Exmoor70

2024 is a big year for Exmoor as the National Park celebrates its 70th anniversary since its designation in 1954.

Exmoor National Park 70th Anniversary logo Amidst the wreckage of WWII arose a National Health Service, a welfare state and National Parks. By 1949 legislation had been passed leading to the first National Park being designated in 1950. The others followed with Exmoor being designated in 1954.

At 70 Exmoor National Park has so much to give and the challenges it was created for are greater than ever before.

The above is an extract from the article "Exmoor Turns 70" in Exmoor 2024, by Rob Wilson-North, Head of Access, Engagement and Estates at Exmoor National Park.

Exmoor Ranger Jim Collins in the 1970's

Jim Collins was the first National Park Ranger  - pictured here on horseback leading a guided walk over Dunkery.

Join the celebrations

As we celebrate our 70th anniversary we are seeking to do more for nature and more for people. We will be ramping up our celebrations  in autumn as we approach #ExmoorDay - the official designation date of Exmoor as a National Park on the 19th October.

  • We've enhanced the iconic South West Coast Path as part of the King Charles III England Coast Path, bringing almost a quarter of the route across Exmoor closer to the coast opening up new access, views and experiences.
  • A new blog series of 70 sites for 70 years has been launched here regular posts will plot Exmoor's story over time, introducing you to Exmoor's fascinating past.
  • As we count down to #ExmoorDay keep your eyes peeled on social media for our  big 70 countdown with daily facts about this special place.
  • A new book and exhibition 'Life on Exmoor's Farms - a year on the moor' will be launched in October by the Exmoor Society and Exmoor Hill Farming Network (with support from Exmoor National Park Authority). A showcase of what it means to farm across the seasons on Exmoor throughout the seasons.
  • On #ExmoorDay we will be officially opening a brand new bridge over the River Barle at Great Bradley. Further details to follow.
  • the ever-popular Exmoor Dark Skies Festival takes place from 18 October to 3 November offering you a chance to celebrate Exmoor's darker side.
  • Take a virtual walk across Exmoor - any time, any place, and raise vital funds for the CareMoor for Exmoor 70 for 70 appeal.
  • Donate or raise £70 to celebrate 70 years in our 70 for 70 CareMoor appeal.