Exmoor

The park is home to Britain's largest population of red deer, alongside distinctive Exmoor ponies - an ancient breed that has roamed the moor for centuries. The region supports diverse bird species, including merlin, ring ouzel, and peregrine falcons. Notable mammals include otters along the rivers, several bat species, and a rich invertebrate population. The park's dark sky status makes it an important habitat for nocturnal creatures, including 16 of the UK's 17 native bat species.

Exmoor supports diverse plant communities adapted to its varied habitats. The moorland is dominated by heather, gorse, and purple moor grass, while ancient woodlands harbor rare lichens and ferns. The region boasts over 900 flowering plant species, including the unique Exmoor ponies' grazing-adapted vegetation. Notable species include the round-leaved sundew, bog asphodel, and various orchids. The Atlantic oak woodlands, known locally as 'old sessile oak woods,' are of international ecological importance.

Formed during the Devonian and Carboniferous periods (350-400 million years ago), Exmoor's bedrock consists primarily of sedimentary rocks, including sandstone and slate. The landscape was shaped by periods of marine submergence, tectonic uplift, and glacial processes, resulting in distinctive features like the dramatic coastal cliffs, deep river valleys, and exposed moorland plateaus. The highest point is Dunkery Beacon at 519 meters (1,705 feet), offering panoramic views across the Bristol Channel.

Exmoor experiences a maritime climate characterized by mild winters and cool summers, typical of southwestern England. Average temperatures range from 8°C (46°F) in winter to 17°C (63°F) in summer, with annual rainfall averaging 1,800mm. The upland areas frequently encounter misty conditions and strong winds, while the sheltered valleys enjoy milder microclimates. Visitors should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and pack appropriate waterproof clothing year-round.

Exmoor's human history spans over 8,000 years, from Mesolithic hunter-gatherers to medieval farmers and Victorian industrialists. The region was designated as a royal forest in 1815 and became one of Britain's first National Parks in 1954. The landscape bears evidence of Bronze Age settlements, Roman iron mining, medieval villages, and 19th-century agricultural improvements. The area's literary heritage includes R.D. Blackmore's 'Lorna Doone' (1869), which immortalized the region's dramatic landscapes and local legends.

Exmoor's most striking features include the highest sea cliffs in England at Great Hangman (244m), the spectacular Valley of Rocks near Lynton, and the meandering East Lyn River gorge. The park contains unique 'hog-back' cliffs, created by the tilting of rock strata, and distinctive 'cleaves' (deep valleys). The region is also renowned for its dark skies, designated as Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve in 2011, offering exceptional stargazing opportunities. Historic sites like Tarr Steps, an ancient clapper bridge, and the picturesque villages of Dunster and Porlock add cultural significance to the natural landscape.