| Seeing Stars |
| Exmoor National Park Authority has been awarded £3,500 from the Royal Astronomical Society in support of the 2009 International Year of Astronomy and its associated Dark Sky Awareness project. The National Park Authority submitted a grant application to support the proposed dark sky awareness and astronomy events to be held on Exmoor during 2009. |
| Date: 24th December |
| Blackpitts Decision |
| At a special meeting of the Exmoor National Park Authority this morning, Members voted strongly in favour of the Chief Executive’s recommendation to retain the ownership of the land and property at Blackpitts and to restore and let the bungalow, preferably to a local family, at the earliest opportunity. |
| Date: 19th December |
| Hundreds of Children to Help with 'Festive Pulling' |
| On the 15 and 16 December, more than 300 youngsters from Minehead Middle School years 7 and 8 are to join forces with staff from Exmoor National Park Authority’s education and ranger teams to remove small, invasive conifer trees from Owey Cross, Grabbist Ridge above Minehead in Somerset. As part of the project the youngsters will be able to take away their own little Christmas tree to plant or decorate. |
| Date: 19th December |
| Somerset children act out the story of the Mineral Railway |
| Last week Year 5 pupils at Danesfield Middle School put on some impressive plays about the story of the West Somerset Mineral Railway. |
| Date: 19th December |
| Dulverton Middle School Pupils Youngest to be Taking New NVQ |
| Dulverton Middle School, the Exmoor National Park Sustainable Development Fund and Somerset Rural Youth Project have between them set up a brand new course for a group of pupils from Dulverton Middle School. |
| Date: 4th December |
| Investing in a sustainable Exmoor |
| Entrepreneurs, communities and individuals are being called upon to submit new applications for funding through the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund. |
| Date: 4th December |
| Danesfield youngsters learn about the Mineral Line |
| This term the Year 5 pupils at Danesfield Church of England Middle School are learning about the history of the West Somerset Mineral Railway. |
| Date: 4th December |
| Are You Interested in Local Paths? |
| You are invited to a site meeting to hear about Porlock Parish Council and Exmoor National Park Authority’s suggestions for the public path from Parson’s Street towards Porlock Hill |
| Date: 19th November |
| Orchards Live |
| Following the success of last year’s over subscribed event, December will see another event in Orchard Live’s programme to encourage the restoration and replanting of orchards across Exmoor and surrounding areas. Orchard Live on Exmoor is supported by the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund. |
| Date: 12th November |
| Mire Project Holds Water |
| A recent update reveals that more than 150 hectares in eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on Exmoor have now been restored to bouncing bogginess thanks to work undertaken by the Exmoor Mire Restoration Project. |
| Date: 12th November |
| Mire Project Holds Water |
| A recent update reveals that more than 150 hectares in eight Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) on Exmoor have now been restored to bouncing bogginess thanks to work undertaken by the Exmoor Mire Restoration Project. |
| Date: 4th November |
| Iron before Industry – a free Mineral Line lecture |
| On Monday 10 November archaeologist Dr Lee Bray will be giving a lecture entitled Iron before Industry” at Ralegh’s Cross Inn, Brendon Hill, Exmoor at 7.30pm. |
| Date: 28th October |
| Exmoor National Park Authority helps secure additional £2.6 million for farming on Exmoor |
| Exmoor National Park Authority has been playing a lead role in the South West Uplands Task Force that has helped secure an additional £2.6m for farming on Exmoor. The task force came together at the beginning of 2008 to coordinate a regional response to the economic plight of hill farming on Exmoor, Dartmoor and Bodmin Moor following an emergency meeting organised by Mel Hall, South West Director of the National Farmers Union in December 2007 |
| Date: 22nd October |
| Exmoor National Park Annual House Price Survey 2008 |
| The Exmoor National Park Authority’s eleventh annual House Price Survey, has revealed that the mean average house price on Exmoor has declined by 9%, the first price decrease since the survey began in 1998. The average house price was £346,596 compared with £382,241 last year. |
| Date: 22nd October |
| Free guided tour of the Mineral Line |
