Yes, we run both stone walling and hedge laying courses. Please see the events page for further details.
What is the weather like?
The weather on the Mendip Hills is extremely changeable. We advise people to dress for all eventualities, especially in the Winter months. Before you visit the hills you may wish to check the weather on www.bbc.co.uk/weather/.
What do adders look like?
Grey brown body with zig zag markings down the back. 50 ñ 60 cms in length. Found usually on heathlands, moor lands, and gruffy ground, usually from March to May.
What walks are there in the area?
There are a series of six AONB walk cards which can be downloaded. They can also be obtained as hard copies from the Mendip Hills AONB Office or local Tourist Information Centres. The local tourist information centres will also be able to assist you with other walks publications. See interactive map.
Would any form of development be acceptable in the AONB?
Agree to meet the person on site in the company of planning officer from the relevant planning authority if they are agreeable, or visit the site and discuss the proposal with the local planning authority.
Do I need planning permission?
It is always best to consult your local planning authority, explaining in writing exactly what you would like to do and exactly where it is. Requests for a pre application opinion are always best done in writing so that no misunderstanding can take place on either part.
Do you have any specific guidance for development in the AONB?
Development plans always have policies relating to development in AONBs. A list of these is available from the AONB service. The Mendip Hills Partnership has produced Agricultural Building Design Guidelines and Horse Related Development Guidelines which have been adopted as Supplementary Planning Guidance by all the relevant local planning authorities. Also some Parish Councils are working on Parish Plans i.e. Priddy and Westbury sub Mendip.
I think some unauthorised development or activities are taking place - can I do anything, or can you stop it?
The AONB Service and Partnership do not have any planning powers so the best route is to contact the Planning Enforcement Officer in the relevant authority and find out if planning permission has been granted and if not, request that a visit be made to the site to establish what is happening.
Can the AONB Service write an article for... ?
Yes, we'd love to. We recognise that information is the key to the success of all of our work so all you have to do is ask.
Why isn't there a dedicated mountain bike track in Rowberrow Forest?
The Forestry Commission only lease the site, people must stick to the existing rights of way. Contact High Action 01275 852335 at Churchill who have downhill and North Shore routes.
Depends on what you want to do. Contact the Development Officer on 01761 463458, email jrhardcastle@somerset.gov.uk The AONB Service allocates budgets in October/November for the following financial year so if you want AONB Service assistance speak to us early.
Traffic, scrub encroachment, incremental development, telecommunication masts; See the AONB Management Plan for more information.
What is the geology of the AONB?
About 290 million years ago the area was strongly folded, faulted and uplifted. Devonian Old Red Sandstone emerges where the limestone has been eroded. Surrounding the Old Red Sandstone exposures are the Lower Limestone Shales succeeded by the main mass of Carboniferous Limestone.
What powers does the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership have?
None, it is an advisory committee. Individually the local authorities and government agencies such as English Nature, English Heritage have powers through planning and other legislation to protect the AONB landscape and aspects designated features within it.
How is the AONB Service funded?
The Countryside Agency pays 75% of core costs (salaries, accommodation etc) and each of the five partner local authorities pays a proportion of the rest. The local authorities also contribute to an AONB project budget. Then we bid for other money to carry out more projects. For a detailed breakdown see the latest Annual Report.
What % of the AONB does each local authority cover?
Mendip District Council 87.67 sq km
Sedgemoor District Council 34.03 sq km
Bath and North East Somerset Council 36.95 sq km
North Somerset Council 39.35 sq km
Total 198 sq km
What does AONB stand for?
Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Which OS maps cover the area and where can I obtain them?
