Porlock Weir Centre

Porlock Weir Natural History Centre

Our sign board was given in memory of Mervyn Cornish
The Porlock Weir Centre is open from Wednesday 3rd May 2023. See below for the Centre’s Opening hours.

Thursday afternoon guided walks will restart on 18th May at 2:00pm.
The Centre contains displays and information about the Natural History of Exmoor

FREE ADMISSION

Children Welcome

Wheelchair Access

New and secondhand books

The Centre is open every Wednesday and Thursday afternoons from 1:30pm – 4:30pm

Following the closure of Malmsmead Natural History Centre, after 32 years, in 2008 the Society began to seek alternative premises. After viewing a few unsatisfactory premises we were becoming despondent. In 2009, Dr Nigel Stone, Chief Executive of Exmoor National Park Authority came up with a suggestion. After alterations to the Porlock Weir public conveniences a small room had become available that we might be able to use.

The Chairman and Secretary had a look at this, saw that it had possibilities and agreed to take it on. After the ramifications of planning applications, committee meetings and trying to unite members into a concerted effort our new centre was officially opened at 4 pm on Tuesday, 11th May, 2010.

Members gather for the opening of the Centre at Porlock Weir Car Park
Members gather for the opening of the Centre at Porlock Weir Car Park

It will never be another Malmsmead but it is a new, different venture and we hope members and the general public will give it their support. It is a chance for us to expand our charitable work of educating people about the wonderful wildlife of Exmoor.

a Blessing from Rev. Colin Burke
The activities at the Centre receive a Blessing from Rev. Colin Burke, Rector of Oare and Culbone
Opened by Dr Nigel Stone, Chief Executive, Exmoor National Park
The Centre is declared open by Dr Nigel Stone, Chief Executive, Exmoor National Park
Inside the Natural History Centre
Inside the Natural History Centre