The ranger team on the Killerton estate, near Exeter, are to welcome back ten Dartmoor ponies to resume conservation grazing on the Iron Age hill fort as part of a major parkland restoration project.
The Dartmoor ponies were a big hit with visitors last year, proving to be as good at posing for photos as they were at munching on invasive scrub, brambles and grass. They were an instant hit on social media and visitors have been looking forward to their return. The ponies will take up residence on Dolbury Hill, also known as the “Clump” and the site of the hill fort, on 14 January...
From 5pm until 8pm on 11-13 and 18-20 December, staff and volunteers at Knightshayes Court are hoping to make the festive season extra special by inviting visitors to explore the house and illuminated garden after dark.
They will be able to wander from room to room feeling the warm cheer of a traditional Christmas; and then pop on their woolly hats and snug coats to stroll along the terraces and see parts of the garden transformed into a winter wonderland.
Peta Richards, Visitor Services Assistant, said: “We hope to bring back the magic for families. They can peer at...
Killerton House will throw open its festive doors on Saturday 21 November to unveil its much anticipated Christmas transformation inspired by ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’, by C.S. Lewis.
The National Trust property, just outside of Exeter, invites visitors to step through the wardrobe and embark on a festive journey to experience the magic of this Christmas classic.
A beautifully transformed mansion themed on the story will send shivers down spines, each room adorned with decorations and sparkling displays. The house will reflect places from the classic story,...
A volunteer trainee ranger who was funded by the Sid Vale Association’s Keith Owen Fund has become a permanent countryside ranger with the East Devon National Trust team.
Lucy Buckingham started as a trainee at the end of June 2014 and funding covered practical management work, community projects, events and public engagement and certificates in power tool use and first aid. After the completion of her training she became a seasonal ranger in April 2015 before being appointed to her new role this month.
Peter Blyth, Head Ranger says, ‘Lucy will now be running the scheme in...
For many pupils, parents and National Trust supporters, the beginning of the Festive Season is heralded by the Exeter School Concert in aid of the National Trust in Exeter Cathedral.
For the fifteenth year running, the concert showcases the school's senior orchestral groups, brass and choirs in the magnificent Cathedral setting.
This year, highlights within the programme promise to be performances of Sibelius' impressive 'Finlandia' by the Symphony Orchestra, whilst the more intimate Chamber Orchestra will play excerpts from Warlock's 'Capriol Suite'.
On Saturday 21 November, the Killerton estate will be hosting ‘Night Run’. Starting just before 5pm, it is great way to enjoy the outdoors and parkland after dark.
There are two different length routes. First time runners can choose the beginner and family-friendly Explorer route (1.5km), while experienced off-roaders may opt for the Adventurer route (6km). Both courses are totally traffic-free and mostly on paths and trails rather than tarmac.
Andy Bramwell, Outdoors Visitor Services Officer at Killerton, said: “Put on your running shoes, turn on your head torch, and...
Eerie orange faces are hidden around Killerton’s hillside garden ready for brave explorers to find.
To celebrate the Hallowe’en season and to coincide with half-term, daily pumpkin trails will take over the colourful autumn garden on the National Trust estate near Exeter from Saturday 24 October until Sunday 1 November.
Explorers will be searching high and low to tick off each pumpkin face on the trail. Along the way, there will be chances to get off the beaten track to discover secret paths, as well as the Bear’s Hut and Ice House.
Explore the free trail to spot pumpkin faces hiding around the garden.
Go off the beaten track to discover secret paths, the Bear's hut and the ice house. Crunch leaves underfoot while you enjoy the natural beauty of the changing season.
Normal admission fees apply. National Trust members and under 5s free.
August was a rainy month for tourists and locals. There was one upside to the downpours however; the wet weather has made for a bumper crop of apples in the National Trust orchards at Killerton and the trees are heavy with fruit ready to be made into cider.
2014 was a memorable summer, but an apple crop to forget, producing only 3,000 litres of cider. But this year the trees are so full that the National Trust hopes to double its production.
To help harvest all the apples five local schools are lending a hand, with 199 pupils enjoying a trip to the orchards to learn about...
Killerton Estate has won four national awards for its local produce in the Fine Farm Produce Awards which recognise the quality and sustainability of the food, drink and produce grown on National Trust land and farms.
Ashclyst Dairy, a tenant farm at Killerton, was the overall food winner in England and Wales for its organic natural yoghurt and Killerton estate itself also fought off stiff competition to take home awards for its sparkling cider, charcoal, firewood logs, and Clyston Mill stoneground flour.
Ed Nicholson, Lead Ranger, and Fiona Hailstone, Produce Ranger, went...
