SOMERSET charity the Friends of the Quantocks has this week taken on the custodianship of Bicknoller Quarry.

The former stone quarry had been in the long-term ownership of Somerset Council. Friends of the Quantocks agreed to take on the responsibility of looking after it, with the aim of protecting its biodiversity and safeguarding it from commercial development.

The site adds to the charity's growing portfolio of 400 acres of landholdings on the Quantocks, including Halsway Hill and Dead Woman’s Ditch.

Chair of Friends of the Quantocks, Robin Stamp: “Our primary charitable purpose is the conservation and protection of the Quantock habitats, and this is a significant new asset but also a financial liability for us with capital expenditure needed to improve the safety at the site.  As a small charity we are dependent on income from annual memberships and one-off gifts. Please join us and help us to protect the Quantocks”.

In due course, the Friends of the Quantocks will run Bioblitz events, inviting the public to help survey the area using the iNaturalist app, adding data to the charity’s ongoing Quantock Wildlife Watch Project.  The site promises some interesting and unusual species.

To celebrate the Quarry transfer and as part of our 75th Anniversary year celebrations, Friends of the Quantocks will be holding an opening evening in Bicknoller Village Hall on Saturday, November 23. 

Robin added: “Please do come along to hear about the quarry site, our new ‘Nature of the Quantocks’ book and other exciting projects. We would also love to hear what you know about the quarry and its history and would welcome your help as we formulate plans for the future.”

“As the charity increases its landholdings, there is more need for volunteers to help monitor habitats, undertake restoration and conservation work and help share information more widely about these special places. Come along if you’d like to know more or would be interested in joining Friends of the Quantocks.”