Dartmoor's Daughter

20/12/2025

Today I stacked logs to get us through the winter; brought the beautiful little pot-grown tree into my home, and decorated it ready for my brother and his family to arrive and enjoy next week; and also wanted to share with you this short clip of my Mum being interviewed about the inspiration behind her beautifully illustrated new ‘The Little Book of Solstice Poems’.

This is the first time she has publicly shared her words and illustrations, and I know it’s taken her a lot of courage to do it! Thank you to those of you that have already ordered copies. There are still some available at £9.99 each plus p&p - info@dartmoorsdaughter.com

(And of course my Dartmoor myths & legends book is still available - via the website or from independent bookshops across Devon.)

Solstice Eve blessings to you all…may the longest night bring reflection and gratitude for what has passed, and the return of the sun bring renewal, kindness and hope in our hearts and across the world where there is darkness…especially given the state of the world at the moment!☀️🙏🎄

www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/books

18/12/2025

We’re pleased to announce that Tom Surrey will join us as our new Chief Executive of Dartmoor National Park Authority in March 2026.

Tom brings over 20 years of experience in public service, including leading policy for National Parks at Defra. Tom has a lifelong connection to Dartmoor and is passionate about shaping a bright, sustainable future for the National Park.

Dr Kevin Bishop will continue as Chief Executive until Tom takes up his new role next year.

Read our news release 👉 https://bit.ly/4pJ9grR

15/12/2025

Shamelessly employing my four legged friend to share our Christmas Gift Vouchers! Skye looked so pretty amongst the autumn leaves (and is much more photogenic than I am!)🎁🎄🎅☀️🏞️

Vouchers can be put towards our 2026 spring and summer Group Public Walks and Talks which include themes such as Navigation Skills, Foraging, Stone Circles, Myths & Legends, Wellbeing Walk & Sauna, Dowsing, or giftees can wait to book an autumn experience instead such as one of our Fungi Forays - www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/public-walks
Or the voucher can be put towards Private Guide Hire where I will tailor the experience to your interests, abilities and location.

E-vouchers and printed vouchers are available in multiples of £5, and are valid for 12 months from the purchase date. You can gift to a loved one or members of your team. Last UK posting date is this Wednesday - www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/christmas-gift-vouchers

14/12/2025

I spotted this gorgeous profusion of mistletoe at DNPA HQ last week after delivering more stock of my book ‘Dartmoor Myths & Legends - Exploring Origins and Inspirations’.

Mistletoe is abundant here - in apple trees around the beautiful orchard, and high up in lime and hawthorn trees in the grounds. It is a parasitic plant and poisonous for humans to eat, but holds potent medicine and is rich in folkloric magic from Druidic, Greek and Norse traditions. And of course birds and the mistletoe marble moth love it🐦🌳Have you spotted mistletoe growing anywhere near you?

📕Thank you to Dartmoor National Park for stocking my new book at the Postbridge and Haytor Visitors Centres along with other lovely retail items - perfect for Christmas presents!🎁🎄Do go along and have a look if you’re out and about on Dartmoor🏞️☀️🥾🎅

13/12/2025

Beautiful and peaceful, frosty morning walk to this ever-extraordinary stone circle before then sitting indoors in circle with wonderful women.

Circles and spirals are ubiquitous in nature and across cultures, and yet I am feeling drawn to exploring them even further and deeper here on this landscape.

If you’re interested in stone circles on Dartmoor, you might enjoy my annual walk to celebrate summer solstice which takes place over a June weekend - www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/public-walks/sacred-arc-nine-stone-circles-dartmoor-walk-2026

And, if you’re interested in stories about Dartmoor circles, you might enjoy reading about the ‘Faithless Wives and Fickle Maidens of Chagford’ who had to run around these particular sacred stones three times as part of a longer pilgrimage that included Cranmere Pool, the Tolmen Stone, and Greywethers double stone circles. This is one of 10 tales in my book ‘Dartmoor Myths & Legends - Exploring Origins & Inspirations’ www.dartmoorsdaughter.com/books and beautifully illustrated by - www.etsy.com/uk/shop/GinasWatercolours for prints and cards (including Solstice and Christmas cards)

Just 3 DAYS LEFT to order before last UK posting date to receive before Christmas🎅🎄🎁

12/12/2025

11/12/2025

One of the things I love most at this time of year is bringing greenery into the house to decorate - it’s festive, beautiful, smells delicious, and feels like a perfect honouring of the season🎄☀️🍃🎶Do you bring greenery inside?

Mum and I had made wreaths last night in a beautiful, local farmhouse kitchen. Thanks as always to Arscott who creates such a welcoming and fun evening of creativity for everyone to enjoy, and raises money for charity at the same time👏 🍷🎄

I hung my wreath up outside the front door this morning, and thenGreen Hill Arts books to Green Hill Arts in Moretonhampstead. What a treat for Mum and I to have both our books stocked at the same time! Go and check out their wonderful Winter Fair, there’s so much creativity and talent curated into one space - perfect for Christmas ideas💡

💫🎄☀️📕BOOKS📕☀️🎄💫
🌳The Little Book of Solstice Poems
🐉Dartmoor Myths & Legends

11/12/2025