safari on exmoor

Exmoor Safari

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Exmoor Safari - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Exmoor Wildlife Safaris

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EXMOOR WILDLIFE SAFARIS (Dunster) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

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Coleridge Way

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Red Stag Safaris

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• 01643 841831
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• Cutcombe, Exmoor, Minehead, Somerset, TA24 7AW

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Exmoor Safaris by Exmoor people. We will take you on a Safari over wild Exmoor to show you the rugged coastline, heather moors, steeply sloping combes with ancient woodland and fast flowing rivers.

We believe you should enjoy your safari in comfort so we were the first operator to use a Land Rover Discovery which is more comfortable than the LR Defender used by most operators.

Our Discovery 4 has air suspension giving a softer ride than the more rigid bumpy suspension in the Defender. There is air conditioning, more seating space and legroom and better visibility through larger windows compared to the Defender. The Discovery has the legendary off road ability of Land Rover combined with the comfort of a luxury car.

We take smaller groups than some so passengers are not cramped. All seats are forward facing. We are fully licensed by West Somerset Council and insured – some operators are not – Beware!

RSS is run by Andrew Turner, who is Somerset born and bred. His family have lived and farmed on Exmoor for over 200 years. Andrew is the guide who will use his local knowledge and experience gained from a lifetime on Exmoor to ensure you have the best chance of seeing the wildlife including the Exmoor Ponies, Red Deer and Birds of Prey. He will take you to remote places and to the best vantage points to enjoy the panoramic scenery, explain the geology, history and customs of the Moor. He will show you the bronze age settlements with their cairns, barrows and standing stones. You will ford rivers, see the Doone Valley and hear the tale of Lorna Doone. Learn about farming practices from someone who has actually worked on Exmoor Farms.

• Exclusive access to private land
• Special Deer rut trips
• Binoculars available

45 min. film on the Exmoor Red Stag available on our website.

• Bristol, Bath & Somerset Tourism Awards 2020/21 - Active or Learning Experience of the Year

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Exmoor National Park: The Complete Guide

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Things to Do

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Where to Camp

Where to stay nearby, how to get there, tips for your visit.

Straddling West Somerset and North Devon, the coastline of Exmoor, the highest on Britain's mainland, forms the first section of the South West Coastal Path. Here, red deer and wild ponies run free and colorful towns and villages dot the coastline, providing a number of bases to hike from. Visitors can go stargazing or try some of the local seafood in villages including Porlock, Lynton & Lynmouth, or Dunster, which has the added bonus of being near the dramatic  Dunster Castle . 

Home to one of Europe’s only Dark Skies Reserves and the host of the annual Exmoor Dark Skies Festival , Exmoor is the perfect place to get out your binoculars or telescope and enjoy the display in front of you. The park also has no shortage of castles and forts to explore, with over twenty scattered in and surrounding it. Some not to miss include Dunster Castle and the Iron Age hill forts Cow Castle and Bats Castle .

With evidence of cream teas being enjoyed in Devon as far back as the eleventh century, it’s fair to say that stopping for a good scone with cream and jam would be a wise decision. In Devon, the cream typically goes on the scone before the jam, whereas in Cornwall, the opposite is more widespread—making for some friendly rivalry.

