Two Somerset Council projects have been recognised at this year’s Campaign to Protect Rural England (CPRE) Somerset Love Your Countryside Awards, celebrating outstanding work to protect and enhance rural communities.
The Council’s Ham Hill Country Park project, “Uncovering Ham Hill’s past for its future”, received an award recognising its work to improve access to the countryside, protect heritage and connect more people with nature.
At the same time, the Council’s Rainbow Way housing development in Minehead was also recognised, highlighting the delivery of high-quality, energy-efficient homes for local people.
The award-winning Ham Hill project is a five-year programme supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, focused on improving access, conserving heritage and widening participation.
The project has delivered:
- New and improved paths and waymarked trails to make it easier to explore the site
- A new accessible visitor centre with exhibition, café and community facilities
- Improved biodiversity and habitat protection, including support for species such as the Shrill Carder Bee
- New volunteering, learning and community archaeology opportunities
- Enhanced accessibility, including an all-terrain mobility vehicle and improved facilities
The project has also helped increase community involvement, with volunteers playing a key role in managing and protecting the site.
In Minehead, the Rainbow Way development has brought 54 new council homes to the town – the first in a generation. These have been developed working with Homes in Somerset, the Council’s housing development delivery partner.
The development includes a mix of flats and houses, all designed to be energy efficient and affordable, and prioritised for people with strong local connections.
The homes are already fully occupied and are supporting local people with secure, high-quality accommodation while contributing to the Council’s wider ambition to deliver more sustainable housing.
Cllr Bill Revans, Leader of Somerset Council, said:
It’s fantastic to see two very different but equally important projects recognised at these awards.
Ham Hill shows how we can protect our heritage while opening it up for more people to enjoy, while Rainbow Way is delivering the quality, affordable homes our communities need. Both projects demonstrate our commitment to creating places people are proud to live in and visit.
Cllr Federica Smith‑Roberts, Lead Member for Communities, said:
These awards are a real testament to the dedication of the teams involved and the positive impact their work is having across Somerset.
At Ham Hill, we’ve made the countryside more accessible, inclusive and engaging for everyone, while in Minehead we’re providing modern, energy-efficient homes for local people. We’re proud to support projects that strengthen communities and improve quality of life.
To find out more about CPRE Somerset and the other inspiring projects from across the county which were represented at the Somerset Love Your Countryside Awards, please visit www.cpresomerset.org.uk/get-involved/awards-projects-events/award-winners-2026