| The opportunity to enjoy the first of a series of free guided tours of the old West Somerset Mineral Line is on offer next week. |
| Date: 14th October |
| Free Walk to Celebrate Devon and Somerset Hedge Week |
| free walk to learn more about Exmoor’s hedgerows is on offer on Thursday 30 October led by members of Exmoor National Park Authority’s natural environment team |
| Date: 13th October |
| National Park Authority's Voices Concerns |
| Exmoor National Park Authority has expressed grave concern about the current viability of livestock farming in the National Park in a response to Defra’s consultation on the proposed design for the Upland Entry Level Stewardship (UELS) |
| Date: 1st October |
| A Chance To Learn More About the West Somerset Mineral Railway |
| Residents of Roadwater and beyond will be treated to a free lecture about the West Somerset Mineral Railway on Monday 13 October. |
| Date: 1st October |
| New Footbridge at Allerford Thanks to Generous Donation |
| A new footbridge, built by the Exmoor National Park Authority's field service team, has been installed at Allerford thanks to the generosity of the family of a man who enjoyed Exmoor both in his personal and professional life. |
| Date: 26th September |
| Walking Festival supports path improvements |
| This year’s walking festival in North Devon and Exmoor was the most successful yet. It attracted 500 people over the nine day festival. Sixty-eight guided walks were on offer, most of which were fully booked. |
| Date: 11th September |
| WSMR Ventilation Flue Repair Complete |
| Vital repairs to one of the most important structures on the site of the West Somerset Mineral Railway have just been completed and the conservation work to this unique industrial archaeology continues apace. |
| Date: 11th September |
| Exmoor's Past an Aerial View |
| This is the eighth in a series of annual events looking at the archaeology and history of Exmoor. This year we will be exploring aspects of Exmoor’s historic landscape from the air. |
| Date: 10th September |
| Blackpitts |
| Following representations from members of the public at this afternoon's meeting of Exmoor National Park Authority, Members had a detailed debate regarding the five options for the site at Blackpitts that had been proposed and discussed through public consultation |
| Date: 3rd September |
| Call for New Members for Exmoor National Park Authority |
| Environment Secretary Hilary Benn has called for applications to become members of several National Park Authorities including vacancies for two new members for Exmoor. Further information including how to obtain an application can be obtained from: |
| Date: 1st September |
| New Report Reveals Exmoor Tourism Worth £80M Per Annum |
| A new report prepared by Exmoor National Park Authority, State of Tourism in Exmoor National Park, has revealed that there are more than 2 million day visits to the National Park each year and that visitors spend more than £80 million a year when they are here. |
| Date: 31st August 2008 |
| Exmoor Archaeology Forum 2008 |
| The subject of the 8th Exmoor Archaeology Forum to be held in September, Exmoor’s Past – An Aerial View, has already provided an answer to an intriguing mystery. |
| Date: 31st August 2008 |
| Exmoor’s Farming Future |
| At a recent conference on Exmoor’s Farming Future hosted by Exmoor National Park Authority and the Exmoor Society, eminent speakers included Helen Phillips, Chief Executive of Natural England, Dr Janet Dwyer, an independent expert on European Rural Policy, John Waldon of the South West Uplands Federation and local farmer Guy Thomas-Everard. The conference was summed up by Dr Nigel Stone, Chief Executive, Exmoor National Park Authority |
| Date: 8th August 2008 |
| Champion Hedgelayers |
| The winners of the Exmoor Hedge Competition, run by Exmoor National Park Authority, received their certificates and cheques recently thanks to the generous support of the Exmoor Trust and the Devon and Somerset Hedge Groups. |
| Date: 5th August 2008 |
| Volunteers help to keep Exmoor special |
| Exmoor National Park Authority recently held a 'thank you' barbecue for the Exmoor Conservation Volunteers who carry out work to help look after the National Park. The work is lead by several partners including the National Trust, South West Lakes Trust, Discover Wistlandpound, The Crown Estate and Exmoor National Park Authority. |
| Date: 5th August 2008 |
| New themes unveiled for Exmoor’s Sustainable Development Fund in 2008 |
| The success of the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) means that only limited funds are available through the scheme which aims to encourage innovative ways of living and working on Exmoor that contribute to sustainable development. |