Best Hikes & Trails

• Tarr Steps: One of the most popular walks in Exmoor, the ancient Tarr Steps is the oldest and longest ‘clapper bridge’ in the UK which is a series of heavy wooden slabs set over piles of stone. The steps are surrounded by forest and wildlife with a short and longer circular walk you can take to enjoy the woodland. An easy ramble suited to all fitness levels.
• The Valley of the Rocks Walk : Starting in the picturesque coastal town of Lynton, this walk will take you along the stunning coastline, past Lee Abbey as you approach the towering rock formations, the most impressive being Castle Rock which towers high above the land. You can also see Mother Meldrum’s Cave said to be the home of a witch and look out for the goats that wander this area. The route there and back takes around four hours and will offer views of the Bristol Channel and South Wales on a clear day.
• Doone Valley Circuit : A must for fans of Richard Blackmore’s novel Lorna Doone, this walk takes you around Doone Valley in Exmoor, which was home to the Doone family. Starting and ending at Lorna Doone Farm, this peaceful three-hour walk suitable for anyone with moderate fitness takes you through the peaceful landscape and babbling brooks of Exmoor. 
• Wimbleball Lakeside Round Walk : This majestic reservoir lake is a wonderful day out whether you fancy walking, cycling, or taking out your kayak. To walk the full circumference of the lake will take around three hours but anyone short on time can also take a thirty-minute walk to the dam. The Duck Cafe next to the lake also offers light meals and drinks.
• Dunkery and Horner Wood Circular : Starting and ending at Webbers Post car park, the Horner Wood walk takes around an hour and is suited to moderate levels of fitness though the paths can get steep and stony in places as well as slippery after rain. The walk will take you along Dunkery Hill which is the highest point in Exmoor as well as through Horner Wood where you can find sculptures among the trees and the ‘Old General’ which is through to be one of the oldest trees in Exmoor.
• Dunster Circular : Starting at Shingle Beach, you can explore the historic village of Dunster and the impressive Dunster Castle on this two to three hours circular walk through rolling hills and woodland.
• Two Moors Way : Traverse both of Devon’s incredible national parks on this waymarked coast to coast path from Dartmoor to Exmoor. The Two Moors Way route is 102 miles long and can easily be split for day walking with places to stay and cafes along the route.

The majority of the land on Exmoor is privately owned so you will need to book a space at a campsite before pitching up your tent, however out of the way the location may seem. Luckily there are campsites to suit every time of camper from remote wilderness to glamping spots. Here are a few favourites:

• Cloud Farm Campsite : Perfectly located in Lynton in the heart of the Doone Valley, many of the park’s best hikes are on your doorstep including the Doone Valley Circuit. They have ten electric hookups, including two for tents, and space for campers and motorhomes. There is also a shop on site and tearoom, showers, and toilets.
• Westermill Farm : Tucked away in the heart of Exmoor National Park, this five hundred acres working farm with cattle, sheep, pigs, hens, geese and working sheepdogs has four waymarked paths around the farm each with amazing views over the park. Showers, a drying room, and a seasonal shop are available on-site, you can also bring your own horse as grazing and stabling facilities are available. You can enjoy one of their five Scandinavian style cottages or set up your tent next to your cark, no set pitches are available meaning you can pick your perfect spot. 
• Halse Farm and Campsite : A beautiful campsite that truly feels like your out in the wilderness, perfect for stargazing, where you can see wild Exmoor ponies, red and roe deer, hares, buzzards and red kites from your tent. They have full facilities including a laundrette, showers, and WIFI. Six walking routes start and end at the farm and they provide maps for guests.

Exmoor’s small towns and villages mean there's no end to the charming places to stay near and in the national park . Here are some great choices to get you started:

• Middle Burrow : A converted seventeenth-century barn in the heart of Exmoor which makes a superb base for anyone looking to enjoy the walks and cycling of the area. Located at the foot of Dunkery, the highest point in the park, they can provide you with maps for all the best local walks. The medieval village of Dunster is just four miles away as well as Lynton and Tarr Steps. They also offer breakfast.
• Seawood Hotel : Located in the small town of Lynton, this boutique hotel treats you to spectacular sea views which you can take full advantage of with their outdoor seating areas. Near to Valley of the Rocks and a number of other routes starting in Lynton, this is a great base for enjoying the nature of Exmoor while being located near some great restaurants and shops. The hotel offers breakfast and has an onsite bar. 
• The Porlock Weir Hotel : Offering sea views, one of the best afternoon teas in the area, and a fine dining restaurant this is a perfect hotel for foodies and people who want to relax and focus on wellness. With guided coastal walks, yoga and other wellness sessions and numerous walks that start and end at the hotel, this is a hotel that allows you time to recharge.

