THE diverse landscape of Dartmoor is a wonderful place to switch off from our modern lives, especially when the sun is shining and the birds are singing. This ancient place is filled with tradition, heritage and tranquillity. It's where you can go for a stomp through wilderness, a dip in a river or a mindful moment beside a tor.  It's also where you can learn more about nature and the Dartmoor way of life. From hedge laying to birdwatching, discover more about Dartmoor this spring and summer. Plus, prepare for the Coronation celebrations by getting involved with the Big Help Out.

Take a 90-minute tour of Higher Uppacott a Grade 1 listed Dartmoor longhouse, a building of rare and national importance, where both animals and humans lived in times gone by. 

See some creatures of the night at the Yarner Discovery Day on Sarturday 13 May, 8.30-9.30pm. Bats are an important indicator species, giving us clues as to the general health of habitats where they live. By taking care of bat conservation, we also help many other species to thrive. As dusk descends, join local experts from Bovey Tracey Bat Group to go looking for bats and other signs of night-time wildlife. 

Join the Yarner Discovery Day on Sunday May 14 (8am-4pm). Dartmoor National Park has teamed up with Natural England to bring you a day packed with wildlife and nature activities for everyone in the family in one of our special places.  Yarner Wood is part of the East Dartmoor National Nature Reserve which provides important homes for our rarest wildlife. Here, you can walk among old oak trees; watch the ever-busy wood ants; listen to birdsong or find a tranquil spot to take in the beautiful surroundings.  Our Look Wild Discovery Day is a wonderful chance to get to know it better with a wide range of activities including walks, woodland crafts, wildlife identification and loads more.

o celebrate his Coronation, King Charles III is inviting everyone to volunteer for their favourite cause as part of The Big Help Out. You can join in and help us at the same time by downloading the iNaturalist app and recording the wildlife you see when you visit Dartmoor. 

Work to celebrate, restore and explore Harford Moor (May 14, 10.30am-4pm). Join The Art and Energy Collective for an immersive walk up onto Harford Moor. You'll find out about the role of the Dartmoor Headwaters project, commoners who farm the moor and others who manage land for all our futures. Enjoy a picnic and take part in a ceremonial planting of local bio-original grown sphagnum in local wool based peat protectors as part of the Bury the Giant in Moss and Moor project. 

Interested in volunteering? Are you keen to protect our trees? The Dartmoor Healthy Trees for Tomorrow team are looking for volunteers to help assess tree health.    You’ll be walking parts of Walkhampton Common and recording information in an app-based survey form on your mobile phone. Full training will be given. By sparing a few hours, you’ll be making a valuable contribution towards the protection and preservation of our National Park.  Survey days are on May 17 & 18 and June 7 & 8. 

Dartmoor Hill Farm Project is running a series of free hedgelaying and stone walling sessions.  Not only will you be learning a wonderful new skill in a stunning environment, but you’ll be helping Dartmoor’s farmers preserve their historic commons boundaries too.   Thanks to funding from Our Upland Commons, these two-day courses are completely free to attend and run from 9am – 4.30pm both days. You’ll be given lots more information when you sign up.