The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

The Exmoor village of Brendon has found an innovative way to raise funds for church and village hall repairs. Exmoor Radio attended their first ferret racing evening and, it seems, nearly every resident of this remote Somerset community was in attendance on a damp, dark February evening. (00:58)

Lyn Valley author, Simon Dawson, has developed a devoted following for his books, which share his comic observations and quirky stories about living off the grid sustainability at the Exmoor smallholding he shares with his wife Debbie. Keri Jones chatted with Simon about his latest books. One of his forthcoming releases is all about butter but Simon is also preparing to publish his most challenging writing project to date. 'The Boy Without Love' tells the story of Simon's unhappy past. His mother did not love him. Simon explains how difficult it was to write this deeply personal account of his childhood. (06:56)

Culbone is a magical and spiritual part of Exmoor and Porlock resident Jeff Cox discovered this secluded valley by chance. Jeff, his wife Jean and his son Philip were on walking holiday from their Warwickshire home when they knocked on the door of Culbone Lodge and asked for directions. The following conversation with resident Joan Cooper changed the course of the family's life. Jeff will talk about his life in Culbone and his work with author, mystic and yoga teacher Joan in a talk at Porlock's Dovery Manor Museum at 2.30pm on Thursday 28th February. (20:24)

Exmoor National Park Authority is funding a poetry project that will tell the story of moorland farming today. The Park has awarded a £2,500 grant to support the Pasture Fed Livestock Association's poet in residence. Exmoor Radio talks with writer Adam Horowitz and hears how he has been shadowing farmers on two Exmoor farms whilst preparing his pieces for a new publication. (27:09)

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

We visit the historic forge in Allerford to hear about their plans for the future, which will be of interest to art-loving visitors. Director Kieren Roberts chats about some of the interesting and prestigious jobs the team has undertaken recently in this busy workshop, including a special project in Porlock. And he explains that staff didn't believe that an overseas order they received was genuine. You'll hear why. (00:58)

When Shaun Bryant was growing up in Kent he had never heard of a lengthsman. Most people are unaware of this occupation, but many Exmoor visitors and locals benefit from the work. Shaun is a maintenance and repairman for a number of parishes on the Somerset side of the moor. He talks with Keri Jones about his role, which can be traced back to medieval times. (11:32)

Hundreds of people will wade into Wimbleball Lake's waters for the Exmoor Open Water Swim on 29th September. Event director Mike Morris explains why he started the swim and what it feels likes to take part - including how warm the water is! Entrants can support good causes. There are different lengths of swim, depending on ability, and Mike says that some swimmers are very fast. (16:42)

Two years ago, Paul and Helen Ridgewell moved from Cornwall to Lynton and opened a gallery in the town's Old Bank House. Gallery @ 500 Feet's name, of course, refers to the elevation of the upper twin village. Over the past two years the couple's range of contemporary and eclectic art has become a firm favourite with both visitors and locals. Paul and Helen are not artists and they had never run a shop before. They explain why they have changed careers and why they love living on the moor. In March, Helen will open a second shop in Lynton, too. (21:33)

Lynton and Lynmouth Cliff Railway is planning a not-so-romantic Valentine's Day event. They want to see whether couples can prepare and consume a Devon Cream Tea during the short ride from the upper to bottom station. Cliff Railway manager Ashley Clarke explains what will happen. (31:01)

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

Exmoor Radio visits Snowdrop Valley, near Wheddon Cross, to see the flowers out in bloom and meet Eric Norman, who chairs the Parish Council committee that oversees the event. They arrange park and ride buses and charge a very small fee to raise cash for local causes from visitors who come to view this wonderful seasonal spectacle. But Keri Jones from Exmoor Radio hears how a major engineering project elsewhere in Somerset has created a challenge for Eric and his team.

Tony Howard owns the 1950s vintage former filling station in Withypool. It's one of Exmoor's most photographed sites and Tony reveals that a celebrity has posed in front of the pumps. The petrol station closed following the foot and mouth crisis, but Tony hopes to start a new service soon that could keep moor drivers motoring.

Paul Williams of Ilfracombe's Rotary Club tells Keri Jones of Exmoor Radio about an eight or sixteen mile orienteering challenge overnight on Exmoor. It's called the StarTrek. It is taking place on March 2nd and the event has raised an incredible amount of money so far - over £1million for the chosen charity.

At the end of January, Dunster residents learned about the discoveries that the Dig Village archaeology project had made in their village. Creator of TV's 'Time Team' Prof Tim Taylor tells Exmoor Radio that experts have learned that Dunster's buildings are older than may people had previously thought.

