Exmoor Awareness 2007 – Open Landscape

Local tourism businesses are once again being given the opportunity to learn more about Exmoor, thanks to another of the successful Exmoor Awareness training programmes.

Now into its fourth series, Exmoor Awareness aims to help increase knowledge and understanding amongst tourism businesses of Exmoor’s special qualities and features so that they can further develop their own customer experiences.

This year’s series will focus on Exmoor’s more open and wilder aspects of its landscape. Typically characterised by its moors, colourful heaths and grasslands, grazing Exmoor Ponies and spectacular views, Exmoor’s open landscape is a habitat that is rare in Southern Britain.

In four sessions of presentations, site visits and walks, businesses will be able to learn about the wildlife, archaeology and farming practices associated with this environment. In addition, there will also be a fascinating look at Exmoor’s landscape in general, the issues that affect it, how it is perceived and potential future changes.

Robert Downes, Sustainable Tourism Officer for Exmoor National Park Authority, says: “Areas of relatively wild and open scenery are a key feature of all National Parks in Britain. The chance to see wildlife, enjoy outdoor recreation, discover inspiration and tranquillity are special qualities of this type of environment that attract millions of visitors every year. “Britain currently has 10-15% of the world’s moorland habitats, which is why Exmoor’s open landscape areas are of national and international importance. It is a habitat that supports a rich variety of wildlife, yet it is a habitat that has been shaped by human activity in a fascinating history over many thousands of years.”

The 2007 series of Exmoor Awareness, which is organised by Exmoor National Park Authority, Exmoor Tourist Association and Visit Exmoor, will provide local businesses with a sound knowledge and understanding of an aspect of Exmoor’s natural beauty and heritage that provides enjoyment to to many of our visitors every year.

The dates of the four seminars for 2007 are 17th January, 7th and 28th February and 21st March. This year the cost of attending the series ranges from £18.00 per person for attendance at one seminar, £25.00 for two seminars, £30.00 for three and £35.00 for all four. All prices include lunch.