Special events to celebrate
National Parks Week (26 July – 1 August) and
2010 Festival of British Archaeology
National Parks Week - ‘Inspiring Places – Inspiring people’
National Parks across the UK are looking forward to welcoming more visitors than ever this summer as people decide to holiday at home. With National Parks Week coming up at the end of the month, there will be plenty to enjoy then and throughout the summer months.
Britain’s wild open spaces have long inspired artists, musicians and writers and this year National Parks’ Week will celebrate the cultural heritage of the UK’s 15 members of the National Park family.
In addition to the special themed events in many National Parks, there is information on the website www.nationalparks.gov.uk/inspiring about people in National Parks who have been inspired by their beautiful surroundings, in the past and the present day. Short video clips showing a selection of these 'local heroes' are also available via the website www.nationalparks.gov.uk/localheroesvideos including an interview with an award winning photographer, an introduction to Exmoor ponies, and how the history of Pembrokeshire is heard in its language.
Quirky ancient monuments are also featured, with each National Park selecting a couple of their favourites from the thousands on offer. Many are open to the public and make an interesting addition to a visit.
Events to enjoy during the week on Exmoor include:
On the edge of Dumnonia - Iron Age Dunster – Tuesday 20 July
Discover the remarkable Iron Age fortifications of Bat's castle, Gallox Hill and Grabbist Hill. Please wear walking boots and appropriate outdoor clothing. Meet at Dunster Steep car park SS993439 at 11am (approx 3pm finish). Dogs are welcome.
Fire Breathing Dragons and Pans of Gold - from Pinkery to Chapman Barrows – Friday 23 July
This walk uncovers 5000 years of history in one of Exmoor’s most evocative landscapes. Join a National Park Archaeologist to explore aspects of the reclamation of the Royal Forest and then up on to the Chains to look at the prehistoric burial and ritual monuments and to learn about recent discoveries there.
Walkers should wear sturdy walking boots, appropriate outdoor clothing and bring a picnic. Meet at pull-in near Goat Hill Bridge SS724403 at 11am (finish approx. 3pm). Dogs are welcome, call 01398 322289 for more information.
Roman Mosaic Making – Saturday 24 July, 11am – 3pm.
A chance for people to come along and learn about Roman mosaics and to make their own Roman style mosaic. Places are limited and pre booking is required by calling 01398 322289, cost £2 per person to cover materials.
Timberscombe Hillfort Open Days - Friday 30th and Saturday 31 July, 10am to 3pm - everyone welcome!
Exmoor National Park Archaeologists and local volunteers will be investigating the Iron Age Hillfort near Timberscombe offering a chance to find out more about the reality of life in Exmoor's Iron Age some 2500 years ago. On hand to bring history to life will be Iron Age re-enactors, an Iron Age blacksmith plus demonstrations of geophysical surveying, wood-turning and tours of the hillfort. Parking available in Timberscombe or at SS955412 (field adjacent to site) access is restricted in poor weather.
Other events in National Parks include ‘Hands on Heritage’ in Dartmoor National Park – with activities, quizzes, dig boxes and demonstrations; an art workshop in Snowdonia National Park; a medieval fayre in Pembrokeshire Coast National Park and a tour of some of the places that inspired Sir Walter Scott’s epic poem ‘The Lady of the Lake’ in Loch Lomond and The Trossachs National Park.