| Date: 29th July 2008 |
| The Old Mineral Line |
| The West Somerset Mineral Railway Project is looking for new recruits to give guided walks and talks, help at events, test out walks along the Line and regularly check it to make sure that it is accessible for visitors, undertaking conservation work where necessary. |
| Date: 22nd July 2008 |
| Thanks to Exmoor Conservation Volunteers |
| So far this year a dedicated band of volunteers have rebuilt dry stone walls, removed hard to use steps on a well used footpath, planted 600 native trees next to Wimbleball Lake, set up a dormouse monitoring programme, carried out footpath, hedgerow and bird surveys. They have also worked to help restore areas of valuable wildlife habitat including upland bogs, dry heathland and areas of woodland. |
| Date: 22nd July 2008 |
| A Grand Day Out |
| More than 400 children from West Somerset Schools enjoyed two Big Blue Days at Dunster Beach recently as part of a series of events organised by Exmoor National Park Authority, Somerset Wildlife Trust, the Field Studies Council and the Somerset Waste Action Programme. |
| Date: 21st July 2008 |
| New bridge at Winsford |
| Members of Winsford Parish Council, residents and funders gathered on the Village Green in Winsford recently to celebrate the opening of their new bridge. |
| Date: 9th July 2008 |
| Experience Primeval Exmoor |
| A chance to experience the primeval roar and clashing antlers as Exmoor’s iconic stags meet in ferocious combat during the annual red deer rut is on offer over a special weekend in October. The huge, powerful beasts charge each other, locking antlers and battle rages until the strongest wins. |
| Date: 10th July 2008 |
| Minister To Visit Exmoor |
| Jonathan Shaw, Minister for Landscape and Rural Affairs, is visiting Exmoor on Thursday 19 June. It is an opportunity for the Minister to see for himself some of the National Park Authority’s successes and consider important local issues. |
| Date: 19th June 2008 |
| Doing It Themselves |
| Youngsters from Timberscombe School took the hands-on approach when a new gate was needed for their school. |
| Date: 12th June 2008 |
| Blackpitts Bungalow – future options |
| Exmoor National Park Authority is seeking the public’s opinion on the future of the bungalow at Blackpitts which the Authority acquired in November 2006. |
| Date: 12th June 2008 |
| Hunter Gatherers On Exmoor |
| Archaeologists have recently been unearthing the traces of Exmoor's oldest inhabitants |
| Date: 12th June 2008 |
| Exploring Exmoor's Bouncing Bogs |
| A chance to explore Exmoor’s beautiful bogs is on offer on Tuesday 24 June when Dr David Smith, Mire Restoration Project officer, is to lead a 5km guided walk of the Mire Project. The overall aim of the project is to promote the regeneration of moorland and bog vegetation which helps fight global warming by storing more carbon on the moorlands in the form of fresh peat. |
| Date: 10th June 2008 |
| Help us to celebrate Exmoor’s special hedgerows |
| An opportunity to get involved in an exciting new survey of Exmoor’s hedgerows is on offer this summer. Hedgerows on Exmoor help define the character of this distinctive area and are a vital part of the tapestry of its landscape. Exmoor National Park Authority is looking for volunteers who can give up a few days over the summer to survey local hedgerows for animal signs, trees, flowers and historical features |
| Date: 27th May 2008 |
| Grants still available |
| Nearly £50, 000 is still up for grabs in the current round of the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund (SDF) for innovative projects that demonstrate new ways of living and working sustainably on Exmoor. The Fund is provided by Defra and administered by the Exmoor National Park Authority. Money is available to any individuals, groups or businesses with ideas for projects that will benefit the Exmoor National Park area. |
| Date: 27th May 2008 |
| Farmers back Exmoor Mire Restoration Project |
| Farmers who drained Exmoor in the past have been cooperating with a moorland wildlife restoration project. The Exmoor Mire Restoration Project, hosted by Exmoor National Park Authority, has been blocking the ditches with the aim of restoring the boggy moors to their former glory. |
| Date: 16th May 2008 |
| Boost for Exmoor’s moorland |
| The future of Exmoor’s moorlands has received a significant boost with the news that, after 2 years work, Exmoor Landscape Partnership lead by Exmoor National Park Authority has been earmarked a Heritage Lottery Fund grant just under £1million to conduct 23 projects across 287 km2. |
