National Park designation and special qualities
Exmoor National Park was designated in 1954, in recognition of its national and international significance. The National Park designation reflected its: ‘spectacular coastline, fine heather, bracken and grass moorland, beautiful, wooded valleys, antiquities in great profusion… including stone circles, barrows, hut circles as well as earthworks… notable wildlife… and is first rate country for motoring, and for walking and riding’ (1947 Hobhouse Report.)
Since its designation, Exmoor’s special qualities have been defined as:
- Large areas of open moorland providing a sense of remoteness, wildness and tranquillity rare in southern Britain
- A distinct and diverse landscape of softly rounded hills and ridges, with heather and grass moors, spectacular coast, deeply incised wooded valleys, high sea cliffs, fast flowing streams, traditional upland farms and characteristic beech hedge banks
- A timeless landscape mostly free from intrusive development, with striking views inside and out of the National Park, and where the natural beauty of Exmoor and its dark skies can be appreciated
- A mosaic of habitats supporting a great diversity of wildlife including herds of wild Red deer, rich lichen communities, rare fritillary butterflies, bats, and other species uncommon in southern Britain
- A complex and rich historic landscape that reflects how people have lived in, exploited and enjoyed Exmoor over the past 8000 years, including burial mounds on ridges, discrete stone settings, ancient farmsteads and settlements, picturesque villages and historic estates
- A deeply rural community closely linked to the land with strong local traditions and ways of life
- A farmed landscape with locally distinctive breeds such as Red Devon cattle; Devon Closewool, and Exmoor Horn sheep, and herds of free-living Exmoor ponies
- An exceptional rights of way network, with paths that are often rugged and narrow in character, along with extensive areas of open country and permitted access, providing superb opportunities for walking, riding, cycling
- A landscape that provides inspiration and enjoyment to visitors and residents alike
