Share your views to shape the future of Mendip Hills

There are just two weeks remaining to share your views on the future of the Mendip Hills.

A consultation launched by the Mendip Hills National Landscape team is gathering feedback on priorities for the management of the countryside over the next five years.

Shaping the 2025 to 2030 Management Plan, the team wants to hear from residents, businesses and visitors to the area about what they think the plan should focus on.

The consultation asks what people love about the area, and what steps the Partnership can be taken to improve it. The Partnership is the overarching body that brings all the relevant authorities together that conserve and enhance the national landscape.

Jim Hardcastle, manager of Mendip Hills National Landscape, said: “Recent extreme weather and flash flooding has made evident the impacts of climate change. Coupled with the evolving needs of countryside users and growing pressures on nature, it is vital that we prioritise what matters most for Mendip Hills. We know this is a place that so many enjoy and care about.”

The plan covers the themes of climate change, nature recovery, people, and place. It sets out the Partnership’s approach for managing Mendip Hills with these themes in mind. These will then inform thinking about the projects and initiatives designed to deliver them.

Jim added: “Climate change is accelerating and we can see the effects on Mendip now. Last year an adder was seen in late December as it was so mild. Plants are flowering at different times and insects are emerging out-of-sync with them. And I’m sure most communities around Mendip will have experienced the torrents of water after downpours. This survey gives people a chance to share what the priorities should be for this special area.”

The Management Plan is a statutory document required by Natural England under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act. It recognises the intrinsic links between conservation, enhancing natural beauty, and promoting access.

For more information and to complete the survey, visit https://mendiphills-nl.org.uk/caring/management-plan/. The consultation is open until Wednesday, October 30 2024.

Should any further support or information be required, the project team can be contacted on MendipPlan@distinctivecomms.co.uk or call 0330 107 0535.