| Date: 15th May 2008 |
| Discover the farmland birds of Porlock Vale |
| An opportunity to visit the idyllically situated Bossington Farm, north of Porlock, with its spectacular views out across Porlock Bay is on offer and a chance to enjoy a joint Exmoor National Park Authority/National Trust walk. The farm supports a wealth of wildlife ranging from farmland birds such as yellowhammer, bullfinch and linnet, and some fascinating rare arable weeds with intriguing names such as weasel snout! |
| Date: 13th May 2008 |
| Praise for Exmoor from one of the world’s top botanists |
| People from all over Exmoor attended the E4Exmoor (Energy for Exmoor) event organised by the Exmoor Trust recently. The event was the brainchild of Edwin Beckett, the Trust’s chairman, who sought experts to provide the best possible advice on the importance of local contributions of micro-energy. |
| Date: 7th May 2008 |
| Exmoor Trust Welcomes New Community Energy Funding Announcement |
| The Building Research Establishment which administers grants on behalf of the Government, has just announced the launch of a new open grants programme as an award from the Big Lottery Fund. The programme will provide £8m for the installation of micro-generation technologies and energy efficiency measures by community based organisations and £1m for project development grants. |
| Date: 15th April 2008 |
| Still time to enter hedgelaying competition |
| The deadline for the Exmoor Hedge Competition has been extended to 21 April 2008 and the organisers are keen to attract more entries, particularly in the junior class. |
| Date: 9th April 2008 |
| Exmoor ‘from the Ice Age to 'Caves of Ice'’ |
| A chance to learn about Exmoor's archaeology and history from the Ice Age to 'Caves of Ice' is on offer when a lecture presented by local experts is given on Friday 18 April at 8.30pm in the Memorial Hall, High Street, Dunster. Entrance is £5 per person, payable at the door |
| Date: 9th April 2008 |
| Investing in local sustainable construction solutions |
| A free one day course for small construction firms is to be held on the 17 April 2008 with the aim of demonstrating how being sustainable can benefit the bottom line as well as the environment. |
| Date: 30th March 2008 |
| Innovation and Sustainability leads the way on Exmoor |
| The Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund is once again open for business and a forthcoming meeting of the Independent Grant Advisory Panel will consider 11 new proposals. The Panel, comprised of people who live and work across Exmoor and the surrounding area, will meet with the project applicants at Withypool Village Hall on 27 March 2008 and members of the public and press are welcome to attend the meeting. |
| Date: 14th March 2008 |
| Energy for Exmoor Event attracts world class support |
| Planning for the Exmoor Trust's E4Exmoor Symposium has now attracted the support of Sir Ghillean Prance a global botanical and ecological expert, and the well known Devon eco-expert Mukti Mitchell. Both will play an active part in the programmes planned for 2 May at the Ralegh's Cross Inn. |
| Date: 14th March 2008 |
| Parish Project – new skills for old coastal pathway at Lynmouth. |
| A section of the coast path at Lynmouth has been reconstructed thanks to the work of young people from the Somerset Rural Youth Project with funding from the Exmoor Sustainable Development Fund.. |
| Date: 27th February 2008 |
| Exmoor Trust to Organise Energy Meetings |
| The Exmoor Trust announced today that it is organising an E4Exmoor ('Energy for Exmoor') event on Friday 2nd May to enable the people and businesses of Exmoor to examine opportunities for producing local energy. |
| Date: 18th February 2008 |
| Battle of the hedgelayers |
| The good work of Exmoor’s hedgelayers is to be recognised and rewarded this winter through the Exmoor Hedge Competition thanks to the generous support of the Exmoor Trust and the Devon and Somerset Hedge Groups, and is being run by Exmoor National Park Authority. |
| Date: 28th January 2008 |
| Enhancing Exmoor |
| In a series of seminars, walks, talks and visits, tourism businesses are being invited learn more about the National Park and how the National Park Authority works to enhance the qualities that make Exmoor special. The Exmoor Awareness programme aims to help those in the tourism industry to increase their knowledge of Exmoor’s special qualities and features so that they can further help their visitors to enjoy their stay in the area. |
| Date: 15th January 2008 |
