Projects
Also see Black Down and Partner Projects pages.
Restoration of traditional highway finger post signage - 2011 – 2014
The AONB Unit is undertaking a joint project with Somerset Highways to restore finger posts in the AONB. A Sustainable Development Fund grant in 2011/12 assisted towards the cost of restoring 10 posts and adding a new collar with the name of the junction, the AONB name and logo and grid reference. This will help raise awareness of the AONB and assist visitors to locate themselves. A further 11 have now been identified in Somerset for phase 2 during 2013/14.
Greentraveller Guide to the Mendip Hills AONB
The Greentraveller on-line guide to the Mendip Hills AONB was launched in 2013 and the Facebook campaign is now running. Greentraveller have already produced guides for a number of AONBs and National Parks that list where to stay, visitor attractions, eating out and activities. www.greentraveller.co.uk. This work is being part funded by a Sustainable Development Fund grant. Later this year a video promoting the Mendip Hills will be added to the on-line guide.
The guide is to promote sustainable tourism by providing comprehensive information on how visitors and residents can holiday in the Mendip Hills AONB. It will promote those businesses who have Green Tourism Business Scheme certification and or made steps towards minimising their impact on the environment, particularly with regard, energy, waste, water sourcing local food, encouraging visitors to arrive by public transport.
Mendip Rocks Festival 2013
2013 is the third year of the Mendip Rocks festival which celebrates the fascinating and diverse geology of the Mendip Hills. An action packed programme run between Aug and end of September included guided walks, family activity days, quarry tours, talks, and practical conservation activities. The events aim to bring alive the ancient stories that lie beneath our feet and that have shaped the unique landscape and rich wildlife of the Mendip Hills.
Mendip Rocks is supported by the Mendip Hills AONB Partnership in collaboration with the Somerset Wildlife Trust and Somerset Earth Science Centre who coordinate the programme.
Mendip Rocks – Potential Research, Interpretation and Conservation Project
The AONB Unit with Somerset Wildlife Trust, Somerset County Council Historic Services and Somerset Earth Science Centre are currently preparing a scoping report for discussion and to invite further interest. Contact amallender@somerset.gov.uk or any of the above for further information.