Devon is well connected to the rest of the UK by train and can be reached from London from both Paddington and Waterloo stations. The city of Exeter makes for an excellent entry point but you can also take the train to Tiverton, Newton Abbot, Totnes, and Plymouth. The train between London and Exeter takes between two and a half to three hours.

Devon is also easily reached by car with the M5 motorway leading to Exeter with good connections from the M4. Driving from London will typically take around three and a half hours.

National Express and Megabus also offer coaches leaving London and arriving in Exeter which is ideal for budget travellers.

Once you are in Devon, the public transport network connecting you with Exmoor National Park and the towns within is extensive. The Devon bus services make it easy to get around once you're there. You can also hire a car from any of the cities, particularly near the airport and train stations for added convenience.

• Exmoor holds many festivals around the year with the Exmoor Food Festival and Dark Skies Festival being one of the most popular. Checking what’s on when you visit will make sure you don’t miss out.
• Rain is liable to fall and any moment, even during the summer so carrying a lightweight rain jacket or poncho is a good idea.

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An Exmoor pony grazes in flowering heather on Dunkery Hill in Exmoor National Park.

Exmoor National Park, England

Name: Exmoor National Park Location: England Date Established: 1954 Size: 267 square miles (692 square kilometers)

Did You Know?

• Wild Coast Exmoor’s 34-mile-long (55-kilometer-long) shoreline is one of the wildest and most remote in England. The six-mile (ten-kilometer) stretches between Combe Martin and Heddon’s Mouth, and from Countisbury to Glenthorne, boast such steep cliffs that the water can’t be reached by land and few places exist to beach even a small boat. Other parts of the coastline are covered with woodlands running right to the beach, a rare sight in Britain .

• Moors and Valleys Exmoor is a rolling, open expanse coated with heather moorland and cut by wooded combes, or valleys. Here wild animals such as red deer share space with the sheep and cattle whose ceaseless grazing over the centuries has helped to shape the landscape itself.

• Top Cliffs The White Cliffs of Dover may be better known but the highest sea cliffs on the British mainland are found in Exmoor. Great Hangman, near Combe Martin, has a face some 800 feet (250 meters) high. Some of the park ’s sea cliffs also feature spectacular waterfalls. Hollow Brook at Martinhoe is among the highest in Britain and plunges some 655 feet (200 meters) to the sea.

• Tidal Range The Bristol Channel has an enormous tidal range second only to that of Canada’s Bay of Fundy. The difference between high and low tides at Hinkley Point has been measured at up to 45 feet (13.7 meters).

• Wildlife The heath fritillary butterfly, or woodman’s follower, is one of Britain’s rarest but can be seen here along the fringes where forests border areas of open space. Exmoor ponies, several hundred of which roam the park, may be the closest living relative of the wild prehistoric steeds that once roamed Europe. The ponies aren’t wild, however; they are part of park and privately owned herds turned loose to graze on the moor.

• Human History Humans have inhabited Exmoor for some 10,000 years and left behind tangible evidence of many a bygone era. Prehistoric standing stones, hut circles, and almost 400 burial mounds lie within the park’s borders. The Romans left fortifications behind, and three Norman castles survive. The medieval period saw the construction of priories and the landscape settled into a patchwork of farms and settlements, which, in rough form, still exists today.

How to Get There

Taunton, Tiverton Parkway, and Barnstaple are nearby rail centers; each is linked by bus to Exmoor. Exmoor itself is served by a network of local bus routes, and coaches can be flagged down anywhere on the moor. In peak summer months the Moor Rover carries everything from luggage and bikes to pets and makes moving from place to place throughout the park easy.

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When to Visit

England’s southwest has a relatively mild climate year-round but conditions in Exmoor can vary widely over the distance of just five miles (eight kilometers). That’s enough ground to cover a climb from sea level to 1,706 feet (520 meters). High ground in Exmoor may have snow cover for a few weeks each winter but the park is certainly pleasant to visit in all seasons.

