The Mendip Hills AONB has a long history of working with volunteers including Rangers and through specific projects like Lifelines and work experience. The AONB Partnership Committee and sub groups include volunteers who assist with ideas and feedback on the future of the area.
AONB Volunteers
Volunteers, including rangers, support the Mendip Hills AONB unit by carrying out a range of activities including patrols and providing information at events.
We are recruiting more long term volunteer Rangers right now so if you are interested please let us know by ringing us on 01761 462338 or emailing mendiphills@somerset.gov.uk
Black Down Path Watch Scheme
Starting in October 2009 Volunteers needed for new Path Watch scheme on Black Down, linking the misuse of paths directly with the police. Also litter picks, patrolling and a footpath survey. Ring Mendip Hills AONB 01761 462338 or email mendiphills@somerset.gov.uk
Volunteering Celebration in the Mendip Hills AONB.
Calling all environmental volunteers in the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB)!
Volunteers who have been working for allsorts of charities or local groups out on the Mendip Hills are invited to a celebration event on Saturday 6th March at Shipham Village Hall.
By helping to maintain paths, walls, woodland and keeping land in the best possible condition for wildlife amongst other activities, the people undertaking this work are the unpaid champions of the Mendip Hills!
The People and Places Project is holding the celebration to mark the end of the project partnership between The National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Natural England and the Mendip Hills AONB that has been promoting volunteering opportunities and training for volunteers.
Volunteers are invited to hear what others are doing and share information about their projects. Chris Sperring from the Hawk & Owl Trust will be updating us on his work including the Long Eared Owl Project.
After lunch there will be a walk showing some work carried out by volunteers in the area. Merryn Nisbet, Project Officer said “Although we are sending out invites to those volunteers we know about we are keen to reach as many volunteers as possible. Therefore if you haven’t been contacted please get in touch and book a place”.
If you would like to find out more about the day or book a place please call Merryn on 01761 462338 or read the invitation and reply using the booking slip.Invitation and Booking Slip
Mendip Hills People and Places Project
We want to make it easier for people to get involved in looking after the Mendip Hills. Thanks to a grant from Natural England the AONB Unit is working with the National Trust and Somerset Wildlife Trust to coordinate current volunteering opportunities, and this web page is just the start.
We know people want to get involved in practical conservation tasks, research and monitoring, recreation and events, helping visitors, and doing guided walks and talks. We want to make all this available in a simple way that benefits you and the Mendip Hills AONB.
The sites managed by these organisations are some of the most fantastic in an area that is already "Outstanding" including Deer Leap, Cheddar Gorge and Draycott Sleights. The wildlife of many of these special places is managed so that unusual species are not lost and these locations remain as picturesque as they are today.
The Mendip Hills AONB People and Places Project began on 1st April 2008 and is a two year pilot project. The volunteer programme is now in place and everyone is welcome to come along and join in with activities whether you are an existing volunteer or keen to try something new. You will find the most recent programme of activities here.
You and the countryside can benefit greatly from volunteering activities that enhance the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
We hope that there is something of interest here for you but if not please visit again. We will be continually updating this page as new opportunities come on line.
Across the Mendip Hills AONB there are many groups and individuals volunteering their time on sites and projects that conserve and enhance the area. Mendip Society, Hawk and Owl Trust, Charterhouse Environs Research Team (CHERT), village groups, National Trust, Avon and Somerset Wildlife Trusts to name just a few. Visit the links page to contact them.
This report was commissioned by Development Personnel Ltd to provide a vision of volunteering in the Mendip Hills AONB. The Mendip Hills Sustainable Development Fund grant aided the work.
Groups who currently play an active role in volunteering in the AONB were asked for their views. These views have led to a list of suggested improvements some of which will are already being progressed through the People and Places Project and the AONB unit.
