PEOPLE are being encouraged to do something to mark Exmoor Day on Thursday (October 19), the annual celebration of ‘all that is good’ about the national park.
The occasion is also an opportunity to showcase the special qualities of Exmoor, which next year will celebrate the 70th anniversary of its national park designation.
National park authority rural enterprise manager Dan James said: “Exmoor is valued by so many people, for so many different reasons.
“Whatever it is you love about Exmoor, its people, communities, wildlife, landscapes, or recreational opportunities, Exmoor Day offers the opportunity to celebrate by sharing your stories and images on social media, planning your next adventure on the moors, or considering how you can play your part in keeping it special.
“Follow #ExmoorDay throughout the day on social media for lots more inspiration.”
The national park authority is encouraging people to use the day to plan to get outside and take a walk on Exmoor.
Mr James said: “Autumn is a fantastic time for walking on Exmoor.
“We have 35 of our top walks listed on www.exmoorwalks.org with something for everyone.
“These include easier access Exmoor Strolls, Exmoor Explorers, which are great for those wanting to discover more about Exmoor, and our longer and tougher Exmoor Classics.
“We even have the Dark Sky Discovery Trail for those wanting to explore at night.”
Mr James said people could also celebrate by ‘putting something back’, by donating to the CareMoor for Exmoor charity, or giving some time through volunteering.
He said the park was currently creating new opportunities for volunteers to help maintain the network of paths and bridleways which criss-crossed Exmoor.
National park ranger Phil Stuckey said: “We are proud that our paths are among the best in England, with gates that work well, easy to follow signs, and vegetation kept cut back.
“But with over 620 miles of routes we cannot do all this work on our own.
“We want to recruit volunteers who love their local area and can help maintain the paths to keep it accessible.”
Visit Exmoor chief executive Emma Thomasson said: “Exmoor’s ever-changing beauty continues to captivate visitors throughout the seasons.
“This day provides a wonderful opportunity for communities, businesses, and visitors to share their love for Exmoor on social media.
“Just like Exmoor itself, our celebrations are as diverse as the park’s stunning landscapes, pristine coastline, and vibrant communities.”
To find out more about Exmoor Day and to watch a short film visit the website here.