DOCSLIB.ORG

21Landscape and Visual Impact

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

21. Landscape and Visual Impact 21 LANDSCAPE AND VISUAL IMPACT 21.1 Introduction 21.1.1 This chapter provides an assessment of the Hinkley Point C Development on the local and wider landscape and on a range of identified sensitive visual receptors. The assessment has been undertaken through a combination of review of available information on landscape character and sensitivities, consultation with appropriate organisations, the use of 3d modelling techniques and the establishment of a number of viewpoints around the proposed Hinkley Point C Development Site from which potential visual impact may be apparent. 21.1.2 The assessment has been undertaken through a staged approach which is reflected in the structure of this chapter. The landscape and visual policy context for the scheme is set out in section three and is followed in section four by a description of the assessment methodology. 21.1.3 The fifth section consists of a baseline study of the landscape and visual resource of the existing site and its surroundings. This breaks the landscape down into component parts, which assists with identifying any elements or features that might be particularly sensitive to the proposed development. 21.1.4 The sixth section sets out the potential landscape and visual impacts that the scheme could have without any mitigation, including construction phase landscape and visual effects and potential effects on the completion of the scheme. Mitigation measures are described in section seven and the significance of any residual effects are described in section eight. 21.1.5 In parallel with EDF Energy’s consultation process, National Grid is consulting on its proposals to provide a new high voltage overhead line between Bridgwater and Seabank near Avonmouth, together with more upgrades and modifications to existing overhead lines in the vicinity of Hinkley Point. The geographic overlap between EDF Energy’s and National Grid’s consultations is largely confined to communities between Bridgwater and Hinkley Point in the area where National Grid’s proposals predominantly involve upgrading existing overhead lines rather than the provision of new overhead lines. 21.1.6 A new 400kV substation will be required on the Development site and output from the nuclear power station to the substation would be transmitted through 2 new EDF Energy overhead lines carried by towers within the site boundary. To facilitate connections between the proposed substation and the national grid high voltage electricity transmission system, six overhead line landing gantries are required along the southern and eastern boundaries of the substation site. The landing gantries will connect via overhead line to three overhead line terminal towers (pylons) outside the substation compound to the south and east. The National Grid substation overhead line landing gantries and terminal towers (pylons) and the EDF Energy overhead lines will form part of the EDF Energy Development Consent Order (OCD) application. Modifications to the existing overhead line network south east of the substation will also be required and this will form part of a separate DCO application by National Grid. Volume 4 of the Environmental Appraisal provides an assessment of the cumulative effect of the Hinkley Point C Development and the National Grid’s proposals in the vicinity of the Hinkley point C site. HINKLEY POINT C PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION – STAGE 2 | 1 ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL – VOLUME 2 21. Landscape and Visual Impact 21.2 Study area 21.2.1 A wider study area of the landscape and visual impact assessment was determined by the analysis of the Ordnance Survey data and broadly followed the extent of the predicted visibility of the development site within the surrounding landscape. This wider study area was then reassessed using 3d modelling techniques and the advice of the consultation bodies identified during the assessment process. A number of viewpoints (covering an area of approximately 20km radius from the centre of the site) have been determined to assist in the visual impact assessment. For the purposes of the landscape assessment, a detailed study area has been established which includes an area 5km out from the development site. The perceptual impacts on landscape character areas and types have also been considered within the Zone of Theoretical Visibility (ZTV) Figure 21.1. 21.3 Legislation, Policy and Guidance a) Introduction to Planning Context Analysis 21.3.1 The Hinkley Point C Development Site is located within West Somerset Council (WSC). The wider study area lies within three other local planning authority areas, namely: North Somerset Council, Sedgemoor District Council (SDC), and Taunton Deane Borough Council Figure 21.2. Aspects of planning guidance and policy, which are of particular relevance to this assessment, are examined below and shown in Figure 21.3. Guidance on national designations as well as local authority planning policy notes have been used to inform the decision making process. b) National Landscape Designations 21.3.2 Three important national designations exist within the wider study area: Exmoor National Park; Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB); and Mendip Hills AONB. i) Exmoor National Park 21.3.3 Exmoor National Park is situated within the counties of Somerset (71% of the park) and Devon. The boundary of the National Park is located approximately 14km, and beyond, to the west of the Hinkley Point C Development Site. It was designated in 1954 under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949. Each national park in England has been managed by its own National Park Authority since April 1997, following the Environment Act 1995. Its aims are to "conserve and enhance the natural beauty, wildlife and cultural heritage of the National Parks" and "promote opportunities for the understanding and enjoyment of the special qualities of the Parks by the public” (Ref. 21.1) including responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment. ii) Quantock Hills AONB 21.3.4 The Quantock Hills AONB was designated in 1956 under the National Parks and Access to the Countryside Act 1949 and was the first AONB designated in England. It has the area of 9900 hectares and at its closest is located approximately 4km south-west of the Hinkley Point C Development Site. It falls within the boundary of three local planning authorities (LPAs), namely: WSC, SDC and Taunton Deane Borough Council. 2 | HINKLEY POINT C PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION – STAGE 2 ENVIRONMENTAL STATEMENT – VOLUME 2 21. Landscape and Visual Impact iii) The Mendip Hills AONB 21.3.5 The Mendip Hills AONB lies approximately 18 km north-east of the Hinkley Point C Development Site. 21.3.6 Further description of the AONB landscape character is provided in the landscape baseline Section 21.5. iv) Local Landscape Designations 21.3.7 There are no local landscape designations that cover any part of the Hinkley Point C Development Site. However, there are a number of local planning designations and policy guidance notes covering landscapes of particular interests that are present in the wider study area. These are listed and briefly described below: Inheritance Tax Exemption Sites; Historic Landscape; Green Wedge; Conservation areas; and Historic Parks and Gardens. v) Inheritance Tax Exemption Sites 21.3.8 Capital tax exemption is available for land of 'outstanding scenic, historic and scientific interest'. Four sites have been identified within the detailed study area for their exceptional scenic quality. Fairfield Estate is adjacent to the western boundary of the Hinkley Point C Development Site and includes Fairfield House and Dodington Hall, which are listed buildings. East Quantoxhead Estate is an area of high scenic, conservation and historic interest lying partly within the Quantocks Hills AONB. Kentsford Farmhouse and Orchard Wyndham are located around the village of Williton, approximately 10km to the west of the site. vi) Historic Landscape 21.3.9 Historic landscape characterisation is a programme initiated by English Heritage to increase understanding of the wider landscape beyond that of the planned parkland of the country estate. Historic characterisation is described by the Council for British Archaeology as "a way of going beyond intuition to get beneath the skin of a place and look at its essential qualities and character” (Ref. 21.2). The historic landscape characterisation programme does not restrict itself to historic buildings, ornamental landscapes and purely archaeological features, but embraces other man made features such as hedges and managed woodland. Recognising the historic character of a landscape is intended to allow the landscape itself to be managed and protected within the English planning system. Historic landscape characterisation has no statutory basis, however local planning authorities are required to "take account of the historical dimensions of the landscape as a whole" (Ref. 21.3). vii) Green Wedge 21.3.10 Green Wedge is a local landscape designation within the SDC Local Plan. Its function is to contain urban development within a defined boundary around settlements. The nearest Green Wedge designation is located approximately 11km to the north-east of the Hinkley Point C Development Site, adjacent to the coastline settlements between Burnham-on-Sea and Brean Down. HINKLEY POINT C PRE-APPLICATION CONSULTATION – STAGE 2 | 3 ENVIRONMENTAL APPRAISAL – VOLUME 2 21. Landscape and Visual Impact viii) Conservation Areas 21.3.11 Conservation areas are tracts of land that have been given protected status in order to ensure that natural features, cultural heritage or biota are safeguarded. The designation is usually applied to areas considered worthy of preservation or enhancement because of their special architectural or historic interest, "the character or appearance of which it is desirable to preserve or enhance", as required by the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990 (Section 69 and 70). 21.3.12 Twenty six conservation areas exist within 20km of the Hinkley Point C Development Site and within the boundary of four relevant LPAs.
Recommended publications
  • Triscombe House Quantock Hills, Somerset

