Blackdown Hills AONB has been working with Heritage Arts People to put on a series of events this September, exploring the fascinating history of the Blackdown Hills.

Join us this September to explore the fascinating history of the Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

Whetstone mining walking tour

Saturday 9 September | 10am to 12 noon

Whetstones, used for sharpening tools, were mined in the Blackdown Hills. Join Bill Horner, Devon County Archaeologist, on a walking tour of Witness Moor to find out about this forgotten industry.

Booking essential – visit https://whetstone.eventbrite.co.uk

Dunkeswell Abbey tours

Sunday 10 September | 11am, 1pm and 3pm

Explore the remains of Dunkeswell Abbey, a Cistercian monastery founded in 1201. Come along to a guided tour and find out what life was like for the monks who lived there over 800 years ago. Each tour is one hour long.

Booking essential – visit https://dunkeswellabbey.eventbrite.co.uk

Toddler stroll around Hembury Hillfort

Tuesday 12 September | 10am to 11am

Stroll around Hembury hillfort on a guided heritage walk for families and carers with young children. Babies in slings and toddlers welcome (not suitable for pushchairs).

Booking essential – visit https://toddlerstroll.eventbrite.co.uk

RAF Culmhead guided tour

Thursday 14 September | 10am to 12 noon

Find out about aviation history and the impact the Second World War had on the Blackdown Hills during a guided tour of RAF Culmhead led by Brian Lane-Smith, Chairman of South West Airfields Heritage Trust.

Booking essential – visit https://culmheadtour.eventbrite.co.uk

Archaeological finds day – Hemyock Parish Hall

Saturday 16 September | 2pm to 5pm

Drop in to find out more about archaeology in the Blackdown Hills. Bring finds to be identified by an archaeologist. Learn how to research your local historic landscape. Free family activities – make a coil pot, have ago at a mini-excavation or make a roundhouse to take home!

Just drop in! Find out more http://findsday.eventbrite.co.uk

Hemyock’s early Medieval iron industry: tea and talk

Saturday 16 September | 4pm to 5pm

As part of the Archaeological Finds Day, Dr Chris Smart from the University of Exeter will be presenting the latest information on Hemyock’s early medieval iron industry. Join him for a talk and cup of tea at 4pm in the Forbes room, Hemyock Parish Hall.

Booking advisable – visit https://hemyockiron.eventbrite.co.uk

For further information email blackdownhills@devon.gov.uk or call 01823 680 681