart of Exmoor scheme manager announced: “There’s fun to be had with safaris, rides and family-friendly days, and some serious events with an exhibition of prize-winning ponies from different moorland herds, also an astounding demonstration of horsemanship skills and a dedicated behaviour workshop. I believe the Exmoor Pony Festival will make a lasting impression and is bound to change people’s views of these unique ponies.”

“Exmoor ponies deserve a festival – this ancient rare breed is renowned for its intelligence and an ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the Exmoor uplands, and it is the closest relative of the Northwest European prehistoric horse.”

There is something happening every day – the 2013 Exmoor Pony Festival events will include an art exhibition, a fun day, a pleasure ride, photo safaris, walks, and a Pony Liberty and Agility demonstration with the twice-world-champion Exmoor Pony stallion Hawkwell Versuvius. For those keen to develop their own skills in this area, book your place on a dedicated behaviour and handling workshop, led by Dawn Westcott. For those with a keen interest in the breed, come to the ‘meet the herds’ event to find out more about the local breeding bloodlines, and how to buy and care for an Exmoor Pony.

EPsJoining the Heart of Exmoor scheme in organising the festival are the Exmoor Pony Society, the Moorland Mousie Trust, the Exmoor Pony Club and the Exmoor National Park Authority, as well as numerous volunteers, and the managers of Exmoor’s moorland herds. Behind the picturesque scenes of Exmoor Ponies on moorland is an army of farmers, volunteers, inspectors and rangers who all work to secure the future of the free-roaming Exmoor Pony.

For more details please visit http://exmoorponyfestival.org.uk or call 01398 323841 or find the festival on Facebook. (Please note: several events require you to book in advance.)

Event details

Sat 24 Aug, Exmoor Pony Safaris. Booking essential – only 5 places per tour. Safari with Experience Exmoor on a wonderful trip to seek out, admire and take beautiful photographs of the world famous free-roaming Exmoor Ponies. Driving as close as we can in our Land Rover Discovery, we will also get out of the vehicle as much as possible. Please bring your camera, suitable clothing according to weather and firm footwear. Beverages on board, but feel free to bring your own too. We can provide some binoculars. Starts from Lynmouth National Park Centre. Book now: 01271 889316 or 07854 666 800 email: info@experienceexmoor.co.uk special offer £10 per person!

Sun 25 Aug, 3pm- 5pm, Exmoor Pony Club Liberty & Agility Demonstration. Booking essential. Exmoor Pony stallion Hawkwell Versuvius ‘Bear’ and Dawn Westcott (twice International Horse Agility World Champions) show how to establish connection and trust between horse and handler so the horse can work loose, navigating obstacles and understanding what’s being asked of him. Venue indoors, not weather-dependent. Viewing area, toilet facilities, coffee/tea, etc, on site. Plenty of parking. Location: Holtball Exmoor Pony Stud, Holt Ball Farm, Luccombe, Minehead TA24 8SZ. FREE (donations welcome) but places are limited and advance booking is essential. No entries at the gate. Please contact Dawn Westcott on 01643 862785 / marketing@equinetourism.co.uk to secure your place. (See exmoorponyclub.co.uk for more info.)

Monday 26 Aug – Saturday 31 Aug, Art Exhibition. Guildhall Heritage and Arts Centre. Open 10am – 4pm. A combination of works by modern artists and treasured pieces collected by Exmoor Pony enthusiasts will be on display. Admission is FREE (donations welcome).  Location: behind the National Park Centre just off Fore Street, Dulverton, TA22 9EX. Web: dulvertonheritagecentre.org.uk

Mon 26 Aug, Hawkridge Revel and Gymkhana. A village event held every August Bank Holiday Monday. There are Exmoor Ponies competing in the show. Look out for Jacky Ablett and Gill Langdon at the ‘Friends of Exmoor Ponies’ display. A few of their Exmoor Ponies will be the show, and if you are keen to buy a pony, ask about the moorland herds. Contact the show secretary for details on 01398 341520.

Tues 27 Aug, 2pm-4pm, Meet the Herds at Cutcombe Market. This year’s Festival provides a unique opportunity to see ponies from the moorland herds on display. Learn about the heritage of each herd, and meet the people who take care of them. An ideal event for discovering how to buy and care for an Exmoor Pony. Location: Cutcombe Market, Wheddon Cross, TA24 7DT. FREE (donations welcome). Enquiries 0845 607 5350.

Tues 27 Aug, Exmoor Pony Safaris. Booking essential – only 5 places per tour. Safari with Experience Exmoor on a wonderful trip to seek out, admire and take beautiful photographs of the world famous free-roaming Exmoor Ponies. Driving as close as we can in our Land Rover Discovery, we will also get out of the vehicle as much as possible. Please bring your camera, suitable clothing according to weather and firm footwear. Beverages on board, but feel free to bring your own too. We can provide some binoculars. Starts from Lynmouth National Park Centre. Book now: 01271 889316 or 07854 666 800 email: info@experienceexmoor.co.uk special offer £10 per person!

