REACTION to this year’s two-week Exmoor Nature Festival, which ended on Sunday (May 31), has been hailed by the organisers as ‘overwhelmingly positive’ after massive crowds attended more than 50 events showcasing the beauty and natural diversity of the national park.

An Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) spokesperson said: “There really was something for everybody, from wildlife to wellbeing,.”

During two weeks of activities across the park, visitors and local communities enjoyed a wide-ranging programme designed to help people discover more about wildlife and habitats, connect with nature, and unwind amid the beauty of Exmoor.

Highlights included family fun days, wildlife walks, forest bathing, volunteering opportunities, farm tours, outdoor yoga, tree trails, bat walks, creative workshops, and citizen science activities.

Exmoor Pony Centre saw record-breaking visitor numbers, giving families an opportunity to interact with the rare native breed.

A 'Big Nature Day' was held a Nettlecombe Court, near Williton, by the Exmoor Society.
A 'Big Nature Day' was held a Nettlecombe Court, near Williton, by the Exmoor Society. (Exmoor Society)

The fortnight concluded with the Exmoor Society’s ‘Big Nature Day’ at Nettlecombe Court, near Williton, which drew the crowds with hands-on activities, talks, performances, and nature-based experiences.

ENPA festival organiser Julie Colman said: “The Exmoor Nature Festival is such an exciting fortnight, highlighting the health benefits of nature and the beauty of the national park.

“Visitors and the local community have enjoyed all manner of experiences, celebrating our unique natural environment.

An open day was held at the national park's tree nursery.
An open day was held at the national park's tree nursery. (ENPA)

“Across the programme, people took part in experiences ranging from guided trails and tree nursery volunteering to talks on swifts, dusk bat walks, creative printmaking sessions, and ecology activities.

“We would like to thank everybody who came along, Somerset and Exmoor Local Visitor Economy Partnership for their support and all the event organisers, partners, volunteers, and participants who have worked so hard to make the festival a success.

“If you would like to find out more about other seasonal events across the national park, keep an eye on the ENPA website or email [email protected].”