Exmoor facts for kids
Exmoor is a special place in England called a national park. It's like a huge outdoor playground and nature reserve! This beautiful area sits right on the border between two counties: Devon and Somerset. Exmoor is known for its rolling sandstone hills, which turn into amazing tall cliffs along its northern coast. Most of the higher parts of Exmoor are covered in wild, rough grassland, but you can also find pretty small woodlands on the lower slopes.
One important spot in Exmoor is Wimbleball Lake, a large reservoir that holds lots of water. Exmoor is also super famous for its unique and hardy Exmoor Ponies.
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What is Exmoor National Park?
Exmoor became a national park in 1954. National parks are special areas protected by the government. Their main goals are to keep the natural beauty safe and to help people enjoy and understand nature. Exmoor is one of 15 national parks in the United Kingdom. It covers about 693 square kilometers (267 square miles). This makes it a great place for adventures and learning about the outdoors.
Exploring Exmoor's Landscape
Exmoor's landscape is very varied and exciting. You'll find high, open moorland, deep river valleys, and a stunning coastline.
The Moors and Hills
The highest point in Exmoor is Dunkery Beacon, which stands at 519 meters (1,706 feet) tall. From here, you can see amazing views across the park and even out to sea. The moorland areas are covered in tough grasses and heather. These plants can handle the windy and sometimes wet weather. These open spaces are perfect for long walks and offer a feeling of freedom.
Rivers and Valleys
Many rivers flow through Exmoor, carving out deep, wooded valleys. The East Lyn River is one example, known for its clear waters and pretty surroundings. These valleys are often sheltered and have different kinds of plants and animals compared to the open moorland.
The Coastline
Exmoor's northern coast is truly dramatic. It has some of the highest sea cliffs in England. These cliffs are made of tough rock and have been shaped by the ocean over thousands of years. Places like the Valley of Rocks show off these amazing rock formations. The coastline is also home to hidden coves and small beaches.
Wildlife of Exmoor
Exmoor is a fantastic place for wildlife. It's home to many different animals, from wild ponies to majestic deer.
The Exmoor Pony
The Exmoor pony is a very special and ancient breed of pony. They are known for being strong and hardy, able to live outdoors all year round. These ponies have lived on Exmoor for thousands of years. They play an important role in keeping the moorland healthy by grazing on the plants. Seeing a herd of these ponies roaming free is a memorable experience.
Red Deer
Exmoor is also famous for its large population of red deer. These are the largest land animals in Britain. You might spot them grazing quietly on the moorland or hiding in the woodlands. Seeing a wild red deer is a truly exciting moment for nature lovers.
Other Animals
Besides ponies and deer, Exmoor is home to many other creatures. You can find different types of birds, including birds of prey like buzzards. Otters live in the rivers, and various smaller mammals like badgers and foxes also call Exmoor home. The park's diverse habitats support a rich variety of life.
Plants of Exmoor
The plants on Exmoor are just as interesting as its animals. The moorland is covered in beautiful heather and gorse, which create a stunning purple and yellow carpet when they bloom. In the woodlands, you'll find trees like oak and beech. The wet areas of the moor are home to unique bog plants.
Activities and Fun in Exmoor
Exmoor National Park offers many activities for visitors. It's a great place to explore and have fun outdoors.
Walking and Hiking
With hundreds of miles of footpaths, Exmoor is perfect for walking and hiking. You can choose from easy strolls along riverbanks to challenging hikes across the open moorland or along the coastal path. Walking is a fantastic way to see the park's beauty up close.
Stargazing
Exmoor is a designated Dark Sky Reserve. This means it has very little light pollution, making it one of the best places in England to see the stars. On a clear night, you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way, and even meteor showers. It's an amazing experience to look up at the night sky in Exmoor.
Other Activities
You can also enjoy cycling, horse riding, and fishing in certain areas. There are charming villages to visit, like Porlock and Dunster, with their historic buildings and local shops. Exmoor also has interesting historical sites, including ancient bridges like the Tarr Steps.
Images for kids
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The Exmoor coastline near the Valley of Rocks
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The East Lyn River
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Horner Woods, Exmoor, in winter
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Tarr steps clapper bridge.
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frameless
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Caddow Combe, near Foreland Point, showing Exmoor's natural landscape.
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Dunkery Beacon, with heather in bloom.
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A herd of Exmoor pony foals.
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A typical Exmoor landscape.