Wed 28 Aug, 2pm start, Accessible Exmoor Pony Walk. Come and join Linzi Green – Exmoor Pony Officer – for a short walk and talk about the National Park Authority owned herd of Exmoor ponies on Haddon Hill. Location: Haddon Hill car park, just off the B3190. FREE (donations welcome). All-terrain wheelchairs can be booked in advance – please call 01392 459222. General enquiries 01398 323841.

Thurs 29 Aug, 1pm-4pm, Cream Teas and Crafts at the Exmoor Pony Centre. Children’s activities, cakes and refreshments. Craft activities with a ‘Perfect Ponies’ theme. Meet the staff and ponies. Pony rides and pony grooming. Location: the Exmoor Pony Centre, near Dulverton, TA22 9QE. Admission is free. There is a small charge for activities. Contact the centre on 01398 323093 or info@exmoorponycentre.org.uk for details.

Fri 30 Aug, 2pm-6pm, Liberty Training & Behaviour Workshop. Booking essential. Explore how to train your horses and ponies to work at liberty, with twice International Horse Agility world champion & Reiki Master, Dawn Westcott, at Holt Ball Farm, home of the Holtball Exmoor Pony Stud & Exmoor Pony Club. Looking at behavioural considerations, the language of Equus and the groundwork and warm up exercises that lead to being able to turn loose. Venue indoors, so not weather-dependent. Light refreshments provided and toilet facilities on site. Plenty of parking.  Location: Holt Ball Farm, Luccombe, Minehead TA24 8SZ. Special ‘half price’ Exmoor Pony Festival rate of £25 per person. Places limited so please book early. Contact Dawn Westcott on 01643 862785 / marketing@equinetourism.co.uk to secure your place, and get details about what to wear, insurance, etc. (Visit exmoorponyclub.co.uk for more info.)

Sat 31 Aug, 10am-4pm, North Hill Big Adventure, Minehead. Family games and events lasting all day. Meet an Exmoor Pony and watch the local moorland herd. See the wartime heritage of North Hill brought to life with vintage vehicles and living history displays. Please wear outdoor clothing and suitable footwear. Car park and toilet facilities available on site. FREE (donations welcome). Accessible; Dogs welcome; Trampers available. General enquiries 01398 323841.

Sat 31 Aug, 11am start, Exmoor Pony Fun Day. All are welcome for a day of fun activities. Come along and see how versatile these ponies are as they undertake an obstacle course, the cider trot, the Gatherer’s challenge, fancy dress and pony races. There will also be a fun dog show. Location: Mounsey Hill Gate, in a lovely field next to the Winsford Hill moors. Approach along the B3223, turn at the sign for the Exmoor Pony Centre, and you will see the field. FREE (donations welcome). Enquiries 0845 607 5350.

Sat 31 Aug, 7pm, Quiz Night at the Green Room! Join us at the Green Room, a lovingly restored building at the Exmoor Pony Centre. Free entry (donations welcome). Enquiries 0845 607 5350. Map/directions from exmoorponycentre.org.uk or call 01398 323093.

Sun 1 Sept, 11am start, Exmoor Pony Pleasure Ride.  Booking essential. Bring your trusty steed – no, you don’t have to ride an Exmoor! Walkers also welcome. Be ready for any weather. Starting from Mounsey Hill Gate near Winsford Hill. Approach along the B3223, turn at the sign for the Exmoor Pony Centre, and you will soon see the field. FREE (donations welcome). Please call 0845 607 5350 to book a place.

 

Educators enjoy Moorland Classroom “Twilight Taster”

ENPA

 

Thirty teachers, home educators and volunteers enjoyed a Moorland Classroom “Twilight Taster” at Dunkery Hill on Tuesday 11June to try out new outdoor learning activities about Exmoor National Park published by the Heart of Exmoor scheme. The taster sessions help educators to test out the free new Moorland Classroom web resources.

The evening involved a walk to Dunkery Beacon from the Dunkery gate car park, whilst along the way looking at different types of vegetation of the moorland using a quadrat; measuring the gradient of the footpath; and even having a close encounter with a resident herd of red deer.  Participants included teachers, home schooling parents and volunteers from the Exmoor Volunteer Partnership and local experts from the Field Studies Council and the National Trust.

