500 trees to be planted on the Mendip Hills

The move by Mendip District Council (MDC) increases the carbon absorption potential of the district’s landscape, as well as helping alleviate some of the current issues faced in the Mendip Hills, including tree loss due to ash dieback disease.

The trees will be planted with the help of Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Unit.

Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills AONB Unit, said: “The detailed planting schemes will be made in conjunction with Natural England and local landowners such as the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust and Somerset County Council.

“We are very grateful to MDC, a long standing member of the Mendip Hills AONB partnership, for this additional financial support.

“It will have a huge impact on what we are able to deliver in terms of tree planting on the Mendip Hills.”

The council has already introduced planting schemes in areas such as Binegar Bottom, at Tor Hill in Wells, and Pomparles Bridge, Glastonbury.

Deputy leader of MDC, and portfolio holder for neighbourhood services, Cllr Josh Burr, said: “We are really happy to be giving additional financial assistance to the Mendip Hills AONB Unit.

"This will coordinate and oversee the planting of native tree species for hedging and woodland creation, including oak, birch, beech, hazel, rowan, small-leaved lime, and holly.

“The tree planting will greatly add to efforts underway across Mendip by the District Council, our parish councils and numerous community groups.”

The trees will be planted around Ebbor Gorge and Rodney Stoke National Nature Reserve.

Cllr Lucie Taylor-Hood is MDC’s representative on the Mendip Hills AONB partnership board.

“I believe the Mendip Hills AONB is well placed to make sure the right trees are planted in the right places, in order to support wildlife and help address the climate emergency,” she added.

“The organisation has been under pressure in recent months due to high visitor numbers to the beauty spot, and the subsequent increased rubbish and erosion of pathways.

“It’s important we recognise their amazing efforts - and that’s why we are so happy to be able to support and strengthen them in this way.”

If you are interested in planting trees in your area, MDC are offering guidance, finance and support to make it happen.

To find out more email neighbourhoodservices@mendip.gov.uk. For more information about Mendip Hills AONB, visit mendiphillsaonb.org.uk