Discover Driver: Past, Present and Future

Driver Farm with lottery logo
Driver Farm, Simonsbath, TA24 7LH
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Exmoor National Park Authority (ENPA) owns an 800-acre hill farm called Driver – the most westerly farm in Somerset. The land is high on the south facing slopes of ‘The Chains’, between Simonsbath and Challacombe. Driver will be a focus for a variety of nature recovery and heritage projects over the next 4 years. Through our 'Exmoor Pioneers' project, we will be supporting nature recovery projects such as wood pasture, flood management, and peatland restoration and habitat creation for species such as water vole and marsh fritillaries. We are also working to conserve heritage on site, such as the traditional barns, and develop new rights of way.

From 11am – 1pm we will run a series of short talks and walks around locations close to the Driver farmyard. We’re still developing an exciting range of activities, which are likely to include opportunities to:

  • Try out stream dipping and learn more about riverfly monitoring, and what it can tell us about the health of our rivers
  • Join a tour of the Driver farm buildings and learn about the restoration of the historic barns
  • Go on a mini bird watching walk and learn about the species of birds that make Driver home
  • Explore meadows at Driver and learn about meadow restoration and how these habitats are critical for pollinators
  • Take part in nature and heritage connection activities

We invite you to download the iNaturalist app in advance to support nature ID activities.

At 1pm we will lead a longer walk (approx. 1.5 - 2 hours) around Driver, taking in heritage sites as well as areas where nature recovery projects will be taking place. This walk will be across uneven terrain and at times off paths so sensible footwear should be worn and participants should have a reasonable level of fitness.

Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage. Exmoor Pioneers is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund, with additional funding from a generous legacy from the late Cynthia Hadley to ‘CareMoor for Exmoor’ and support from BMW. Thanks to National Lottery players, over the next four years we will be able to restore and enrich nature, conserve our fragile heritage, develop skills needed to look after Exmoor, and connect people to the natural and cultural heritage of the former royal forest of Exmoor.

Please note: basic toilet facilities (portaloo) will be available at the site. We will not have catering facilities, so we suggest that people who wish to stay for the full day bring a packed lunch and refreshments.

Contact phone 01598752509 Contact email ruralenterprise@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk