Mendip Hills National Landscape has launched a public consultation to gather feedback on how the countryside should be managed from 2025 to 2030. Residents, businesses, and visitors are encouraged to share their views on what makes the area special and what steps should be taken to improve it.

The consultation, which opened on Wednesday, 18 September 2024, aims to shape the next five-year Management Plan. The plan will focus on key themes, including nature recovery, climate change, and improving access to the landscape for all. The Partnership, the body responsible for conserving and enhancing the Mendip Hills, is keen to hear from the public on these priorities.

Jim Hardcastle, manager of Mendip Hills National Landscape, highlighted the importance of public input, saying: "The Mendip Hills is a distinctive and nationally important landscape, with diverse habitats supporting abundant wildlife. We want to know if we're prioritising what matters most to you—the people who live, work in, and explore the area."

He added: "In our last review, concerns about the loss of nature led to the creation of a Nature Recovery Plan and the introduction of a Nature Recovery Ranger. Visitor pressure feedback resulted in the hiring of a Sustainable Recreation Officer and the installation of visitor counters to better understand site usage."

The Management Plan is a statutory requirement under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, ensuring that conservation efforts and public access are balanced. The survey is open until Wednesday, 30 October 2024, and can be completed at Mendip Hills Management Plan Survey.

For additional information or support, the project team can be contacted at [email protected] or 0330 107 0535.

What does the plan cover?

The plan addresses several core themes:

• Nature Recovery: Protecting wildlife habitats and promoting biodiversity.
• Climate Change: Implementing sustainable practices across the landscape.
• People and Place: Ensuring that local communities and visitors can enjoy the area responsibly.

This consultation is a critical opportunity for the community to shape the future of Mendip Hills and ensure that it remains a thriving place for all to enjoy.