We are delighted to be joining many other local groups and organisations in supporting the annual Meldon Wildlife Festival. This event on Tuesday 19th August is organised by the Dartmoor National Park Authority, offering an inspiring and educational day out for families, with this year promising to be bigger and better than ever. Meldon Old Quarry hosts the festival, allowing plenty of space for hands on activities, including is stream dipping, an obstacle course and wildlife games. Helen Bruce, DPA Communications Officer, will also be sharing some special bog and monster themed stories at 2pm.
The whole event is free to attend and features fantastic activities organised by people with a passion for nature, wildlife and conservation. This year, the popular event supports Peat-Fest South West – a region-wide celebration raising awareness of peatland heritage through youth-focused events, intergenerational skills exchange, creative activities, and digital storytelling.
The festival theme for 2025 is ‘Bogtastic Dartmoor’ and celebrates the National Park’s wildlife with a spotlight on upland bogs and valley mires.
Meldon Wildlife Festival is organised by Dartmoor National Park Authority alongside a range of wildlife and conservation organisations. This year that includes the South West Peatland Partnership, Devon Wildlife Trust, Art and Energy, Barn Owl Trust, 1st Okehampton Scouts, Devin Amphibian and Reptile Group and Museum of Dartmoor Life, plus more.
There will be heaps of things for children to do including stream dipping, wildlife crafting, a minibeast hunt and a water-themed bstable course. Curious young minds can learn more about Dartmoor’s legendary bogs and the rare and precious creatures and habitats they support such as water-wading snipes, the soggy sphagnum mosses and the beautiful but carnivorous sundew plant.
Andy Bailey, Dartmoor National Park’s Outreach and Engagement Officer, said: ‘Meldon Wildlife Festival is a great day out for the family and we’re always looking for ways to make it a safe, fun and inspirational event that makes people want to come back year after year.
‘It’s so exciting that we’re able to team up with our many partners and Peat-Fest South West to help children and young people hear the stories of our peatlands, and their importance for Dartmoor’s nature, heritage and our climate.’
As the largest and highest upland in southern Britain, Dartmoor is especially interesting in terms of its wildlife. It is also an important reserve for species that can withstand harsher conditions including some very rare plants and animals. Dartmoor is particularly noted for rare lichens, butterflies and other insects but is known for its moorland birds, heath and farmland too.
People can make the most of the day by packing a picnic. Some light refreshments will be available on the day, kindly provided by 1st Okehampton Scouts Group with ice creams by Taw River Dairy. There’s also free parking and toilets.
The event is made possible thanks to the support of the landowners Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council and Duchy of Cornwall, and Adventure Okehampton, who lease the land.
Meldon Wildlife Festival runs from 10.30am until 4pm. Meldon Old Quarry is signposted off the B3260 opposite Betty Cottles near Okehampton.
Image: Hannah Durdin