50 trees planted to celebrate 50 years of the Mendip Hills as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty

To mark the 50^th anniversary of the Mendip Hills being designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), the Mendip Hills AONB Unit has joined forces with local people, parishes, and landowners to plant 50 special trees across the 198 km² protected area, thanks to funding from Network Rail and support from The Tree Council.

A range of native species have been planted at suitable locations across the area. Locally grown English Oak trees have been planted in Bleadon, Churchill, and East Harptree by local schools and environment groups. Common Beech and Rowan – known as Mountain Ash – are two species that have been situated on the exposed top of the Mendip Plateau, as well as sites managed by The Mendip Society and Mendip Activity Centre. A Field Maple has also been planted in Sandford with the Parish Council, and in several other locations along hedgerows. In addition, a Scots Pine has been planted near Shipham, with Sweet Chestnut trees chosen for community open spaces in Priddy, Cheddar, and at Burrington Primary School.

Some of the 50 trees have also been planted with farmers along public rights of way, on Wildlife Trust nature reserves, and at Bristol Water’s Chew Valley Lake visitor centre. Several trees have been planted on National Trust sites and in Cheddar Gorge with Longleat. Small-leaved Lime and Hornbeam have also been planted around Wells, at Ebbor Gorge and in Westbury-sub-Mendip, where the local tree group is working with landowners to create a new hedgerow and public route along the old Strawberry Line railway.

The Mendips are badly affected by Ash Dieback – a disease wiping out many Ash trees across the UK, which in turn is affecting biodiversity and the character of the landscape. As well as marking the 50th, the project aims to replace some of these dying specimen Ash trees and contribute locally to the fight against the climate and nature crises.

Tim Haselden, Project Development Officer for the Mendip Hills AONB Unit said:

“We’re excited to have planted 50 specimen trees with the local community, our partners, and The Tree Council to mark each of the 50 years. We’ve planted at wonderful locations, many of which are publicly accessible. Planting along the old Strawberry Line felt particularly apt due to the project funding coming from Network Rail. We are keen to promote the importance of planting the right trees in the right places, and hope that we can leave a positive legacy for the landscape for the next 50 years and more.”

Sara Lom, CEO of The Tree Council, said:

“We are delighted to be working with the Mendip Hills AONB Unit and the local community to plant new trees in an area of the country much impacted by Ash Dieback. It is a real pleasure to be partnering in the Mendip Hills AONB as they celebrate their 50th anniversary, and we look forward to seeing these trees thrive far into the future.”

The planting took place between January and March – you can see a map of the 50 trees on our website by clicking here…

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