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

We visit Exmoor artist, Melody Hawtin, in Porlock. Melody sees Exmoor's colours unlike any other local artist. She accentuates each hue to create a vibrant and brilliant representation of the moor. Melody can teach you how to paint, too! She hosts frequent courses at her studio at The Tannery, in the centre of the village. Soon, Melody will promote Exmoor in Northern Ireland, when her paintings are displayed at a major exhibition in Belfast. (00:57)

If you love locally sourced food or enjoy eating out then you need to know about the Exmoor Food Fest. Pubs and restaurants all over the moor are offering discounted meals and taster menus throughout February. The festival is in its fifth year and Exmoor Radio caught up with founder, Elke Winzer, to hear what's new in 2019. (11:07)

Lynton enjoyed a street performance from The Exmoor Border Morris Dancers recently. Their striking and colourful appearance is vastly different from what you may expect from a Morris group. We spoke with founder, Barry Cann, and heard the reason for their unusual attire and blue make-up. (16:20)

If you have an interesting picture of Dunster, you could win prizes with it, including a stay at the Luttrell Arms or a photography course with a professional based in the village. Lucy Green explains why local traders have launched this contest and how you can take part or help to select a winner. (20:30)

Highcliffe House in Lynton is officially the best B&B in Devon! Soon, owners Jason Broughton and Neal Cobb will find out whether their business is the best in the Southwest, too. Keri visited the men and heard how they believe that Lynton has changed in the past two years. The couple will share some of the secrets of their success, too. (24:34)

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

Lynton's Cinema was packed over a weekend in January as locals caught a glimpse of Ken Blakey's animated movie 'Louisa - An Amazing Adventure'. Lynton resident Ken has spent two years creating the film, based on the story of the overland launch 120 years ago. When lifeboatmen were unable to row out from Lynmouth due to a fierce storm, they hauled the lifeboat over the moor to Porlock Weir, so they could rescue a stricken vessel. Ken has heard some interesting tales during his research and he shares some of his findings with Exmoor Radio. And you'll hear where you may have seen Ken's work before. (00:54)

The Good Pub Guide has named Woods Bar in Dulverton as one the top ten pubs in the UK. Again! And the pub has been declared 'Wine Pub of the Year'. It's yet another award for publican and farmer, Paddy Groves, who remains modest about his continued award success, despite also being named 'Landlord of the Year.' Paddy tells us how to spot a good pub and he offers an insight into the busy Bank Holiday, when the future King of Britain and his wife popped in for pint! (13:38)

The first Dunster Festival was a success, so it will return for a second year in 2019. The classical music event runs from 24thto 27thMay and, this time, will feature some special events including a concert of music played using a gong and Bach for babies. Keri Jones from Exmoor Radio chatted with festival founders Rory McCleery and Rachel Wick and heard how their wedding inspired the festival in the first place. (21:48)

Porlock Weir Gig Club has bought and launched their own gig rowing boat. It's an amazing achievement for the rowing club, which was only formed last year. Exmoor Radio spoke with Chairman, Ben Atherton, who explains how this purchase will help club members train for competitive rowing. (26:16)

Mark Ferguson can enjoy the magic of Exmoor with his eyes closed! He has worked professionally as a sound recordist and is now recording our wildlife sounds for his PhD project. Mark says each part of the moor has a different sound and he tells Exmoor Radio why preserving the moor's relative peace and quiet is important. Mark explains how hard he works to capture some incredible wildlife audio and why he's been busy recording Exmoor's bees. (31:00)

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

Papermaking is in Jim Patterson's Blood. He moved to West Somerset to work at Watchet's paper mill and, when he was made redundant, he bought Roadwater's 400-year-old former corn mill, Pitt Mill, as a base for his Two Rivers Paper Company. Jim and his three colleagues produce hand made paper for artists from deep within this wooded Exmoor valley. Exmoor Radio paid Jim a visit and discovered how he's using traditional methods to create a unique artisan product, which is in great demand. (00:50)

Edward Christian dreamed up the idea for an Exmoor flag. Keri Jones went to meet Edward in his Brushford hotel and discovered that there are many rules and regulations to consider when deciding upon a regional flag. The winning design has been highly popular. You'll see it fluttering on flagpoles and in sticker form on car windscreens all over the moor and beyond. In fact, you might be surprised just how far the Exmoor flag has travelled! (13:15)

