A NEW and exciting exhibition devoted to artwork and poetry is going on display throughout the summer at the National Park Visitor Centre at Princetown. 

Unearthing Dartmoor features a treasure trove of poetry, artwork, prints and photographs chronicling and reflecting different dimensions of Dartmoor. 

The exhibition represents two years of collaborative work between poets from the local group, Moor Poets, working with members of the local artists’ group, Markmakers, while visiting many different sites on Dartmoor. 

From Bronze Age field systems on Holne Moor to birds such as golden plover, the body of work captures much of what makes Dartmoor so special. 

Claire Partridge, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Visitor Centre and Outreach Officer, said: “We’re thrilled to host the Moor Poets and Markmakers’ Unearthing Dartmoor exhibition. We work closely with a range of different organisations to give people more opportunities to understand and appreciate Dartmoor in inspirational ways and this is a great example of how the creative arts can help us achieve that.”

Moor Poets and Markmakers have produced a high-quality book with 120 pages of the art and poetry. It is on sale at the exhibition priced at £15 but can also be bought online or through book outlets. 

Poet Alwyn Marriage said: ‘Over two years many of us have laughed and picnicked together, been drenched by relentless rain and enjoyed many warm sunny days. 

‘We have witnessed the birth of a foal, heard countless cuckoos, met wild campers, stood silently among ancient stones, granite circles and burial cairns, walked the lengths of double and triple stone rows and followed medieval leats (human-hewn water courses running along land contours).

‘We have traced Bronze Age reave field systems on Holne Moor that demarcate some of the earliest enclosures of farmland in Europe; we have sat within the ruins of a 13th century farming village at the Hut Holes; we have heard about the challenges of traditional upland farming and the rewards of meadow rewilding; and we have watched many moorland birds leaving and returning. This exhibition shares our journey with you.’

The exhibition runs from July 1 until September 29 and is free to attend.