How to Visit

Watch the stars come out in some of England’s darkest skies. Meander the streets of the historic hamlets and villages scattered throughout the park. Examine thatched-roof buildings or lace up a pair of boots and explore more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) of footpaths and bridleways, including the Coleridge Way, which follows the footsteps of the famous poet through the landscape that inspired some of his best work.

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9 unmissable experiences in Exmoor

Although it’s one of England’s lesser-known national parks, Exmoor has no shortage of things to do on a short break. Straddling the counties of Devon and Somerset, Exmoor National Park is famous for its ponies, unspoilt coastline and dreamy night skies. From exploring the park by steam train to swimming with seals, here are nine unmissable experiences to have on a weekend break in this secret pocket of the southwest.

Enjoy luscious views aboard a water-powered railway

Lynmouth, Devon

The seaside towns of Lynton and Lynmouth have been popular places to visit in Devon since the Victorian era. Lynmouth, once known for herring fishing, is a pretty harbourside town with lovely walks towards Watersmeet, where you’ll find wildlife, waterfalls and a riverside café. Perched 500-feet above Lynmouth is Lynton, full of 19th-century buildings, independent shops, galleries and tea rooms.

Connecting them both is a distinctive grade II-listed funicular Cliff Railway , which is the highest and steepest water-powered railway in the world. Originally built to transport Victorian holidaymakers up the hill to Lynton, the funicular is still popular today thanks to its postcard-perfect coastal views and retro aesthetic. It’s also the most sustainable way to get between the towns, as its unique engineering means it uses absolutely no electricity to operate.

Indulge at the Tarr Farm Inn

Dulverton, Somerset

Exmoor National Park is breathtaking and bountiful, so it’s no surprise that many of its eateries make use of its native produce. The Tarr Farm Inn  is a great example. It sources local and seasonal ingredients, serving up classic dishes with a contemporary twist using the likes of Exmoor lamb, Devon Red Ruby beef and Cornish seafood.

Located by the Tarr Steps – a medieval stone bridge crossing the River Barle, this textbook ancient inn is an idyllic setting for lunch or dinner, especially with its choice of post-meal woodland walks.

Step aboard the longest heritage railway in Britain

Minehead, Somerset

With 20 miles of railway line along the Bristol Channel Coast and through the Quantock Hills, the West Somerset Railway  is the longest heritage route in Britain.

Hop on board an olde-worlde steam train and journey between Minehead and Bishop’s Lydeard. There are ten stations along the route, all of which are worth stopping off at. Alight at Watchet to explore an ancient harbour town; hop off at Washford to see Cleeve Abbey or take a tour of Torre Cider Farm. Fancy a long ramble? Depart at Stogumber or Crowcombe Heathfield to explore the Quantock Hills, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty with panoramic views of the coast.

Picnic under the stars

Exmoor National Park

Thanks to low light pollution and miles of untouched countryside, Exmoor National Park, also accredited as an International Dark Sky Reserve, is the perfect place for stargazing.

On a clear night, pack a picnic and a blanket, and head to Wimbleball Lake, Webbers Post or the highest point on Exmoor, Dunkery Beacon, to enjoy a late-night show full of stars and astronomical delights. Or learn more about the reserve and the art of stargazing by joining onto a dark skies walk with Wild About Exmoor . With help from their handy telescopes and binoculars, you’ll get to marvel at the magnificent constellations of our Milky Way.

Kayak the Exmoor coastline

Combe Martin, Ilfracombe

Accompanied by fully qualified instructors, take to the water on a two-hour sea kayak tour  to explore the secluded pockets of the Exmoor coastline. This scenic paddle will take you past The Hangman Hills – the highest sea cliffs in mainland Britain – to isolated beaches and into hidden caves, many of which can only be reached by boat. Make sure to look out for local wildlife too, like Peregrine falcons nesting in the sea cliffs, dolphins and wide-eyed seals who are known to pop their heads out the water to say hello.

