6 June 2006
Enjoy walking with Wildlife in Dartmoor National Park
This year Dartmoor National Park Authority has organised a special programme of guided walks and events to help you discover more about the wildlife of the National Park. Dartmoor’s wildlife and habitats help give the National Park its distinctive character, supporting farming, forestry, tourism and other economic enterprises and providing the nation with a wonderful environment for spiritual refreshment and healthy exercise.
Throughout the summer months there are opportunities for all the family to enjoy Dartmoor’s wildlife, starting on Thursday 15 June at 2 pm, with a two hour Stroll in the company of a Dartmoor National Park Authority ecologist to enjoy the Wildlife of Rhôs Pastures (meet at the main car park, Widecombe-in-the-Moor). The stroll will explore the Rhôs pastures on Broadaford farm, looking at the rare plants and animals that can be found in this unique habitat and discussing the management needed to conserve the wildlife. Weather permitting, you should see the nationally threatened marsh fritillary butterfly and various orchids, but please remember to bring waterproof walking boots or wellies!
On Wednesday 5 July at 10:30 am, join National Park Authority ecology staff on a 3hr Haymeadow Walk at Postbridge (meet at the Information Centre) and on Thursday 27July at 1.30 pm, a 3hr walk with Phil Page, English Nature’s Yarner Wood site manager, will take you through this beautiful Dartmoor woodland and provide an opportunity to see some of the area’s stunning butterflies (please book on 01822 890414).
If you’ve’ ever wondered what creatures are out and about on Dartmoor at night, why not come along for a two hour stroll at Newbridge on Monday 14 August at 8 pm. Situated in the beautiful Dart valley, the Newbridge area is a haven for a great many species.
Younger wildlife enthusiasts can join a Wet and Wild stream dipping activity, or a Dartmoor Family Play Day, helping them learn about Dartmoor wildlife while having fun. On Friday 28 July at 2 pm, enjoy a two hour Wet and Wild stream dipping activity at Bedford Bridge, near Yelverton, and on Thursday 10 August, a three hour Dartmoor Family Play-Day takes place, from 10 am, at Norsworthy Bridge, Burrator. The whole family can join in the fun, with nature games and activities suitable for children aged 6 to 12 years. These events are extremely popular so booking is essential. Please telephone the High Moorland Visitor Centre, Princetown, on (01822) 890414. On Friday 25 August there is another chance to take the children along to a Wet and Wild Stream dipping activity, this time at Bellever, near Postbridge, at 2 pm.
The full programme of guided walks and events can be found in the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Guide, the Authority’s free information newspaper, available from Information Centres. Dartmoor National Park Authority's Guided Walks Programme can also be viewed on the Authority's website (www.dartmoor-npa.gov.uk).
Many guided walks are accessible by public transport. If you arrive at the start point by public transport, and show your ticket to the guide, you can join the walk free of charge. For public transport information telephone Traveline on 0870 608 2 608.
Ends
For Further Information
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
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
Guided walks costs
Up to 2 hours £3.00
Up to 3 hours £4.50
Up to 4 hours £5.00
Up to 6 hours £6.00
Children 14 & Under £1.50
Navigation Courses £12.00
Children’s activities £2.50
Accompanying adults go free but must accompany children 14 and under.
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 6 June 2006
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Send comments, enquiries, etc. to communications@dartmoor-npa.gov.uk
Page updated 5 June 2006
