They now form part of the eight member Panel representing business, community and environmental interests. The four panel members that have served more than two years have confirmed their willingness to remain on the Panel for 2012/13. However if others are interested in applying to become a Panel member they are invited to do so.

The SDF is funded by Defra to provide grants for projects that bring social, environmental and economic benefits to the AONB. The first deadline for applications for 2012/13 grants is 5th March 2012.

The SDF Panel has awarded £453,486 in grants since 2005/6. This year grants include those awarded to the Hawk and Owl Trust bird awareness project, Avon Wildlife Trust’s Landscape Explorer project working with Bishop Sutton school children, and Wells and Mendip Museum with Somerset Wildlife Trust for Mendip Rocks and Festival of Archaeology events.

A list of current Panel members and further details about the SDF are available on www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk. If you are interested in being considered for the panel, email mendiphillsaonb.org.uk with a short statement stating experience, your interest in the Mendip Hills AONB and contact details, by Monday 5th March.

You will find the current programme of tasks, for February and March, on the  Volunteering   page which includes work on the West Mendip Way, clearing vegetation around Black Down and undertaking some hedge laying and footpath maintenance.

If you would like to get involved, please get in touch with Owen Jones AONB Volunteer Coordinator  07770646161 or email: mendipvolunteers@gmail.com.

There were two vehicles from Mendip Outdoor Pursuits full of students who clambered out in climbing gear and proceeded to start working in groups on the cliff side.
They were watched by goats that were at the top of the cliff and showing great interest!

As we covered the car park and grassy areas we found there to be very little rubbish which was very gratifying.  We then walked down past the Burrington Inn and up the lane over Burrington Ham enjoying the sight of some beautiful orange and red fungi in several spots on the side of the path.

We passed a dog walker on our return route above the village who thanked us for out efforts as we collected litter along the lane.

January 2012
Happy New Year to all those who use the Mendip Hills, in whatever capacity. 

May we all continue to cherish the heritage that the hills give to us.

Booking Form and Programme

If you are looking for ways to get fit and get some fresh air after the indulgences of Christmas and New Year you could join in with one of the AONB’s volunteer tasks:

The Mendip Hills AONB Volunteer Group will be undertaking the following practical tasks in January and February:

Tuesday 24th January the group will be removing scrub and small trees from archaeological sites at the Blackmoor site near Charterhouse.  Some of the cleared scrub will be burned on site providing a warm fire to gather round for lunch!  

Saturday 4th February the group will be clearing scrub to open up a view-point at a picnic site near Axbridge.

Tuesday 7th February volunteers will be working to repair stiles on the Mendip Way near Cheddar. 

All are welcome whether or not you have volunteered before. All tasks run from 10am – 3pm with instructions, tools and training provided on the day.  All you need to bring is your lunch, drink and yourselves.

The volunteer group offers a friendly and relaxed approach and helps to carry out a variety of practical tasks and duties to help conserve the AONB.

The current programme of tasks which will take you to March 20th 2012 is available on our Volunteering page  http://www.mendiphillsaonb.org.uk/volunteering/

If you have some spare time and would be interested in finding out more please get in touch with Owen Jones on 01761 462338 or 07770 646161 or email mendipvolunteers@gmail.com.

This is a free event and part of ‘BBC Stargazing Live 2012’

Booking essential – please phone Natural England on 01458 860120 or email simon.clarke@naturalengland.org.uk

Explore the night sky and experience Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve after dark
Saturday 28th January 7.00—9.00pm
A fun introduction to astronomy and a chance to visit Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve at night. Should the weather be unsuitable for viewing, there will be an indoor illustrated talk on astronomy.
Meet at The Avalon Marshes Centre, Westhay, BA6 9TT

Funding is available to support projects that bring environmental, social, economic benefits to the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The Sustainable Development Fund grant scheme has this year awarded grants to Wells and Mendip Museum and Somerset Wildlife Trust for their Festival of Archaeology and Mendip Rocks programme of events and Mendip Hills Historic Environment Day 24th March 2012. Hawk and Owl Trust and Mendip Society and Avon Wildlife Trust have also received grants for wildlife projects.

The maximum grant available is £5000 and applications for grants of less than £2000 are encouraged.

The final deadline for applications is 20th January 2012. The Panel will meet on 30th January to consider the applications received. Applicants will need to demonstrate that match funding is secured and the project will be completed by the end of March 2012.

The Sustainable Development Fund will be available in 2012/13 if you have a project in mind for the new financial year.

Further details are available here together with application forms and guidance information.

If you would like to discuss a project with a view to obtaining a SDF grant, please contact Sarah Jackson  01761 462338.