Spot feral goats at the mythical Valley of Rocks

Valley of Rocks, Lynton

Legend has it that the Valley of Rocks  was once home to the Devil’s castle and that one day he came home to find his wives partying with the neighbours, so he fell into such a rage that he turned his wives into turrets of stone. Other people, however, believe the formations (also known as Ragged Jack, Devil’s Cheesering and the White Lady) were created during the Ice Age.

Whatever the story, the popular spot, just half a mile from Lynton, is famous for its dramatic views and population of feral (yet friendly) goats, who have lived on the jagged cliff edges for some 6,000 years. If you’re lucky, you may even get to see a herd of wild Exmoor ponies who are known to graze amongst the bracken.

Add Dunster to your pretty villages bucket list

Dunster, Somerset

Whether you stroll through the iconic Yarn Market, visit the remains of an Iron Age settlement or simply cosy up beside a fire at a local pub, medieval Dunster is a must-visit on an a short break in Somerset. Don’t miss Dunster Castle , an ancient fortress surrounded by luscious gardens that overlook the village.

This former Saxon stronghold was later developed into a Victorian country house, but its 13th-century gateway still survives to this day. The terraced gardens are definitely the jewel in the crown though, full of winding wooded paths, subtropical plants and a historic working watermill.

Get off the beaten track on a wildlife safari

Buckle up and uncover hidden corners of Exmoor from inside a Land Rover 4x4 as you roll through steep, wooded valleys, past crystal-clear rivers and across dramatic windswept moors.

These family-friendly tours  are led by local guides, who’ll let you in on some insider knowledge of the area’s history and folklore. You’ll also get exclusive access to ancient off-road tracks, owned by the National Trust, and have the chance to visit historical sites. Make sure your camera’s charged, too, as there’ll be plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of native wildlife, from red deer rutting and iconic Exmoor ponies to rarely sighted birds and seasonal flora.

Spot seals on Lundy Island

Lundy Island

If you’re looking for unique things to do in north Devon, then look no further. Just off the coast is the historic Landmark Trust island of Lundy – which sits at approximately three miles long and half-a-mile wide. Unspoilt and undisturbed by cars, the island is home to an array of sea life, like dolphins, puffins and grey seals.

You can spot all these and more on a boat trip around the island, or if you don’t mind getting wet, you can venture into the water on a snorkelling or diving experience to see some of these playful mammals up close. The seals are especially inquisitive, so don’t be surprised if they nip your flippers!

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Plan Your Visit

Welcome to exmoor, one of 15 national parks in the uk., where to stay, expeditions and groups, out and about essentials, exmoor 2024, what is a national park.

National Parks have been chosen as special protected areas because of their beautiful countryside, wildlife and history and are places that provide inspiration, recreation and health and wellbeing to the Nation. National Parks are living, working landscapes where people live and work as well as visit. Although most of the land within them is privately owned, there are hundreds of miles of footpaths and bridleways where you have the right to access, as well as areas of moorland designated as "open access land".

Find out about all the UKs 15 National Parks here.

Why is Exmoor a National Park?

Exmoor is a unique and special place, packed full of beautiful landscapes, wildlife and history and has been designated a National Park since 1954.   We have wild windswept moorlands with great views, secret wooded valleys where ancient oaks trees cling to the slopes and clear rivers that rush towards the sea. We have some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in the UK. You can explore villages full of history and make your way along footpaths and tracks that are all carefully signposted and looked after by the National Park.

Find out more about our Habitats  and Wildlife

Like all the UK National Parks, Exmoor is free to enter, there are no gates and no opening and closing times. Look out for “cairns” on the roadside as you enter the National Park.

What can I do on Exmoor?

Exmoor is for everyone and everyone has their own way of enjoying it. For some people it’s about long walks or cycle rides through the beautiful landscape, for others it’s about finding a quiet spot to sit down and just breathe in the sights and sounds of nature. No matter how you enjoy it, please help us protect our precious wildlife and landscapes by leaving no trace of your visit.