If you think that it is difficult to identify Exmoor's broad leaf trees in the middle of winter, think again. Exmoor National Park's Robin Offer will reveal how wildlife and fungi can help nature lovers recognise the different species of trees in Exmoor's woodlands. Robin is leading a party into the ancient Burridge Woods, above Dulverton, on 17th January. And he previews some of the sights and woodland stories he'll share with his group. (20:00)

Most Exmoor locals and Exmoor lovers will have tasted the local fruit, Whortleberries. But Exford farmer Simon Keily decide to grow their relative - the blueberry - as a commercial crop. The project has been through tough times but Simon's decision to attain organic status and to become a pick-your-own destination means that his blueberry business is facing a rosy future. Exmoor Radio went to visit Simon and learned that he grows many different blueberry varieties, including one that tastes like the childhood sweet cola cubes! (25:39)

If you had to live outdoors on Exmoor, and in all weathers, you'd become quite hardy. And that's certainly one of the qualities of Exmoor horn sheep. Exmoor Radio spoke with farmer Lindy Head about this unique breed and how she's spearheaded an initiative to promote Exmoor horn sheep wool produce. Lindy explains why jumpers knitted from the breed's wool are so special. And she tells Exmoor Radio how the view inland from Bossington has inspired the wool producers' colour palette. (31:32)

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

Papermaking is in Jim Patterson's Blood. He moved to West Somerset to work at Watchet's paper mill and, when he was made redundant, he bought Roadwater's 400-year-old former corn mill, Pitt Mill, as a base for his Two Rivers Paper Company. Jim and his three colleagues produce hand made paper for artists from deep within this wooded Exmoor valley. Exmoor Radio paid Jim a visit and discovered how he's using traditional methods to create a unique artisan product, which is in great demand. (00:50)

Edward Christian dreamed up the idea for an Exmoor flag. Keri Jones went to meet Edward in his Brushford hotel and discovered that there are many rules and regulations to consider when deciding upon a regional flag. The winning design has been highly popular. You'll see it fluttering on flagpoles and in sticker form on car windscreens all over the moor and beyond. In fact, you might be surprised just how far the Exmoor flag has travelled! (13:15)

If you think that it is difficult to identify Exmoor's broad leaf trees in the middle of winter, think again. Exmoor National Park's Robin Offer will reveal how wildlife and fungi can help nature lovers recognise the different species of trees in Exmoor's woodlands. Robin is leading a party into the ancient Burridge Woods, above Dulverton, on 17th January. And he previews some of the sights and woodland stories he'll share with his group. (20:00)

Most Exmoor locals and Exmoor lovers will have tasted the local fruit, Whortleberries. But Exford farmer Simon Keily decide to grow their relative - the blueberry - as a commercial crop. The project has been through tough times but Simon's decision to attain organic status and to become a pick-your-own destination means that his blueberry business is facing a rosy future. Exmoor Radio went to visit Simon and learned that he grows many different blueberry varieties, including one that tastes like the childhood sweet cola cubes! (25:39)

If you had to live outdoors on Exmoor, and in all weathers, you'd become quite hardy. And that's certainly one of the qualities of Exmoor horn sheep. Exmoor Radio spoke with farmer Lindy Head about this unique breed and how she's spearheaded an initiative to promote Exmoor horn sheep wool produce. Lindy explains why jumpers knitted from the breed's wool are so special. And she tells Exmoor Radio how the view inland from Bossington has inspired the wool producers' colour palette. (31:32)

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

Keri Jones visits Simonsbath's sawmill to watch the volunteers cut timber using equipment that harnesses the power of Exmoor's abundant water supply. Water-powered sawmills are rare and a group of dedicated volunteers is keen to keep this mill operating, including former Exmoor National Park officer Graham Wills. Graham has uncovered a family connection with the sawmill. During his tour, Keri learns that the sawmill has played a wider role in local life in this part of the moor. (00:44)

Exmoor Radio visits Ex-Press Cider. Marc Salter talks about his journey from America's West Coast to West Somerset and the success of his craft cider, which is produced at Hawkcombe from locally grown apples. Marc explains why he's currently happy to keep his production levels low. But, as Keri Jones hears, his future plans include the roll-out of a luxury cider brand and a visitor experience offer. (11.41)

Can you work out where an Exmoor resident was brought up, just from their accent? Vicky Garnett has been looking at language and accent change on the Somerset side of the moor as part of her research for a PhD in linguistics. Vicky tells Exmoor Radio about her project and she says that she's noticed a specific vowel sound, which has interested her. (18:14)

