A WORKSHOP encouraging people to get down and dirty is being held in the heart of Exmoor next month as the national park authority celebrates the moor’s boggy peatlands.

The free ‘Exmoor Peat-Fest Bogtastic Workshop’ will teach people about the history of the moor’s bogs and includes a guided tour of restored peatland.

It is being held on October 4, starting at 10 am, in White Rocks Cottage, Simonsbath, as part of Peat-Fest South-West, a regional celebration of peatlands.

Led by the Art and Energy collective and RE-PEAT, the festival celebrates the power of peatlands and explores their heritage and nature, with events in Somerset and Dorset, Dartmoor and Exmoor, and in Cornwall.

The hands-on workshop will help those taking part to learn more about Exmoor’s boggy peatlands as special nature and history-rich places.

A wide range of interactive technology and creative activities, including family-friendly crafts, will allow people to explore the history, nature, and future of peatlands.

A spokesperson said: “Peatlands are a fascinating but little-known habitat.

“The high, damp, peat-covered tops of Exmoor’s moorlands are special places.

“Not only do they provide a habitat for many plants and animals, but by storing water like a giant sponge, they can help reduce the risk of flooding downstream.

“They play a vital role in the context of climate change through storing carbon.

“Peatlands are also living archives, preserving traces of human activity from prehistoric times to the present day.

“Every layer tells a story of how people have shaped this extraordinary landscape.

“Whether you are a nature enthusiast, history buff, or simply looking for a fun and meaningful family day out, Exmoor’s Bogtastic Workshop offers something for everybody.

“Come celebrate the wild heart of Exmoor and uncover the hidden wonders beneath your feet.”

Places can be booked via the Art and Energy website.