For ideas and inspiration call into one of our  National Park Centres : or pick up a copy of the annual Exmoor publication ( 2023 edition - PDF ).

Love Exmoor and want to help keep it special?

We hope your experience of Exmoor will inspire you to want to help care for our National Park.

Signing up to our  newsletters  is a great way to keep up-to-date with news and events.

If you want a hands on experience, then our  Get Involved programme of events, training, and volunteering could be for you.

Or why not consider donating to  CareMoor for Exmoor and helping us care for tomorrow's National Park. No matter how large or small, every donation goes towards keeping Exmoor special for future generations.

What should I bring?

Sudden changes in the weather are a part of Exmoor’s charm, so always expect the unexpected and pack accordingly. Sturdy footwear, a waterproof layer, sun cream or a hat and tick removers can all be useful things to take with you for a day out in the countryside.

Be Tick - Aware -  find out more here

And it goes without saying that you should take home anything you do bring with you, including all litter and dog poo, which can be hazardous to wildlife and grazing livestock. Our  out and about essentials page has all the information to help you enjoy your day safely.

Can I bring my dog?

Yes we love dogs and Exmoor is a fantastic place to explore with your four-legged friend. More information on dogs here to help keep wildlife and livestock safe.

How can I make my visit more environmentally friendly? Be a Park Protector

Exmoor National Park Authority has declared a climate emergency meaning we’re committed to urgent action on climate change. We’ve put together  these simple steps  that everyone can follow, both at home and away, to help reduce their environmental impact and live more sustainably.

Get the younger generation involved too by taking on our  Park Protector Challenge ,  available to download and print at home here

To help us keep Exmoor special for everyone, please -

Take your litter home – leave no trace.

Keep dogs under close control and clean up after them.

Park responsibility – don’t block roads or gateways.

Leave gates as you find them  – if in doubt close them.

Only use designated sites for camping and motorhomes.

Respect -  Protect - Enjoy

We're here to help.

Our award-winning National Park Centres are staffed with Exmoor experts ready to help with ideas and inspiration to help you get the best from a visit:

Lynmouth National Park Centre , 01598 752509, [email protected]

Dunster National Park Centre , 01643 821835,  [email protected]

Dulverton National Park Centre  , 01398 323841,  [email protected]

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Our Land Rover

The vehicle owned and operated by Exmoor Wildlife Safaris is a Land Rover Defender 110 with station wagon bodywork and powered by a 300 Tdi turbo diesel 2.5 litre engine. Peaking at around 1800 rpm the engine’s high torque gives unsurpassed pulling power.

The remarkable versatility and power of the Defender’s gearing means that almost no conditions should ever be too tough to drive over. The vehicle’s high and low transfer box gives a choice of 10 forward and 2 reverse gears so the performance can be adapted to whatever variety of terrain is encountered. By engaging the centre differential, extra traction is achieved because power is the distributed equally between the front and rear axles.

The suspension on the Land Rover Defender 110 model consists of front and rear live beam axles, single rate coil springs and telescopic hydraulic dampers.The ride is smooth on metalled roads and not uncomfortable off road providing sensible speeds are maintained.

Apart from minor modifications to the seating, convenience lighting and signage to comply with Public Service Vehicle regulations our Land Rover remains as built and any temptation to add spurious ‘bolt on’ accessories and poser gadgets has been resisted.

The Landrover undertakes about 400 three hour Exmoor safaris a year and three tours a day is usual during peak holiday periods. About one third of the time each safari is on Off Road tracks with the kind permission of various Exmoor landowners. The track driving conditions vary with 1 in 3 slopes of bare rock, boulder or loose scree being quite common. Most routes include a river crossing. Many of the tracks are ancient roadways with some hard base beneath a soil layer and they tend to be flooded during the winter and after heavy rain.

The tyres fitted at present are ‘General Grabber AT2’ which provide good all round performance for our purposes.

“The Landrover undertakes about 400 three hour Exmoor safaris a year and three tours a day is usual during peak holiday periods.”

