Exmoor..Ponies,are of course not the only large animals on the Exmoor for herds of Red, Fallow, and Roe Deer, have also made their home on this wind swept moor in all there are 3 types of Deer on exmoor numerous species of native mammals, and over 243 different species of birds, of which 100 actually nest on Exmoor.This is mainly due to the fact that even in this day, and age, there are still many habitats on Exmoor which have lain undisturbed since Exmoor was created and in such place's, one will find uncommon and even rare species of fauna. 

The largest number of the deer inhabiting. Exmoor are the Red Deer ,of which there is a estimated 3,500 to 4000 living on Exmoor they are the predominant species of deer and also the largest surviving land mammals in the country a mature stag is about 115 centimeters at the shoulders hind,s tend to be smaller. Only the male stags grow antlers which he sheds in the spring and in my opinion makes this magnificent creature look kind of lost and forlorn but by the month of October he is once again a magnificent stag ready to do battle in the numerous ruts which can be seen taking place a awesome inspiring spectacle.If you are on Exmoor in the early autumn you will hear loud bellowing noises and if you are very lucky you will see silhouetted on the sky-line a stag jealously guarding his harem of Hinds and ready to do battle with any other stag who has designs on being the farther of the next generation of deer to inhabit Exmoor for nature, in its infinite wisdom has decreed only the strongest fittest Stags will breed to give the new-born calves, the best possible chance of survival . 

For the ornithologist Exmoor is the holy grail of bird watching, both sea birds, and land birds, are numerous. Buzzards patrol the skies like World War Two fighter pilot's, Sky Larks, sing out loudly,and in the evening Nightjars, join the chorus and if you suffer from sleep deprivation allow the Night Jars to lull you to sleep (works for me I have often awoke in my car on Exmoor) In the last two decades the 'Dartford Warbler' has returned to Exmoore and is breeding successfully once again and on Oare Water, dippers can be seen Stonechats, one of Exmoors most distinctive birds can be seen on Dunkery Hill, and in the summer months Croydon Hill, is the home to visitors from the Sub Sahara for here Nightjars, can be seen and heard.  Exmoor, has 32 miles of rugged awesome coastline, and on the high cliff's that sweep down to the sea Gullimots, Cormorants, Greater Black Backed Gulls, Curlews, Ostercatchers, and Ringed Plover are just a few of the many sea bird,s that can be seen

Roe Deer and Red Deer which are native to this Country live on Exmoor. The number of Red Deer is quite healthy .The number's of Roe Deer are considerably less healthy and estimated at only 400. Of the Fallow, deer there is a mystery about their origins, one train of thought is that they were introduced to this Country by the 'Romans' while others say there is archaeological evidence that a deer very similar to the Fallow, was indeed native to these shores.
The adorable Dormouse, is also here along with the Stoats, and Grey Squirells, but are they not every where ? Rabbits, and Hares are easily caught in ones headlights and the wily Fox is sure to be around "Brock' the Badger also live on Exmoor it one cares to look around Badger sets can be see all around one. But for me one of the nicest,s sights of all is to see lambs each spring time gamboling in the field ( no I do not eat lamb ). as they are not only a joy to watch but also herald the beginning of summer.

Places of Historical interest and legend .Tarr Steps, location near Withypool is a medieval, 'Clapper, Bridge' dated about 100 B.C. crossing the River Barle and local legend has it that a local giant challenged 'Old Nick' known better, as the' Devil' to build it in one night the other myth is that the Devil built them himself so he could sunbathe on them I think I prefer the latter myth the thought of the devil lying there sunbathing appeals to my warped sense of humor more than the thought of 'Old Nick' on the night shift.. But the fact remains that this bridge is believed to be the only, Clapper, Bridge' left in the country set in beautiful countryside they are a delight to visit. At Wambarrows there is a line of three concave Bronze Age burial mounds . They are said to be haunted by a black dog Exmoor,s very own version of the 'Hounds of the Baskerville,s ? And on Winsford Hill, lies the Caratacus stone who,s origins are lost in time it might have been erected in the 'Bronze Age' and inscribed later by clansmen, of 'Caratacus'.

