The Exmoor Archaeology Forum 2013

July 27, 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

July 5, 2013July 8, 2013

Another 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

July 1, 2013July 1, 2013

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 12^thto Thursday 15^th 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.

News Release: Exmoor’s Hedgelaying Competition Runs Again

June 5, 2013

NEWS FROM EXMOOR NATIONAL PARK AUTHORITY

Exmoor’s Hedgelaying Competition Runs Again

Exmoor National Park Authority is delighted to announce the launch of the 2012/13 Exmoor Hedge Competition.

The competition is aimed at the landowners, managers and contractors who actually carry out the high quality hedgelaying work for the benefit of Exmoor’s farming, wildlife and landscape.

The hedge must be within Exmoor National Park and have been laid during the winter of 2012/13. There will be two classes, ‘Open’ and ‘Novice’ and the winner of each class will receive £200, 2^nd place £100 and £50 will go to the 3^rd place. The judges will include members of the Devon and Somerset Hedge Groups, who are experienced West Country hedge layers themselves. New for 2013, the winner of the first prize from the previous year will also be invited to judge, so the judging panel will be welcoming Martyn and Justin Atkins who were joint first prize winners in the open class.

The long wet winter of last year made conditions extremely difficult, but a considerable transformation has occurred since along many lanes and field edges as once-shady, outgrown hedges are cut and laid. This traditional management is critical in order to rejuvenate the hedgerows which are iconic features of the Exmoor landscape, reflecting our cultural heritage and supporting an incredible range of wildlife. The work is very skilled and provides employment for numerous people on Exmoor during the winter months.

Heather Harley, Conservation Advisor (Farming) for Exmoor National Park said: “If you would like to enter the competition you have until 28^th June 2013 to submit your entry form together with at least one photo of the completed hedge. For further information or an entry form please ring us on 01398 323665 or email hjharley@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk entry forms are also available from the Dulverton National Park Centre.”

The Exmoor Hedge Competition is being run by Exmoor National Park Authority and has once again come about through the generous sponsorship of the Exmoor Trust.

ENDS

Note: Image of laid hedge available

Clare O’Connor

Exmoor National Park Authority

Exmoor House

Dulverton, Somerset

TA22 9HL

Tel: 01398 323665

Direct Line: 01398 322244

Mobile: 07772 092128

Visit Our Website at http://www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk

Enhancing the qualities that make Exmoor special

River Barle

January 24, 2013

Photo by Dan James

Ice Sculptures on Dunkery

January 17, 2013

Ice Sculptures on Dunkery . Carolyn Seager http://artisanphotographe.co.uk/

Your favourite National Park in the UK

January 14, 2013

Exmoor came top of the league in a recent poll conducted by the BBC. 36% of all voters chose Exmoor as their favourite National Park in the UK. Runner-up Brecon Beacons managed a meagre 13%, the Lake District 12% and the rest scrambled for their share of 1 to 5%.

For the locals, this vote doesn’t come as a surprise: Exmoor has so much to offer, from the moor to the sea. Beautiful countryside is the backdrop for holidays as active or relaxing as desired.

Not sure what to do in your next holiday? Do come and see us – you won’t be disappointed!

5.7 Marcus WIlde Rainbow in the Haddon Valley

Red Deer on Exmoor (Rupert Kirby)

Time for a Cream Tea at Selworthy by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Selworthy Church by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Dunkery Beacon by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Cheriton Ridge by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Autumn along the East Lyn by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Ash Bridge by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Rainbow over Bossington Bay (Robert Hatton)

Cricket at the Valley of the Rocks by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Owl over Exmoor (Peter French)

Grazing Exmoor Pony by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Deer at Dunkery, September 2012 (Peter French)

Badgeworthy Water (Dave Rowlatt)

Countisbury Hill (Paul)

Exmoor Coast (Dave Rowlatt)

Photo by@CottagePorlock

Bossington Bay by Dave Rowlatt

Bossington Beach by Elke Winzer

Where the Moor meets the Sea (Peter French)

Sunny Woody Bay by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Exmoor Rain Forest (Robert Hatton)

Storm Rolling in over Bossington Bay by Robert Hatton http://www.roberthattonphotography.co.uk/

County Gate – Where Somerset meets Devon on Exmoor by Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Lynmouth Lights (Exmoor Centre)

A spot of fishing at Wimbleball Lake. By Peter French.

East Lyn below Rockford by Marcus Wilde

On top of Winsford Hill. By Melanie Maddock

Surfing the Pumping station wave on the River Barle. Discover Moor. http://www.discovermoor.co.uk/

1 – 2 – 3 JUMP! By Active Adventure SW http://www.activeadventuresw.co.uk/

Goats at the Valley of the Rocks. By Peter French. http://www.flyingtigers.co.uk/

Coastal Path near Heddon Mouth. By Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Mossy falls in Horner Woods. By Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Evening Light. By Peter French. www.flyingtigers.co.uk

Evening Light. By Peter French. http://www.flyingtigers.co.uk

Selworthy. By Dave Rowlatt http://www.davidjrowlattphotography.com/

Looking towards Webbers Post. Rob Hatton http://www.roberthattonphotography.co.uk/

2013 – Day 4

January 4, 2013January 5, 2013

Exmoor is a beautiful area – it’s landscapes are wild and untamed, and time doesn’t exist. Visitors can enjoy sheer luxury in B&Bs and guest houses – or they can go back to basics and experience quality time with friends and family in remote ‘bunk houses’ like the Exmoor Centre (www.exmoorcentre.co.uk).

Today’s photos reflect all this. Enjoy!