Are you desperate to find something to do during 'Twixmas' - the period between Boxing Day and New Year? The National Trust has arranged a series of educational and interesting walks around Watersmeet. Peter Cousin tells Exmoor Radio about some of the wildlife sights that walkers might enjoy. And following a successful trial in 2017, the café will be open, so returning walkers will be able to warm up with a drink and snack. (25:06)

Trevor Garnham has been tracking the development of Exmoor's narrow gauge railway through his videos. The filmmaker records and then edits hours of footage from the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway's Gala Days to produce his DVDs. The twelfth compilation has just gone on sale. Trevor explains why he spends so much time producing this video archive and tells Keri Jones how the L&B Railway first fascinated him. (28:52)

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

Keri Jones from Exmoor Radio meets Derek Purvis, the founder of Porlock Weir's Boat Museum. Derek talks about the museum's masses of memorabilia and articles that document the wartime shipwrecks along the Bristol Channel. Sometimes official reasons were given for the wrecks. Derek shares some alternative theories. And Derek talks about Porlock's leather craft industry, whose workers decorated the homes of the wealthy and even royalty in the late Victorian and Edwardian era. (00:57)

The Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is hosting Santa Specials throughout the festive season. Keri Jones discovered that a power cut could not take the shine off a steam-powered treat that will entertain hundreds of children this winter. (11:16)

Lynmouth's Tug of War is a Lyn Valley Boxing Day tradition. Keri chats with the Bath Hotel's Lucy Howe about their event, which proved highly competitive last year. Lucy welcomes both spectators and participants. (15:26)

Keri Jones talks with Dom Lenoir, director of the movie thriller 'Winter Ridge', which was filmed around the Lyn Valley. Dom talks about the challenges and special qualities of this Exmoor filming location. And Dom reveals that there could be a small screen spin off. (20:11)

The Exmoor Radio Show shares stories and conversations with the people who work and play in Britain's most magical national park. The programme is recorded on location in Exmoor and produced in Lynton by Keri Jones. In this episode of The Exmoor Radio Show:

A vintage tractor that features in its own Exmoor stories, a scale model railway reconstruction of 1930s Brushford and a portable planetarium were some of the attractions at the recent 'Dulverton by Starlight' Event.

Exmoor Radio went along and captured some of the event's special atmosphere on 2nd December. You'll hear a seasonal song sung by the Take Note choir, carols played by Exford's handbell ringers and South Molton's rousing brass band. Keri Jones talked to some of the people who helped make the recent festive event such a success, including Zoe Williams from the organising committee. (00:46)

Lynton's cinema is a success story. Magazines and newspaper articles regularly declare it to be one of Britain's best independent cinemas. They show the latest blockbusters, pay some staff and operate 7 days a week.

So how can a tiny cinema with 68 seats survive when there are just 1,150 residents in the twin villages of Lynton and Lynmouth? Keri Jones from Exmoor Radio spoke with cinema MD and founder Bill Pryor and discovered the secret of their success. (06:46)

St Petroc's parish church in Timberscombe has been awarded around £50,000 in Heritage Lottery money to repair its roof. Keri Jones from Exmoor Radio met with churchwardens John Gratton and Marion Jeffrey to hear what a difference this grant money will make to the village community.

Keri also discovers why the church is one of the few Grade 1 listed buildings on the moor and he learns about the church's most treasured features - its rood screen and wall paintings. (16:25)

Running at night on Exmoor offers a completely different experience, according to Dan Brice from Minehead-based Channel Events. Dan's team is offering runners a chance to tackle a 5k or 10k run on Exmoor, under the stars, on the shortest day of the year. Dan talks with Keri Jones from Exmoor Radio about the Selworth Stargazer on 21stDecember - the winter solstice. (24:18)

Author Tracey Gemmell will soon leave the cold winters of Wisconsin for the warmer climes of West Somerset. British-born Tracey has a yearning for Exmoor, which has grown stronger with each passing year. Porlock is pulling her across the 'Pond'. Tracey has written three novels that each feature a desire to discover a place you feel to be home. There's a Welsh word for this - 'hiraeth'.

Tracey talks with Exmoor Radio's Keri Jones about her book, 'Dunster's Calling' which features its central character's longing to return to the moor. The story is told through the woman's strong connection with an Exmoor pony. And Tracey explains the special bond she feels with Exmoor and why she's returning - permanently. (26:47)