30 August 2006
Enjoy Heritage Open Days 2006 on Dartmoor
Join Dartmoor National Park Authority in a celebration of Dartmoor’s rich cultural heritage. From Thursday 7 to Sunday 10 September 2006, a specially organised series of events is taking place as part of the Heritage Open Days 2006 national event.
Find out about how traditional building techniques and modern technology are bringing a new lease of life to a grade II listed 17th century townhouse in Ashburton. Meet the builders and learn about slate hanging, use of traditional lime mortars and plasters, and how to tackle repairs to timber framing and bridging beams. The event takes place on Thursday 7 September and Friday 8 September, at 6 Kingsbridge Lane, Ashburton, between 10 am and 4 pm. Free admission and no booking required.
Also on Thursday 7 September is an opportunity to visit one of Dartmoor’s most impressive tin working landscapes, near Birch Tor. This beautiful moorland landscape contains fascinating evidence of an industrial past such as wheelpits, shafts, openworks, and the remains of buildings and leats. The walk begins at 2 pm and lasts for two and a half hours. Free, but booking essential. Telephone (01822) 890414 to book.
Explore the valley of the River Meavy and discover evidence of 4,000 years of human activity. Visit prehistoric and medieval sites and learn about tin working and the Devonport Leat, constructed in the late 18th century to provide a water supply for the new naval town of Devonport. Archaeology around the Meavy walks last for two hours and take place at 10.30 am and 2 pm on Friday 8 September. Free event, but booking essential, telephone (01822) 890414.
Enjoy a visit to the superb Grade I listed medieval Dartmoor longhouse at Higher Uppacott (near Poundsgate). Learn what life was like during the medieval past and listen to accounts of life there during the first half of the 20th century, recorded by Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Moor Memories oral history project. Tours of this fascinating property, owned by Dartmoor National Park Authority, take place on Friday 8, Saturday 9, and Sunday 10 September, starting at 10.30 am and 2 pm daily and lasting for two hours. Free admission but booking essential, telephone (01822) 890414.
On Sunday 10 September there will be a chance to explore the industrial past of the West Okement valley. Mineral extraction sites, quarrying, unique glassworks and the impressive 19th century viaduct are just some of the places you will visit. Exploring Meldon’s Industrial Past takes about three hours and begins at 2 pm. Free, but booking essential. Telephone (01822) 890414. How about extending the fun by linking this Heritage Open Day event with a journey on the Dartmoor Railway, from Okehampton to Meldon - let an historic train take the strain! See www.dartmoorrailway.co.uk (external link, opens new window) (normal charges apply for train journeys). You could even bring your bicycle and ride on the Granite Way as well!
For more information on Heritage Open Days on Dartmoor telephone (01822) 890414 or visit www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on events and guided walks. For information on events taking place nationally, check out the Civic Trust’s web site www.heritageopendays.org.uk (external link, opens new window).
Ends
For Further Information
Val Harrison, Historic Buildings Officer
Claire Partridge, Information Officer (Activities)
Mike Nendick, Communications Officer, Dartmoor National Park Authority
Tel: (01626) 832093
Agendas for full Dartmoor National Park Authority meetings and Dartmoor National Park Authority planning meetings are now available on the Authority's website These Agendas are placed on the Authority's web site 7 days in advance of the meetings.
You can receive an e-mail notification each time a News Release is issued by the Dartmoor National Park Authority (see www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk and click on In the news).
News Releases from all UK National Parks (external link, opens new window)
Notes for Editors
Heritage Open Days are co-ordinated by the Civic Trust with core funding from English Heritage. Thousands of opportunities to enjoy the nation’s rich diversity will be on offer throughout the country. Events will be free of charge and/or allow access to sites not normally available to public visits. The aim is to encourage interest in all aspects of our cultural heritage, from historic buildings and grand houses to archaeological sites and oral history. Nationally, Heritage Open Days runs from Thursday 7 – Sunday 10 September 2006.
Heritage Open Day events are free of charge. Booking is essential where indicated.
National Parks cover 10% of the land area of England, Wales and Scotland. They are of special value to the whole nation because of their great beauty, their wildlife and cultural interests and the opportunities they offer for quiet enjoyment. However, they are not nationally owned - the land is in the hands of many landowners or occupiers including farmers. Over 33,500 people live inside the Dartmoor National Park and many millions of visits are made to it each year.
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This page last updated 30 August 2006
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