Summer Holiday fun in the forest

It's been a busy summer so far with plenty going on- much of it with a bushcraft theme! We have had 60 young people out in the woods with CLOWNS nursery of Minehead's summer school learning how to build shelters, friction firelighting and making their own films.

The Exmoor National Park and Crown Estate Big adventure day in the forest was a great success this saturday the 6th, with around 300 people joining us for a day of forest based fun.

Dunster Fair was also a great success for us, with George and Maggie Yeomans of Guiding on Skye bushcraft company joining us and encouraging passers by to have a go at friction firelighting.

There is plenty more to come too, so keep an eye on our events page for more details of upcoming events (www.dunsterestate.co.uk/events)

You may have noticed works being carried out in the Park Lane area, this is to allow us to transport the timber being felled for the heathland restoration project around Bats Castle and the Deer Park.

Lowland heath is an internationally important habitat that has become greatly fragmented over the last three centuries as land has been converted to other uses, The Crown Estate has converted almost 10ha of conifer plantation back to heathland on the Dunster Estate within the past six years.

Please be aware timber lorries will be using the track untill the end of the summer.

Surveying of rare butterflies on Hopcott

Over 20 people turned out despite dubious weather forecasts to take part in Heath Fritillary survey techniques training today- organised in partnerhsip between Butterfly Conservation, The Crown Estate, Exmoor National Park, and National Trust.

The day kicked off with instruction from Jenny Plackett on survey techniques, and the importance of this butterfly- one of the rarest in the world, but has a stronghold on this part of Exmoor National Park.

As you can see from the picture, I not only got to see some, but managed to get a photo for once!

Part of the reason these butterflies are so rare is that they are quite exacting about the sort of habitat they require, and to keep the habitat in suitable condition takes a serious effort and expense- that is a debate to be had another day, but there are events being planned for the future to promote the work that goes on to keep our heaths in good condition for all sorts of wildlife, so keep and eye on our events page for details of upcoming events and training, and as ever to get involved in management for these, and many other key species, do contact us on info@dunsterestate.co.uk for more information.

Volunteers brave the rain- again!

Dunster Estate volunteers have had another enjoyable day- despite the odd soaking!.. We have been clearing pathside vegetation around Conygar Wood to keep it open for visitors. It is satisfying to see that our efforts are gradually paying off, as after each time we visit Conygar the vegetation comes back a little less vigorously.

After Conygar we also carried out checks on Dormouse boxes that were erected earlier in the year. Though we drew a blank on Dormice we have found about half of them containing blue tit nests, so a result none-the-less! We will continue to monitor and keep you posted.

Volunteers are a vital part of the team here at Dunster, and carry out vital conservation, recreation and monitoring work across the estate.

Please feel free to contact us to get involved with the volunteers on 01643 821309 or email info@dunsterestate.co.uk.

Nutcombe signs attacked

Signage and facilities at Nutcombe Bottom Car Park were attacked sometime on or around the 24th/25th May. Black paint was sprayed all over the info boards and pay and display machine, tall trees trail info boards at Nutcombe and tall trees trail were damaged.

Fortunately Dunster estate volunteers were able clear much of the mess, and new signs will replace the ones damaged, but costs of the attack are at least £500.

Anyone with info about the incident should contact the estate office on 01643 821309.

Visitors on the increase!

Half term is upon us and we are pleased to see so many people enjoying the forest- no matter what the weather is doing!
The Tall Trees Trail, adventure play area and new walking trails are proving particularly popular, and visitor numbers appear to be up on last year so far.
There will be a number of events coming up during the summer so keep an eye on our events page also.

Walk it off walk- Exmoor Walking festival

10 people enjoyed a hearty Dunster breakfast on Friday the 6th May- sampling the best the estate has to offer- care of Nick and Melinda of Townsend Farmhouse B&B (http://www.townsendfarmhouse.co.uk/) before setting off on an 8 mile walk led by Andy Player, Countryside Manager.

The walk took in parts of the estate that visitors don't normally get to, as well as some of the more popular attractions. Views of Exmoor, Dunster and the spectacular west Somerset coastline were enhanced even more by the amazing weather!

The walk was such a success that we will be planning some more Walk it off walks in the future so keep an eye on the events page of the website.