Exmoor Awareness workshop to support new experiences linking tourism and conservation
Tourism and hospitality businesses, activity providers and land managers across Exmoor are being invited to take part in a new Exmoor Awareness workshop to support the development of new wildlife and nature tourism experiences.
The one day event takes place at Porlock Village Hall on the 6th May 2026. It is designed to support collaboration between different sectors to build authentic wildlife tourism experiences that engage more people with nature and provide opportunities for people to better understand the importance of nature conservation and to give something back, while supporting rural businesses to develop new products.
The workshop is aimed at those working at the frontline of Exmoor’s visitor economy and land management and will consider:
- The growing opportunity for nature tourism and changes in visitor expectations,
- An overview of Exmoor’s nature and wildlife offer and new initiatives
- Top tips on developing visitor experiences.
Participants will have the opportunity to develop and share plans and ideas with one another and continue conversations during a ranger-led walk to finish the day.
Dan James, Enterprise and Communications Manager at Exmoor National Park Authority, said: “Tourism and land management are at the heart of Exmoor’s landscape, communities and economy. This event is about supporting the people who make Exmoor what it is, from farmers and landowners to tourism and activity providers. Together we will explore how we can work together to build on these opportunities at the same time as protecting the very assets that we depend upon to support a future tourism that is resilient, regenerative and good for both people and place.”
Places are limited and must be booked in advance for just £5 per person including lunch and refreshments. Full details and booking can be found at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/tourism.
The event supports delivery of Exmoor’s long term ambitions, including nature recovery, thriving communities, resilient rural businesses and high quality visitor experiences that care for the special qualities of the National Park.
Exmoor’s Good Tourism Plan sets out a shared vision for tourism that is regenerative, productive and resilient, ensuring the sector continues to support local livelihoods while giving back to Exmoor’s landscape and communities. The Exmoor National Park Management Plan provides the wider framework for conserving and enhancing Exmoor while supporting sustainable development and enjoyment of the National Park.
Dan James continued: “By coming together, we can turn the ambitions of the National Park Management Plan and Exmoor’s Good Tourism Plan into practical action on the ground. This event offers a practical opportunity for businesses and land managers to understand how these plans relate to their work, and how they can benefit from and help shape Exmoor’s future direction.”
The workshop is supported by the Somerset and Exmoor Local Visitor Economy Partnership through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
