Festival returns to Dartmoor

Dartmoor National Park Authority has announced the return of the popular Meldon Wildlife Festival, set to take place on Tuesday, August 20. 

The event, which is free and open to all, will be held at the Meldon Old Quarry, offering a day filled with wildlife-themed crafts, games, and activities tailored for children aged five to 12.

The festival, hosted by Dartmoor National Park Authority in partnership with various wildlife and conservation organisations, provides an engaging opportunity for families to connect with Dartmoor's rich natural environment. 

Visitors are encouraged to bring packed lunches and enjoy a picnic, though refreshments will be available on-site.

Andy Bailey, Dartmoor National Park's Outreach and Engagement Officer, said: “Meldon is a popular well established event in the Dartmoor calendar and is a great opportunity for families to get involved in a range of activities, all designed to tell the story of Dartmoor's nature in fun ways. It's a brilliant day where children get to play in a wild landscape while learning to appreciate the qualities that make the National Park so special.”

The event aims to highlight unique aspects of Dartmoor's ecology including rare lichens, butterflies, and moorland birds, helping to foster a deeper appreciation for the natural world among young visitors.

The festival is supported by Okehampton Hamlets Parish Council and the Duchy of Cornwall, with Adventure Okehampton, who lease the land, also contributing to the event's success. 

The Meldon Wildlife Festival will run from 10.30am to 4pm, with signage directing visitors to Meldon Old Quarry, located off the B3260 opposite Betty Cottles near Okehampton.