A to Z of Services
A B C D E F G H I J K L M
N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Home | Skip Navigation | Accessibility | Site Map | Contact Us | Help | Text Size: 
Change text to default size Change text to medium size Change text to large size Change text to extra-large size
Somerset County Council "Let’s make a difference" banner image. Photograph of somebody typing on a computer keyboard.
 


Countryside Services

Quantock Hills AONB Service

Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty


The Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) covers 99 square kilometres running north west from the vale of Taunton Deane to the Bristol Channel Coast. The Quantock Hills was England’s first AONB being designated in 1956 (confirmed in 1957) and consists of large amounts of heathland, oak woodlands, ancient parklands and agricultural land.

 

Because of the special nature of the Quantocks much of it is covered by a designation of Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for the geologically interesting coastline to the maritime heathlands on the northern hills.

Photograph Copyright: Countryside Agency: Graham Parish


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  •   What is a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI)?
  •   What is an AONB?

    Top of page