Exmoor Stag & Red Deer

Deer species, exmoor red deer, history of the exmoor red deer, management of the exmoor red deer.

The Exmoor red deer cause a great deal of damage eating saplings root crops and grass. If numbers were not controlled it would be impossible to farm large areas of Exmoor. Without their natural predator the wolf their numbers would increase rapidly leading to an unnatural high density which would cause considerable damage to their habitat. If not culled by man their fate in the wild is usually death by starvation as their teeth fall out when they get older and they can’t eat or death by parasites, disease or injury, none of which are quick or painless.

On Exmoor the exmoor red red deer are culled in two ways, firstly by rifle. Culling by rifle is the most common way to cull deer for much of the British Isles as it is the only practical way. It does have its problems though. Many people think that the trigger is pulled and the deer falls down dead but this is often not the case. Red deer have acute senses. They can scent a human up to a mile away and hear them from about a quarter of a mile away if the wind is in the right direction. They also have good eyesight but only see black and white. This makes it difficult to get close to the red deer especially on open moorland where there is no cover. When shooting with a rifle in open country they are often shot from a distance of around 100 yards. When shooting red deer outdoors on uneven ground with the wind blowing aiming at a moving target it is impossible to clean kill every time. If the gun is moved a millimetre or two then over the shooting distance the bullet will be several inches away from the killing zone which is quite small, usually the brain or heart. Many people who shoot exmoor red dear are not marksman and there is no test of your ability to shoot when you apply for a licence. Some deer are clean killed by a rifle bullet, others are hit and die within a few minutes but a number are injured and escape, usually to dense undergrowth or woodland where they cannot be found. They then die slowly and painfully from loss of blood or infection sometimes over many days or even weeks. Most of us who have lived on Exmoor have seen the casualties which occur during poaching and legitimate shooting. Rifle bullets will travel several miles so if the shooter misses there is a risk to other users of the moor. There are numerous bridleways footpaths and areas of open access on Exmoor so this is a real risk. The other problem with rifle shooting is that the majority of shooters only have access to relatively small areas of land and cannot operate a managed culling policy of the red deer across the whole of Exmoor. Many of them only want to shoot young red deer so they can sell the carcass for meat or the big stags so they can sell the heads or mount them on their wall. They are not generally interested in culling sick, injured or diseased animals as they would have to pay to dispose of the carcass at a licensed premises. Shooting alone on Exmoor is therefore unlikely to lead to a balanced cull of the exmoor red dear and can lead to one type of deer being exploited such as the big stags. This has happened already on parts of Exmoor and the Quantock Hills and in these areas it is almost impossible to find a good quality mature stag today. As well as legitimate shooting poaching of the red dear also goes on but it is the presence of the hunts which has historically limited poaching. The hunting people, the landowners and farmers actively monitor and protect the red dear herds from poachers and exert pressure on suspects to refrain. This is a far more effective method than any other. The police have little time to spend chasing poachers and there are not enough officers to be effective. Passing further laws to stop red dear poaching will not work as the culprits are fully aware the laws are almost impossible to enforce. Ironically in the 1800s hunting of the red deer stopped for several years and rather than prosper the deer numbers plummeted to below 100 and they were in danger of extinction. This shows what happens when the wild exmoor red deer lose the protection given to them by the local hunting people with large scale persecution of the red deer from indiscriminate shooting and poaching as many people try to make money out of the deer. Hunting was restarted in an attempt to save the red deer of Exmoor and gradually over many years numbers steadily increased up to their current levels. This is a prime example of how to preserve a species.

