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A New Dawn for Nature on the Mendip Hills AONB?
On Saturday 11th November the Mendip Hills AONB Service are hosting an annual forum to focus on nature recovery. Helping nature to recover is a strong focus in the media right now due to the release of the State of Nature Report that highlighted the decline of nature across the country.
The Mendip Hills AONB Service have published their Nature Recovery Plan, deciding that the forum would be the ideal place to gather the community and specialists to share knowledge and solutions.
The AONB Service have chosen eight ‘champion species’, ranging from the enchanting black oil beetle to the Flower of Somerset, the Cheddar Pink. Each of the champion’s has been chosen because they are indicators of quality habitat, threatened and charismatic. At the forum you we will hear from speakers who will share their knowledge on a handful of these captivating creatures, helping us to understand why they are so special, and should not just be conserved, but assisted in recovering their numbers. Attendees will be able to learn from local landowners about their experiences of promoting nature on their land and the different restorative approaches that can be taken.
The forum will also be the exclusive showcase of new videos on the champion species commissioned with TV wildlife presenter Mike Dilger, and hearing first hand from Mike about his experience filming them.
To conclude the forum there will be an exciting presentation from a re-introduction program wanting to open the conversation on bringing back one of the country’s biggest birds to the Mendip Hills, details to follow!
The forum is being held at Fernhill Farm, a regenerative farm, run by award-winning farmers Andy Wear and Jen Hunter. There will be a tour of the farm to learn from Andy how he has successfully farmed in sympathy with wildlife for many years.
Nature Recover Ranger, Nathan Orr, says, “Whilst it is true that nature is in decline, there is still plenty that can be done to turn things around. We have worked with many landowners and organisations who have had success in doing just that. We want to use the opportunity of our Annual Forum to promote the positive action that people can take.”
Everyone is welcome at the event although places are limited. Please reserve your tickets
here.
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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.
The Mendip Hills AONB Unit is the voice of the protected landscape. Naturally beautiful, nationally protected.
