The Quantock Hills AONB Service has developed over the last 25 years protecting and enhancing the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The AONB service works on behalf of the Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) to develop and deliver a five-yearly statutory Management Plan.

An Officers Working Group (OWG), made up of representatives of local authorities and Natural England, form a working group for the AONB Service and monitor progress against the Management Plan.

Natural England, County Council and three District Councils all contribute financially as well as guiding the work of the AONB Service through the JAC and OWG.

The AONB Service works to look after the historic landscape and wildlife, advise visitors, assist and advise farmers and landowners and to ensure enhanced levels of service for the AONB. Much of the work of the AONB Service is undertaken in partnership with other organisations such as The Forestry Commission and the National Trust.

Who’s Who?

AONB Manager – Chris Edwards

The role of Manager encompasses a wide range of activities that include: Day to day management of the team, developing AONB policy, commenting on behalf of JAC on planning applications and statutory consultations and ensuring good working practices with all partnerships.

Development Officer – Iain Porter

The role of a Development Officer is varied and includes, the planning and development of the AONB Service projects that will implement the action points from the Management Plan. This will include sourcing funding for many of the projects. Other responsibilities include ICT support and the management of the Quantock Hills Sustainable Development Fund.

Landscape Planning Officer – Emma-Jane Preece

With AONBs being a landscape designation it is important to have a role who can influence policy on planning in and around the AONB. This post develops guidance on planning and links with the local planning authorities to ensure that any development is sensitive to the needs of the AONB landscape.

Support Officer, Communications – Georgie Grant

This Support Officer role deals with all aspects of communications. This includes producing newsletters, annual reports, managing public relations and media enquiries and managing our website which is the first point of contact for many visitors.

Support Officer, Finance – Jane Lillis

The Support Officer role includes administration, the day to day running of the Quantock Office and supporting the other officers and rangers in their roles.

The Rangers – The rangers are the first point of contact for many residents and visitors to the Quantock Hills. You may see them out on patrol or undertaking practical task on the ground and they can provide useful information on many elements of the AONB.

Senior Ranger – Tim Russell

Tim’s key role is public access and he works closely with Somerset County Council Right of Way section, landowners and farmers to improve the Rights of Way and Open Access within the AONB. Tim is also involved with a number heritage and community projects from the Management Plan.

Ranger – Andy Harris

Andy’s main role is Habitats and Biodiversity and this includes working with farmers and commoners to ensure the continued protection of the conservation areas within the AONB. Andy’s role is key in many of the partnerships of the AONB Service such as the Quantock Common Management Group and the Police and Conservation Working Group.

Volunteer Rangers

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The Volunteer Rangers support all aspects of the rangers’ work including practical tasks, visitor management and monitoring. Tasks can include scrub bashing, wildlife surveys, litter clearance and giving talks. They are a vital element in the AONB Service and provide an important link with local communities.