Enhancing visitor experiences on Exmoor

Now in its 7th year, a new series of ‘Exmoor Awareness’ courses is on offer to tourism providers on Exmoor. The three 1 day courses, hosted by Exmoor National Park Authority, aim to increase awareness and understanding of the special qualities of Exmoor amongst those who work with visitors whether as accommodation providers, information centre staff, activity providers or other service providers.

Dan James, Sustainable Economy officer from Exmoor National Park Authority says: ”The Exmoor awareness courses are an ideal opportunity for people to build on their own knowledge of Exmoor and be in a position to share insights with their guests and add extra value and interest to their stay.”

Each day will be led by staff from the National Park Authority and partner organisations and will include a buffet lunch, networking opportunities with other local businesses and a field trip to explore the National Park and the selected topics in more practical detail.

The first of this year’s courses is on Wednesday 17 February from 10am to 4pm at Lynton Town Hall and features Artists, Writers and Culture of the Moors. This session will explore how artists and writers, particularly during the ‘romantic’ period, were influenced by the moor and how their work continues to influence the area. Present day art will also be considered and there will be a field trip to explore the Valley of Rocks with National Park Authority archaeologist Jessica Turner.

The biodiversity of the Moor is the subject of the second course on Wednesday 3rd March from 10am to 4pm at Exmoor House in Dulverton.

This year is the International Year of Biodiversity and this session will provide a timely opportunity to explore the great breadth of biodiversity within Exmoor National Park. The course will look at moorland birds, all creatures great and small, consider the role that farming plays in conserving biodiversity and how moorland areas can be best managed.

For the field trip Graeme McVittie, the Authority’s Woodlands Officer, will lead a tour of the National Nature Reserve at Tarr Steps providing an insight into the management of the ancient woodlands and biodiversity within the Site of Special Scientific Interest.

The final course is on Mammals of the Moor on Wednesday 17th March 2010 from 10am to 4pm also at Exmoor House, Dulverton. Exmoor National Park is one of the best places in England to view large mammals and participants will learn all about the famous Red deer of Exmoor, distinctive local breeds such as the Exmoor horn sheep, Devon ruby cattle and Devon closewool sheep, as well as the rare Exmoor pony.

The field trip will provide an opportunity to look for Exmoor’s large mammals first hand - full details to be confirmed

Advanced booking is essential for the workshops which cost £18 a session, reducing to £25 to attend any two or just £30 to attend all three. Further details and booking forms are available from Exmoor National Park Authority by contacting Dan James on 01398 322234 or emailing: DTJames@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk