Ultramarathon runners make largest ever donation to Mendip Hills Fund

Runners from the Town & Country Harriers (TACH) running club donated £4000 to the Mendip Hills Fund from the proceeds of the Butcombe Trail Ultramarathon they organise.

The ultramarathon took place in April this year with runners covering 30miles or 50miles across the Mendip Hills National Landscape along the Butcombe Trail that visits the breweries pubs in the area.

The Mendip Hills Fund was able to make grants to seventeen projects this year, with a total of £20,000 awarded to projects that help the environment and community across the Mendip Hills.

Grants were awarded to;

• Help the parish council keep the Burrington Combe toilets open.
• Seven different projects that will improve community areas or facilities, like helping the Westbury-sub-Mendip community shop with new IT.
• Four projects that will get the local community involved in the arts to raise awareness of the Mendip Hills.
• Plus, an innovative project helping a caving club to remove waste and clear a stream creating better access to a cave entrance.

The Mendip Hills Fund is a partnership between Somerset Community Foundation and the Mendip Hills National Landscape Partnership, providing grants of up to £2000 for projects that conserve and enhance the landscape, promote public understanding and enjoyment of the area and that support social and economic wellbeing. 

Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills National Landscape said, ‘We’ve had an amazing year raising money for the fund. Visitors, event organisers and local businesses are really happy to contribute when they see the success of the Mendip Hills Fund on the ground. The panel who make the decisions were really pleased to see the number of children and local people who will benefit from grants to get out and about in the area.’

Dave Bignell, race director said, ‘On behalf of everyone at TACH and all this year’s entrants I am delighted that our donation to the Mendip Hills Fund has grown to £4000. We all hope this donation helps the fund carry on it’s amazing work in the local community. Personally I love the Mendip Hills area generally, so it has been a massive privilege to be involved in the race and to be working with the Fund.’              

Funds are raised from businesses and visitors who wish to give something back to this very special area, helping to conserve and enhance the special qualities of the Mendip Hills, and benefit local communities.