October 19 has been designated Exmoor Day when fans of the national park are encouraged to share their love of the moor and celebrate what it does for the country and the world.

Exmoor National Park came into being on October 19, 1954 when the Designation Order made by the National Parks Commission was confirmed by the Minister for Housing and Local Government, Harold Macmillan, making it the UK’s eighth national park.

It boasts inspiring landscapes, thriving communities, incredible wildlife, enterprising businesses and a rich, centuries-old cultural heritage.

Exmoor Day has come about as part of a co-ordinated tourism recovery plan put together by partners to help counter the impacts of Covid-19.  

This year it will primarily be a virtual event on social media, with people sharing what they love about Exmoor and promoting their Exmoor-based products.

On the day, people can follow the #ExmoorDay hashtag to join in and local communities, businesses and fans are all invited to take part in their own style.

Home to just under 10,000 residents, the park attracts over two million visitor days a year and is home to well over 1,000 local businesses.

It also  provide important habitats for all kinds of creatures, including free-living Exmoor ponies and the largest population of red deer in England, alongside rare butterflies, bats, wildflowers, fungi and lichen.

And at night Exmoor comes alive under some of the darkest skies in the country, offering unrivalled opportunities to see thousands of stars above.

Fans of Exmoor near and far are also being invited to send in short films of themselves saying why they love Exmoor as part of a film that will be shared online and through social media on the day.

For a chance to be part of it, people with smartphones are invited to take a short video (in landscape orientation) briefly stating – ideally in no more than five to ten seconds – why they love Exmoor or what they most love about it and send their video recording via WeTransfer to economy project officer Katrina Munro at [email protected] by October 12 at the latest.

Dan James, sustainable economy manager, said: “The last six months have really demonstrated what a special place Exmoor is, with thousands flocking to the area for the wonderful sense of wellbeing and freedom that comes with spending time outdoors in our beautiful National Parks.

“At the same time the economic impact has been hard felt on Exmoor, with tourism and hospitality accounting for two thirds of employment.

“Local communities have pulled together and demonstrated the great spirit of Exmoor, and Exmoor Day offers us a chance to continue that recovery process.

“Whether a visitor sharing their favourite Exmoor experience, a business promoting their links to Exmoor or a community celebrating the place where they live, we’d really love them to join us in sharing all that is good about Exmoor.”

For further details about the film, planned virtual activities and opportunities to get involved go to toExmoor Day link on the park’s website, or email Katrina.