MANY of Exmoor National Park’s little-known ancient sites are featured in a new Historic England film celebrating the work of the Historic Environment Records organisation (HER) in collecting data on historical landmarks.

The film spotlights Dr Lucy Shipley, the park’s historic environment record officer, talking about her role and the Exmoor sites cared for by the historic environment team in the national park.

She explains the job of national parks HER officers is to collect information about important heritage sites and share it with the public.

The data is also used to make decisions on land use and management practice, working closely with Natural England, Historic England, and landowners.

Dr Shipley said: “I am so excited our work is being featured this way.

“If you have ever wondered how the ancient sites and historical places within our national parks are cared for, or even if you just love history and maps, this is the film for you.

“The camera crew joined me on Exmoor, where we headed out to the wild expanse of Kittuck Meads and the abandoned Victorian farmstead of Larkbarrow, to introduce the role of historic environment records.

“This was the perfect place to show how vibrant, far-reaching, and ever-changing these records can be, from Mesolithic hunter-gatherers to World War Two bomb craters, with standing stones and remnants of the agricultural revolution all around.”

Natural England senior officer Pat Lehain said: “Natural England have long valued the partnership work with Exmoor National Park.

“Their historic environment records have been crucial in Natural England’s work with landowners to enhance the rich cultural, environmental, and historic interest of Exmoor.

“Identifying the historic features, which often date back many millennia, enables Natural England to help landowners ensure future generations can enjoy and learn from them.

“The role of HERs in combatting climate change is also highlighted in the film.

“From devastating wildfires to the impact of flash flooding, data helps understand the impact of climate events and the work needed to restore and repair them.”

The film brings an insight into how HERs brings alive the value of heritage as a vital resource for community building, tourism, sustainable development, and land management.

Looking ahead, the park authority is also preparing to launch its ‘Heritage at Risk’ project, funded by Historic England and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

This will focus on monitoring and protecting vulnerable monuments across Exmoor.

Exmoor heritage ranger Kimberley Colman said: “At the heart of this initiative is a focus on ‘Heritage at Risk.’

“Scattered across Exmoor’s hills and moorlands are ancient monuments - burial mounds, enclosures, and trackways that tell stories of ritual, settlement, and memory.

“These features face increasing threats from erosion, vegetation growth, livestock movement, and climate change.

“We are inviting volunteers to become stewards of Exmoor’s past.

“Participants will learn to monitor the condition of heritage assets, contribute to a growing archive, and develop skills in archaeological and digital recording.

“Between 2026 and 2028, there will be opportunities to work alongside heritage professionals, gaining first-hand experience in conservation.”