Overview

Exmoor is a designated national park in England. The high ground straddles the county border between Devon and Somerset, forming an upland area of rolling moor, valleys and a dramatic northern coastline. Its core scenery is made up of ancient uplands rather than glaciated mountains, and the geology is dominated by sandstone that produces steep cliffs and rocky scarps along the shore.

Landscape and habitats

The higher ground of Exmoor is largely open moor and rough grassland, with heath and bog in wetter hollows. Lower slopes and valley bottoms support small pockets of woodlands and hedgerow farmland. The park includes rivers and streams that flow from the moor into surrounding lowlands, and a notable water storage feature, the Wimbleball Lake reservoir, which is an important local amenity and wildlife resource.

Wildlife and conservation

Exmoor supports a mix of upland and coastal species. It is well known for the native Exmoor Pony, a hardy breed that survives on open moorland, and for populations of deer and a range of birds including raptors and waders. Conservation efforts in the park focus on protecting fragile habitats such as blanket bog, maintaining the mosaic of heather and grass, and balancing farming with biodiversity.

History and human use

Humans have shaped Exmoor for millennia: prehistoric earthworks and field systems show long-term habitation, and medieval patterns of common grazing and enclosed farmland persisted into modern times. The area received formal protection in the mid-20th century when it was designated a national park, creating a management authority to oversee planning, conservation and public access.

Recreation and importance

Visitors come for walking, horseback riding, wildlife watching and the coastal scenery. Footpaths and long-distance routes cross the moor and follow the cliffed shore, while small villages and historic estates provide cultural interest. Agriculture, particularly livestock grazing, remains a central part of the local economy and landscape management.

Notable features

  • Extensive moorland and heath at higher elevations.
  • Rugged north coast formed on sandstone cliffs.
  • Small, species-rich woodlands in valleys and combes.
  • Important freshwater resource: Wimbleball Lake reservoir.
  • Traditional pastoral practices and the native Exmoor Pony.

Exmoor combines natural diversity with a long human history. Its mixture of moor, woodland and coast makes it distinctive among the protected landscapes of the British Isles and a focus for conservation, outdoor recreation and rural life.