Firstly you have to work with the local population and get them on side rather than dictate to or oppose them. When they have an interest in protecting the species, such as for hunting on Exmoor they will. They will also be able to operate far more effectively in providing that protection than people from outside the area who have no or little experience and no local knowledge or contacts. Impose laws on local people banning what they do and dictating to them from afar as has been done by the urban politicians acting on politically correct motives without any understand of what happens on the ground and this usually leads to disaster. The current hunting act allows flushing of wild mammals to guns and hunting for observation and study using two hounds only and the red deer hunts use these exemptions to continue. As is often the case when legislation is brought by people who have not been brought up in the countryside, not been involved in wildlife management and have no knowledge on the subject based on real experience the end result has the opposite effect than that intended. This hunting ban has lead to increased suffering of the wild red deer as it is very difficult to locate sick, injured and diseased red deer in the hundreds of acres of dense woodland that exists on Exmoor using only two hounds. This is because sick or injured red deer often with bullet wounds will sit tight and be very difficult to locate and flush out. Pre ban, when the pack could be used (30 hounds) these red deer were usually found and dispatched quickly. Using hounds is the only way these red deer can be located. The hunts are the only organisation to offer this casualty service and it is free of charge. Without the hunts the suffering of these exmoor red deer would be severe and protracted.

The hunts cull the Exmoor red deer using guns and always have done in modern times even before the ban was imposed. Hunting generally has the support of the majority of local landowner’s farmers and people who have always lived on Exmoor as they understand the importance of the hunts in protecting the red deer. Most opposition comes from people who have moved into the Exmoor area or from people outside the area who have little knowledge and no experience on the subject but very strong views. As the hunts have general support they can hunt over most of Exmoor and unlike the shooters operate a coordinated cull. They also disperse the red deer herds over a wide area reducing the damage to individual farmers. The hunts have no financial interest in culling the wild exmoor red deer and their only interest is in preserving the deer as without the red deer there would be no hunting. This leads to a more considerate and balanced management compared to shooting where the exmoor red deers survival and welfare is the top priority.

The hunts use harbourers who are local men with a lifetime’s knowledge of Exmoor and the red deer to monitor the herds. They will advise the huntsman on what red deer need to be culled. Local people will report injured, sick or diseased deer to the harbourers who will advise the huntsman where to look for them. These red deer will always get priority on any hunting day and there is nobody else who will or can deal with these red deer on Exmoor. In the autumn the hunt culls the old stags as these will be losing their teeth and find it difficult to feed. They also cull the old Exmoor stags at this time to stop them mating with their own offspring which would not be good for the genetics of the herd. In the winter they cull red deer hinds again giving priority to the old, sick or injured. In the spring they cull the young Exmoor stags which will generally be in good health so the harbourer will prioritise those with deformities, or the smaller and less good examples. This careful management has lead to the spectacular red deer herds that we now see on the moor which are the most numerous and best examples of their kind in England. On a hunting day the right deer will be selected and the huntsman will try to find it using his two hounds. Once the right deer is found and roused it will run. The deer will be shot as soon as it is safe to do so. Red deer have evolved to outrun wolves so they have good stamina. About half the hunted exmoor red deer escape and logically they are more likely to be the fitter and healthier ones. Those red deer which cannot out run the hounds stand at bay usually in water such as a river. This is a natural instinct which has evolved because wolves will not go into the water. The hounds are trained not to attack the deer so when it stands at bay they surround it and bay at it (bark). This is usually the safest time to shoot it. The baying hounds alert the huntsman who will ride down to the river and then blow a special note on his horn to inform the men with guns that the deer is at bay. There will be several men on horseback carrying guns in saddle bags. The guns will dismount and walk up to the red deer and as it is at bay and surrounded by the hounds it will not move. The guns can then shoot the red deer from close quarters often around 10 feet away leading to a clean quick kill every time. With hunting on Exmoor there is no wounding of the red deer and hunted deer which escape don’t suffer any adverse affect from a hunt often being seen the next day back where they were found.

Evolution has provided them with speed and stamina to outrun wolves so they are well able to cope with the physical exersion of a hunt.

The hunters are often called toffs and accused of killing for fun by the animal rights groups. Those who live on Exmoor understand the reality which is that the people who hunt are from across the social spectrum. Yes, a few people are a bit posh and the media always tend to show them on the television rather than speak to the working man in the flat cap who follows in his car. For every posh person there are probably ten ordinary working folk who follow the hunts.

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