A PRIVATE and secluded area of Exmoor will be open to the public once again for the annual Snowdrop Valley event.

Each year, the Badgworthy Land Company allows public access to the valley while the spectacular carpet of snowdrops is in bloom.

Located in a hidden part of Exmoor near Wheddon Cross, the privately owned Snowdrop Valley will be open to the public once again from Saturday, January 25 until Sunday, February 23.

Storm Darragh battered Somerset with wind speeds up to 80mph last month. There was significant damage across Exmoor and to the site at Snowdrop Valley, including an estimated 40 trees were brought down by the bad weather here alone. It has taken a number of locals and volunteers many hours to clear the area in order to make it safe and accessible for visitors.

Despite what was described as the “wettest” Snowdrop Valley event to take place last February, the display remained a popular attraction, a Cutcombe Parish meeting heard.

A representative of the Snowdrop Valley Committee said: “We would like to thank A&P Farmer, Paul Parfitt and Nick Winzer for all their help in clearing the trees in the valley. The committee are very grateful for all the work put in, which will enable this annual winter event to go ahead.”

There are various walking routes for visitors to enjoy, the most popular being the shorter walks, approximately one mile down to the valley and looping back uphill for a further mile.

Maps of the walks will be available from the parking kiosk, staffed from 9am to 4pm each day.

The main parking will be at the Cutcombe Cattle Market car park, with a £5 charge per car. The road down to Snowdrop Valley is closed to all vehicles, other than permit holders, during the event.

There will be alternative parking on market days at Cutcombe Cattle Market. On February 5, 12 and 19, parking for Snowdrop Valley will be at the Rest and Be Thankful pub car park.

Light refreshments will be available including tea, coffee and cakes organised by the local school. Visitors will also be able to access Cutcombe Market Cafe, the Wheddon Cross village shop and The Rest and Be Thankful pub.

Visitors are advised to wear suitable warm waterproof clothes and sturdy footwear due to muddy paths. Event organisers will be monitoring the weather and conditions at the valley on a daily basis, and will update the website and social media accordingly.

All funds received for the Snowdrop Valley event will go towards local charities and community projects in the village and surrounding area. In recent years, money raised has helped supply a laptop for Dunkery Pre-School and storage sheds for Cutcombe First School, as well as other local initiatives.

The Snowdrop Valley Committee are still seeking volunteers to help support visitors and man the car park. To find out more, contact Jim Winzer by email at [email protected] or call 07593 199021.

For all the latest information please visit the event website on: www.snowdrop-valley.co.uk