Winsford Hill is also where the famous Anchor herd of Exmoor, wild ponies run. Holwell Castle This is a Norman mottle and Bailey castle built to guard the junction, of the east-west, and north-south, trade routes. Its mottle and ramparts were built of earth with timber palisades for defense and a one or two story wooden dwelling. It was probably built by either Martin de Tours, the first lord of Parracombe, William de Falaise (who married Martin's widow) or Robert FitzMartin. Cow, Castle this is an Iron Age, fort at the top of a conical hill where white, water meets the Barle. It is thought that 'Cow, Castle' was more a refuge than a power base. It is also known as 'Ring, Castle' and legend, has it that it was built by the good pixies, who were at war with the evil mine spirits. The pixie queen, had the Castle built and each stone and turf was instilled with the memory of a good deed and therefore created such a good atmosphere that the evil spirits couldn't get in.

But for me my particular favorite. And the best known and enduring story of Exmoor. Is surely of course  the 'Doones' did they exist, or were they just a writers, creation. R D Blackmoore's best selling novel, which tells of dastardly deeds on Exmoor in the late 17th century. And the vivid description of the countryside, that he describes in the book can easily be recognized today as the Oare valley. There is even the church in Oare, where Blackmoor, had 'John Rigg' marry the heroine, 'Lorna.' And the remains of a medieval village near by certainly lends credence to the story. Was this just artistic license, or did R D Blackmoore have knowledge of a family like the 'Doone's'. The locals, will tell you the' Doone's' did indeed exist, I how-ever have a open mind but, I would like to believe that they did indeed exist. 

Dunster Castle. After the Norman conquest in 1066, Dunster castle which had previously been a Saxon stronghold. Was rebuilt by the 'Mohun family' French nobility, who came over with 'William the Conquer. And the castle became their ancestral home until 1374. And since 1374, till present day the family seat of the 'Luttrel family. The castle dates from 'Saxon' era, though as I said it was rebuilt by the Normans. We all know how much the Norman's enjoyed building two things, churches,and castles. The 'Saxon' mottle, or keep is still in evidence today. One would be hard pushed to find more suitable settings or surroundings for a Castle. Set on a high hill Dunster Castle arises from woodland with the River running close by below, although there are more important and imposing castles in the country. But to find one which graces, and is graced, by its surroundings such as Dunster does would indeed be hard to find

Outdoor activities. Such as trekking, horse riding, rock climbing, orienteering, sailing, bird watching, photography, quad bike riding, wildlife safaris,sailing, and fishing. Which is very popular and with several lakes and ponds Exmoor caters well for the angler. There are also considerable number of center's that cater for all of these activitys. There is for instance where various water sports are available, At Wimborne Lake Exmoor's largest inland water. One can canoe, windsurf lean to Kayak, or hire a boat for a days trout fishing. There are also very experienced teachers on hand to assist the beginner. And the Cloud Farm you can go trekking and horse riding, at Oare, near Lynton. Cloud Farm caters for all levels of experience. Again for the angler. The River Lyn is ideal. This river has a good run of salmon, brown trout, and sea trout. Sea fishing, at Lynmouth one can hire a boat for the day or fish from the harbour wall for bass, grey mullet, or boat fish, for pollack, mackrell ,tope, skate, and conger, all are eatable lol, canoing, is a very popular activity and there are several places on Exmoor that cater for canoeists whether experienced or novice

Wimborne Lake is Exmoor's largest inland water.Here  one can canoe, windsurf, lean to Kayak, or hire a boat for a days trout fishing. There are also very experienced teachers on hand But in my humble opinion, the best activitys are free. It cost's nothing, to walk in wonderful scenery, it cost nothing to observe the wildlife, it cost nothing to take you pencil, or paints, and sketch or paint the beauty all around one.