Exmoor

Exmoor is loosely defined as an area of hilly open moorland in west Somerset and north Devon in South West England. It is named after the River Exe, the source of which is situated in the centre of the area, two miles north-west of SimonsbathExmoor is reportedly one of the earth’s oldest features, dating back 200 million years. The moorland is dissected by combes or steep wooded valleys which have been formed by fast-running streams. It has the largest concentration of Red Deer in England. Exmoor is also the home of the extremely rare Exmoor pony, with numbers lower than many endangered species in the UK. The Exmoor Pony is mentioned in the Domesday Book of 1086, supporting the belief that it is a truly British breed. As well as a number of animals native to Exmoor, the national park is also home to over a thousand different flowering plants and grasses.