Exmoor Moorland Breeding Bird Survey

We’re leading the survey of Exmoor’s moorland bird population this year with support from partners such as the RSPB, covering around 17,000ha during the breeding season (middle of April to July). This is a vital survey, running since 1979, and is very timely this year as a baseline before the start of some landscape scale projects across our moorland. 

Although Exmoor has lost many of its breeding waders, largely because of changes in climate, there have been some winners. Following peatland restoration on Exmoor, it’s a stronghold for important species such as cuckoo and whinchat. The survey has funding from the SW Peatland Partnership, National Trust, Natural England, Devon Birds, the Exmoor Society and our Exmoor Heartlands Landscape Recovery Scheme. Thank you also to landowners working with our rangers on access for survey work to take place. 

National Park Centre amongst best in the west 

Exmoor National Park Centre, Dulverton is celebrating again, having scooped a Silver Award for 'Visitor Information Service of the Year' at the Southwest Tourism Excellence Awards, following their Gold Award in the Bristol, Bath and Somerset Awards last year. 

Silver Award for Dulverton's Exmoor National Park Centre

Great Bradley Bridge gets go ahead 

Work will get underway on Great Bradley Bridge in our 70th Anniversary year, thanks to ‘CareMoor for Exmoor’ donations.  

Funded by generous donors to the appeal as well as the British Mountaineering Council, the Graham Keene Foundation and a local landowner, construction of this important 28-metre-long bridge over the River Barle, located between Tarr Steps and Withypool, can begin this Summer.

Read about our plans for Great Bradley

Farming in Protected Landscapes 

Farming in Protected Landscapes (FIPL) funding supports sustainable farming businesses, diversification and nature recovery projects. It can help slow climate change and improve people’s access to Exmoor’s landscape and heritage. 

A reminder to get your applications in, to support ideas that can be delivered between this year and March 2025. 

Feedback from farmers and landowners: 

“It’s proved to be a well-run and simple scheme to be involved with and we’re looking forward to what projects we can realise now we've had our second application approved!" 

“We’re hugely grateful to have been awarded a grant from FIPL. It’s a space we can’t wait to share with the local community and visitors!” 

“Our meadow making plans create resilience and the variety of plants offer greater nutritional benefits to our animals, meaning less input in the future and allowing our animals to self-medicate.” 

Find out more about funding from Farming in Protected Landscapes

Join a volunteer-led guided walk 

Running from April to Oct we’ve got walks in Lynmouth, Dunster and Porlock, exploring the history and beauty of these fascinating villages. 

Free with donations welcome to CareMoor for Exmoor 

For more dates and details on all our guided walks, book online here 

View our events diary for full details and dates of these and many other events across Exmoor.

Exmoor Young Rangers

This year’s Young Rangers had a very successful Easter residential at Pinkery outdoor learning centre. 2024’s intake enjoyed a range of activities, including a visit to Horner Farm and helping out with beach cleans.