The Moorland Classroom is going from strength to strength having now achieved over 4,000 lessons. The project has free online resources specifically designed for teachers to use with pupils both in the classroom and in support of outdoor learning at fantastic moorland locations across Exmoor. The materials feature photos, videos, Google Earth exercises, maps and cross-curricular enquiries that are accessible to pupils of Primary and Middle School age. Each examines key themes, such as moorland landscapes, heritage and wildlife, and why Exmoor National Park is such a special place.

Josh Wedderkopp, a teacher from Stogumber and Crowcombe C of E Primary School who attended the twilight taster session said:  “We are passionate about creating every opportunity we can to enable our pupils to learn outside. I can highly recommend the Moorland Classroom resources to other schools. The Dunkery Moorland Classroom Twilight Taster has been invaluable for me as a teacher and I strongly recommend these free sessions to other teachers.”

David Rolls, Moorland Education and Outreach Officer said:  “If you just do one thing today, Google ‘Moorland Classroom’ and see these amazing free resources. Check out our training dates, loan boxes and travel bursaries! We are so grateful to our funders the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Exmoor Trust, and Exmoor National Park’s Sustainable Development Fund for supporting this work.”

The next Moorland Classroom Twilight Taster will focus upon Key Stages 1, 2 and 3 and will be on Haddon Hill, overlooking Wimbleball Reservoir, on Tuesday 2 July starting at 4:30pm. Everyone is welcome to this event, including teachers, volunteers, children, parents, and even dogs; so please come along.  This is followed by an additional evening seminar for teachers on Wednesday 10 July in Tiverton focusing upon Key Stage 3 and 4 resources for secondary schools.  Booking essential for both events – please call 01398 322164 or visit www.heartofexmoor.org.uk for details.

 

 

 

 

NewsFlash: Pips Fish Opens in Minehead 9 July

Basic CMYK

 

New restaurant & takeaway promotes fresh and sustainable seafood menu

 

Pips Fish (www.PipsFish.co.uk) a brand new fish & chip restaurant from the team behind award-winning The Culbone, opens its doors just in time for the summer season in Minehead on Thursday 11 July. This exciting new 36 seat licensed restaurant and takeaway at 35, The Avenue fulfils a long-held dream of Executive Head Chef Jack Scarterfield who is determined to share his passion for fresh and sustainable sea food.

 

“The seafood available in the South west is excellent,” says Scarterfield, a Somerset lad whose experience in London and Thailand and famous restaurant group Fishworks has already stood him in good stead during themed Seafood Nights and Cookery master- classes at The Culbone. “We have done our research and will be able to offer a great choice of top quality fresh fish all from sustainable and responsible sources. Our Bass and Bream are farmed locally from the sea to the plate in hours, succulent Scallops come from Lyme Bay, and fresh Squid, Sole, Pollack, Whiting, Mullet and John Dory (to name but a few) come from the Brixham day boats. Cod and Haddock will arrive from Norway – the only MSC approved sustainable fishing grounds at the moment. And our smoked fish (salmon, haddock, sprats and eels) is to be cured and smoked by Jacqui of local company El Pescadero.”

 

All the battered takeaway fish will be coated in Jack’s Exmoor Ale batter and fried in a flavoursome oil which can be enjoyed by all. The Team carried out an extensive local survey to ask whether Pips Fish should use oil or beef dripping and the response was overwhelmingly in favour of the oil.

 

Listening to their customers is something that The Culbone team do very well and has already contributed to the success of Exmoor’s highest restaurant with rooms. “Very early on we created Pips Club at The Culbone to encourage local people to get involved with the business,” says General Manager Mark Sanders. “We now have over 1,200 members and their suggestions have been invaluable to us. In return we make sure that they get to hear first about our very best special offers and new ventures.”

 

Mark is committed to keeping it local and Pips Fish will be supporting the RNLI service and the essential work they do by donating 10p from every purchase of local fish to the Minehead station. They will also be supporting Minehead Cricket Club and Bowling Club with annual sponsorship. A new team of talented young people from Minehead and Watchet are being trained up to staff the premises.

 

The restaurant site has been completely refurbished and a new skylight added which will provide a light and airy interior. The décor has been influenced by the clean blue and white designs of the Brixham Fish market which sells some of the finest fish in the UK. There are 36 seats inside and 32 outside where those ordering from the takeaway service are welcome to use. The restaurant and takeaway will be open from 9 July onwards Tuesdays to Saturdays 12 noon – 10pm and on Sundays 12 noon to 5pm.

 

Pips Fish, 35 The Avenue, Minehead, TA24 5AY www.pipsfish.com 01643 708353 (Taking bookings from 24th June)

 

 

Media Release: UK National Parks seeks nominees for second annual volunteer awards

ENPA 

 

Second annual UK National Parks Volunteer Awards launched

 

June 2013 – The 15 members of the UK’s National Parks family are keen to honour those individuals and groups who are helping to make Britain’s breathing spaces some of the most beautiful and inspiring places in the country. And as part of the UK National Parks’ commitment to doing that, nominations are now being accepted for the second annual UK National Parks Volunteer Awards.

