Introduction
We are blessed in Somerset to have such amazing and varied landscapes. These include the Somerset Levels, four different designated areas of natural beauty, the Somerset coast and Exmoor national park. We have even got some of our own green spaces which have been awarded Green Flag status.
For more information on some of the different landscapes we have, including our Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (now known as National Landscapes) and Exmoor National Park, visit the links below:
- Mendip Hills National Landscape
- Cranborne Chase National Landscape
- Quantock Hills National Landscape
- Blackdown Hills National Landscape
- Dorset National Landscape
- Exmoor National Park
Somerset Wildlife Trust is one of 46 wildlife trusts across the UK. They work across Somerset, focused on restoring habitats and supporting a wide range of wildlife and restoring natural processes.
Somerset Environmental Records Centre helps capture all the different data we have on our environments, habitats and species across the county, with the support of specialist recording groups. To find out more information on them visit the Somerset Environmental Records Centre website.
You can also get involved in mapping Somerset’s biodiversity. Launched on 4 October 2022, Somerset Environmental Records Centre are carrying out Community Wildlife Mapping using data from iNaturalist. This means any sightings you record on iNaturalist will feed into Somerset Environmental Records Centre data and deepen our understanding of how Somerset’s biodiversity is changing. To find out more have a look at their web page on How to submit your records.
Explore Somerset Council Country Parks and Local Nature Reserves
Visit some of our spaces that have been awarded Green Flag status.
Ham Hill Country Park
Ham Hill is a stunning wildlife haven centred around an Iron Age hillfort. It offers fantastic opportunities for scenic dog walks, walking, running, playing and wildlife watching with far reaching views across Somerset.
Find out more about the new Ham Hill visitor centre and cafe, what’s there and what’s on. Inside, you will find a retail space offering locally sourced products and gifts, immersive exhibition areas that delve into Ham Hill’s fascinating past and future vision, and a dedicated gallery showcasing changing exhibitions and local arts and crafts.
You can find out more about Ham Hill Country Park here, check out the video to see Ham Hill in all its splendour.
Follow Ham Hill Country Park on Facebook for all the latest news from our rangers and volunteers.
Yeovil Country Park
Yeovil Country Park takes you on a journey around woodlands and waterfalls following the River Yeo to meadow pastures and far-reaching views to the wider countryside. The park has five main areas that all have very different characteristics and land features.
The landscape varies from Ninesprings which is the most heavily used and accessible section with its network of footpaths and waterways to the Riverside walk which gives the feeling of being away from the hustle and bustle of town as you stroll through woodland following the path of the River Yeo. Visit the Ninesprings Café at the start of your journey to find out more.
Find out more about this hidden gem in the heart of Yeovil. You can also follow Yeovil Country Park on Facebook to see all the latest news and events.
Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve
Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve is a fantastic site for bird watching and walking, following wildflower meadows through to woodland edge surrounding the expanse of open water with spectacular scenery. There is a small children’s woodland play area. The reserve is dog friendly and they are welcome, but there is a strict ‘dogs on short leads’ zone in the woodland and dogs are not allowed in the woodland near the bird hide.
To find out more about Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve including events planned for the coming months. You can also follow Chard Reservoir Local Nature Reserve on Facebook.
Berrow Dunes Local Nature Reserve
Berrow Dunes Local Nature Reserve lies within the much larger Berrow Dunes Site of Special Scientific Interest. It borders the Bridgwater Bay National Nature Reserve which was designated under the Ramsar Convention as a wetland habitat of international importance and special protection area. The sand dune systems found within the Local Nature Reserve are rare and irreplaceable habitat, both on a national and local scale that support a diverse range of specialised flora and fauna.
See our Berrow Dunes Local Nature Reserve page for more information.