October 2011

Welcome to the Exmoor Tourism Update 

Welcome to a special edition featuring the announcement that ExmoorNational Park has been deisgnated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve.

 

This e-update is produced by the Exmoor National Park Authority as part of the Exmoor Tourism Partnership to keep tourism providers updated with the latest news and to encourage the development of Sustainable Tourism on Exmoor.

 

Please do let us know if there is any relevant sustainable tourism information that you would like us to cover in future issues.

Dan James
Sustainable Economy Officer,
Exmoor National Park Authority.
Quick Links
Exmoor designated Europe's first International Dark Sky Reserve

Exmoor National Park has been designated an International Dark Sky Reserve, the first place in Europe to achieve this prestigious award and only the second in the world.

 

In announcing the good news to Exmoor National Park, Rowena Davis from the International Dark-Sky Association said: "I am very happy to inform you that the IDA board has approved Exmoor as the world's second International Dark Sky Reserve! Congratulations on all your work and outstanding outreach to teach Exmoor's residents and visitors how to appreciate and conserve this outstanding resource." 

 

As many tourism providers will be aware the National Park Authority and partners have been working on the application for over two years following the success of events held as part of the 2009 Year of Astronomy and the high level of interest received.

 

It is hoped that the forthcoming Exmoor Tourism Partnership conference on the 23rd November will include a session related to the designation (further details to follow) and also to feature Exmoor's dark skies in the 2011 Exmoor Awareness programme. In the meantime some tourism providers are already gearing up and all are encouraged to make the most of this designation alongside the other special qualities of the National Park. It is hoped that the award will be of great value to supporting tourism and could especially help convert day visitors to staying visitors in order to experience the night skies of Exmoor.

 

Our many thanks to all those that supported the bid, and to those tourism providers that responded to our request for information earlier this year.

 

To read the full press release click here. You can also download the full bid application here (be warned it is a large PDF file).

 

An introduction to dark skies for Exmoor tourism providers can be downloaded here (PDF). 

 

Information on the designation of dark skies by the International Dark-skies Association can be read here.

 

Renewable Energy advice for businesses - 12 October, Porlock

As part of this year's Low Carbon festival (5-12 October) the National Park Authority is hosting a workshop for tourism businesses wanting to find out more about Renewable Energy options. The workshop will include speakers from the National Park Authority's Carbon Neutral Exmoor project and a range of businesses who have already installed renewable energy. The event takes place at Porlock Village Hall from 11am to 2pm on the 12 October - this Wednesday.

 

The programme includes opportunities to learn how renewable energy can cut costs, how you can benefit financially from the Clean Energy Cashback scheme (Feed in Tariff and Renewable Heat Incentive), a warts and all assessment of the different types of technology available and their applicability to Exmoor tourism businesses and practical information based on real life scenarios.

 

A few places are still available and must be booked by Tuesday (11th) midday at the latest. The event costs just £5 including a buffet lunch. To book contact Ben Eardley (BDEardley@exmoor-nationalpark.gov.uk) on 01398 322237 or Dan James on 01398 322234. Download a flier here (PDF).

  

Active Exmoor website

The Active Exmoor website continues to run - however there are very few events listed over the winter, despite a number of active events usually running in the winter months. If you are involved in supporting or promoting an active recreation event within Exmoor do make use of the free entry facility and submit your event details here.