 

The awards recognise those deemed to have gone above and beyond the expectations of volunteers in helping to protect, maintain and enhance the environment and heritage of their area. The volunteers being recognised can range from school children to those who have offered decades of service, from the individual who helps mend fences to the organisation helping to reintroduce a native species.

 

In last year’s  Awards, volunteers from The West Somerset Mineral Line Association were short-listed when a group of 5 core volunteers, supported by others, gave over 260 hours of work to engage around 700 people at 33 separate events. These included school groups, long distance walks, easy access trails, bus trips and evening talks.

 

“Volunteers are a source of great pride across the National Parks,” said Kathryn Cook, UK Director, UK National Parks. “The breadth of dedication and altruism they offer is inspirational.”

 

The awards will be broken into four categories:

  • Individual (26 years and above)
  • Young Person (25 years and under)
  • Group
  • Project

 

Winners of the group and project categories will receive a £1,000 bursary to help facilitate future volunteering activity. The winning individual and young person will each receive his or her choice of footwear from outdoor specialist and UK National Parks Brand Partner Merrell.

 

Nominations will be accepted until midnight 7 September 2013. Nominations are encouraged from any active volunteers working within the boundaries of one of the 15 members of the National Parks family.

 

To nominate a deserving individual, young person, group or project visit www.nationalparks.gov.uk/volunteerawards-2013.htm

 

Once all the nominations have been received up to five nominees will be shortlisted in each of the four award categories. Final winners will be announced in November.

 

To learn more about volunteering within the UK’s National Parks visit: http://www.nationalparks.gov.uk/volunteering

 

 

Press Release: Summer Fun in Exmoor National Park

ENPA

Summer is here at last and there’s plenty to enjoy out and about on Exmoor in the next couple of weeks, including:

 

A Wild Night Out in Simonsbath – 12th June 2013 8:30pm-10:00pm

Everyone is welcome for a Wild Night Out in Simonsbath. Join the Heart of Exmoor team as we venture out on the lookout bats, stars and moths. Hear the bats with our detectors and see them in flight. Please bring a torch, warm clothing and stout footwear. ‘Bat Burger and a Pint’ and other food deals available pre event at the Exmoor Forest Inn, and lots of lovely local accommodation.  Children must be accompanied by adults. Food, toilets and parking are available locally.

Meet at Exmoor Forest Inn. TA24 7SH, on the B3223.   Ring 07875 565823 to enquire about accessibility. For more information visit: www.heartofexmoor.org.uk

Location: Exmoor Forest Inn, Simonsbath, Somerset. TA24 7SH

Booking not essential for this free event, but would be helpful. Contact: 01398 323841 / 07875 565823

Twilight on Dunkery: Tuesday 11 June, 4.30pm.  Everyone is welcome, including four legged friends,  for a gentle Dunkery potter discovering more about the Moorland Classroom resources covering the site. David Rolls, Education and Outreach Officer for the Heart of Exmoor scheme says: “We have now had over 4000 young people accessing the Moorland Classroom. All the resources are free and there is travel bursary to support schools and community groups. Just Google Moorland Classroom! All are welcome at this event, but we would especially be pleased to see teachers and educators. Please book for free event by ringing Tel: 01398 322164. Mobile: 07875 565823.

Everyone is Going Wild on Grabbist!  Saturday 15 June from 10am to 4pm

Go Wild on Grabbist 2013. This free, action packed fun day for all ages is based at the Dunster National Park Centre and on Grabbist Hill, Minehead.

This year will feature ‘Iron Age Re – enactors from the  ‘Dumnomika’ tribe, Exmoor ponies, story tellers, face painters and  bush craft, with lots more all weather options.

David Rolls, Education and Outreach Officer for the Heart of Exmoor scheme says:  “Grabbist is an amazing place. Everything is free and can even help with transport costs for community groups to attend. This is also the best time of year for spotting the extremely rare heath fritillary butterfly. Please wear outdoor clothing for this event”

“There is also Go Wild Bunting competition this year.  We are asking people to produce a producing a piece of paper bunting with a drawing on it following the theme of ‘Butterflies and Bugs’. Anyone who brings along their bunting to the event will also receive a small prize, with additional prizes for the winners”.

Admission is free, with toilets and refreshments available in Dunster.  Free welcome activities and guided eco walks to Grabbist departing from Dunster National Park Centre, TA24 6SE, throughout the day. Please ring 01643 821835 / 07875 565823 to enquire more about this event. More information at www.heartofexmoor.org.uk

For more information about events on Exmoor throughout the year visit:  http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/visiting/events

ENDS