[For Info] Fwd: Mendip Hills AONB Press Release – Friday 5/5/2023

The south facing slopes of the Mendip Hills have been announced as one of the ‘King’s Series’ of five new National Nature Reserves across the country. The plans will see the creation of a new ‘King’s Series of National Nature Reserves’, with five major National Nature Reserves named every year for the next five years – 25 in total. The Lincolnshire Coast has been declared and the remaining are likely to be later this year to include the Mendip Hills in Somerset, Moccas Park in Herefordshire, Ingleborough in North Yorkshire and Lullington in East Sussex. Natural England and partners will leave a lasting public legacy for people and nature by creating a King’s Series of National Nature Reserves to celebrate the Coronation of His Majesty King Charles III. As Prince of Wales, His Majesty expressed a deep love and concern for England’s wildlife, natural and rural places, frequently reflecting on his love of walking and its role in promoting a healthy mind and body. The new Mendip National Nature Reserve draws together all the existing important wildlife sites along the south facing slopes from Brean Down across to Wells, taking in important sites like Crook Peak and Cheddar Gorge. The declaration means the land will be managed for conservation for the future. Farmers have been doing important work in-between the wildlife sites and their land supports crucial links for wildlife even though they won’t form part of the new National Nature Reserve. Jo Lewis, Natural England, said: “This announcement shows how important Mendip is for nature and how we can all play our part in helping it recover. The declaration will bring together all the good work of many different organisations along this stretch of land to all work as one for wildlife. The golden thread running through the national nature reserve is the Mendip Way, a 28 mile route that takes you through the iconic areas, so people will be able to get up close and experience nature. Our ambition is that more land owners along the route choose to work with us  provide further benefits for nature”. National Nature Reserves are the most important places for nature in England and provide significant benefits for nature conservation, science and people. As the government’s focus moves on from an era of nature conservation to nature recovery to create spaces for wildlife to thrive, this new series showcases the ambition for bigger, better and more connected spaces for nature – building on the 221 declared in the reign of her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. **ENDS** The Mendip Hills AONB in recognition of its special qualities was designated as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in 1972 and covers 198 square kilometres. One of 46 AONBs in England, Wales and Northern Ireland, these nationally protected landscapes are managed through local Partnerships on behalf of the nation. Mendip Hills AONB Partnership is responsible for coordinating the management of the Mendip Hills AONB to conserve and enhance the natural beauty. The work of the Partnership is coordinated by the Mendip Hills AONB Service.