Tomorrow (Thursday 19th October) is Exmoor Day – an annual celebration of ‘all that is good about Exmoor’, and an opportunity to showcase the special qualities of one of the smallest but most diverse National Parks in the country.

To celebrate the 69th anniversary of Exmoor’s designation as a National Park, on this day in 1954, fans of Exmoor are encouraged to get involved with looking after this special landscape, take a walk and share their pictures and stories online.  The National Park Authority and Visit Exmoor have teamed together to provide 10 top ways to enjoy and celebrate Exmoor wherever you are based:

1. Take a walk – There are 35 top walks across Exmoor at www.exmoorwalks.org. From step and stile free more accessible Exmoor Strolls, to Exmoor Explorers and longer Exmoor Classics there is something for everyone. If you can’t make it to Exmoor right now, get inspired and prepare for your next adventure with some great walk videos of the Strolls and Explorers.  We all love exploring the beauty of Exmoor!
2. Get Involved – how about giving some time to support this special place? Volunteering is great for the soul and helps get more done. See www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/getinvolved.
3. Share Exmoor – Use social media to share your favourite pictures and stories of Exmoor to inspire others and follow #ExmoorDay to see what others have shared.
4. Do a two-minute litter pick – You can find two-minute litter pick boards at various locations across Exmoor, equipping you to give just 2 minutes to keeping Exmoor beautiful and safe for all.
5. Support local – Using local suppliers and services helps retain wealth in the community. Some businesses also contribute to looking after Exmoor as CareMoor Champions take a look at https://directory.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk.  See also: www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/local-shops #WeAreExmoor.
6. Be a Park Protector – Young people can earn their Park Protector Award by completing any 8 of 12 suggested activities – download and print a copy from www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk or pick up a copy of Exmoor 23 from a National Park Centre.
7. Turn your lights off – Exmoor was Europe’s first Dark Sky Reserve and we’re in the middle of the annual Dark Skies Festival (13th-29th October) with over 60 events to choose from. Find out about all the events as well as some new simple advice to help everyone protect our night skies at www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/dark-skies.
8. Eat Exmoor – The landscape of Exmoor provides some great culinary delights, and many of them are available to order online, as well as in local shops and restaurants.  See www.visit-exmoor.co.uk/food-and-drink-exmoor.  Visit Exmoor will also shortly be launching the fifth edition of its popular Eat Exmoor publication – watch this space!
9. Make a dedication – There are lots of ways you can support conservation and access work on Exmoor through CareMoor for Exmoor. You can even make a dedication to celebrate a special person or occasion.  See www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/caremoor.
10. Visit a National Park Centre – Whether you live here, visit often or are coming for the first time there is always something new to discover. Pop into one of the Exmoor National Park Centres at Dulverton, Dunster or Lynmouth to discover more.

Emma Thomasson, CEO of Visit Exmoor, said: “Exmoor’s ever-changing beauty continues to captivate visitors throughout the seasons. This day provides a wonderful opportunity for communities, businesses, and visitors to share their love for Exmoor on social media. Just like Exmoor itself, our celebrations are as diverse as the park’s stunning landscapes, pristine coastline, and vibrant communities. Join us in sharing the magic of Exmoor with the world!”

Dan James, Rural Enterprise Manager at Exmoor National Park Authority said “Exmoor is valued by so many people, for so many different reasons. Whatever it is you love about Exmoor – its people, communities, wildlife, landscapes or recreational opportunities – Exmoor Day offers the opportunity to celebrate by sharing your stories and images on social media, planning your next adventure on the moors or considering how you can play your part in keeping it special. Follow #ExmoorDay throughout the day on social media for lots more inspiration!”

For more information visit www.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk/exmoorday.

**Some of the local businesses and organisations celebrating include: Exmoor National Park Centres offering 10% off purchases on Exmoor Day in Dulverton, Dunster and  Lynmouth, also available online at shop.exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk using EXMOORDAY23.**

Notes to editors

For Visit Exmoor media enquiries and interviews contact:
marketing@visit-exmoor.co.uk

About Visit Exmoor
A non-political body that seeks to maximise the benefits of sustainable tourism for its members, the local economy and communities whilst working together with all appropriate bodies engaged in promoting the economic and social well being of greater Exmoor. The area represented consists of Exmoor National Park, West Somerset, the Quantock Hills and North Devon.

About Exmoor National Park Authority

First designated in 1954, Exmoor National Park has an amazing variety of landscapes within its 267 square miles – stunning coast, moorland, woodland, valleys and farmland and more than 800 miles of rights of way to enjoy. It is one of 15 National Parks in the United Kingdom and in 2011 was designated Europe’s first International Dark Sky Reserve.

Exmoor National Park Authority works in partnership with the community, local councils, businesses and other organisations to look after the National Park and promote its conservation and enjoyment. Donations to CareMoor for Exmoor are gratefully received towards the upkeep of the National Park and its special qualities.