    Triscombe House Quantock Hills, Somerset

    Triscombe House Quantock Hills, Somerset Triscombe House Quantock Hills, Somerset A majestic Grade II listed country house in an accessible location and magical parkland setting with far reaching views over the Blackdown Hills to the south and the Quantock Hills to the north. Biomass heating and solar PV systems have been installed that generate an income to cover running costs. The property also has a Lodge which can further enhance this income through rental. Bishop’s Lydeard 4.4 miles, Taunton 9.4 miles (London Paddington 1 hour 40 minutes), Bristol Airport 40 miles, Exeter 40 miles (All mileages are approximate) Ground floor: Reception hall | Drawing room | Library | Dining room | Family sitting room| Winter garden room Kitchen / breakfast room| Pantry | Study | Home office| Coat / boot room | Flower room | Link to boiler house. Lift to all floors Lower ground floor: Home cinema | Store room | Cloakroom | Lobby | Wine cellar First floor: Master bedroom with dressing room and en suite bathroom| Two guest bedrooms with en suite bathrooms Four further bedrooms | Family bathroom | Laundry room | Linen room Second floor: Guest bedroom with en suite bathroom | Bedroom with dressing room | Two further bedrooms | Bathroom | Playroom Soundproof recording studio| Studio room / home office| Sitting room / bedroom 11| Three storage rooms The Lodge: Kitchen | Sitting room| Utility room | 3 bedrooms | Bathroom | Garden Outbuildings: Attached outbuilding with storage and cloakroom on ground floor and home office above Stable block with four loose
  • A New Geological Model to Explain the Gravity Gradient Across Exmoor, North Devon

    A New Geological Model to Explain the Gravity Gradient Across Exmoor, North Devon

    A new geological model to explain the gravity gradient across Exmoor, north Devon M. BROOKS, M. BAYERLY & D. J. LLEWELLYN SUMMARY Recent long seismic lines in South Wales and plained by a simple geological model in which the Bristol Channel indicate a structural cul- a thick sequence ofrelatlvely low density Lower mination under the southern part of the Bristol Palaeozoic or late Precambrian rocks occupies Channel, where a layer with a seismic velocity the core of this culmination. The model casts of 6-I km/s approaches to about 2 km of the further doubt on the existence of a major thrust surface. It is shown that the gravity field across under Exmoor. Exmoor and the Bristol Channel can be ex- I. Introduction SEVERAL LONG SEISMIC LINES in the Bristol Channel area, full details of which will be presented in later papers, give evidence of a basal layer of high velocity, in the range from 6. I-6. 3 km/s, which is interpreted as being of Lower Palaeozoic or Precambrian age. This layer, which almost certainly does not represent the same geological formation under all lines, lies at shallow depth under the western part of the South Wales Coalfield, deepens southwards into the northern part of the Bristol Channel and rises rapidly towards the north Devon coast. Figure I illustrates reduced time-distance curves for two of the long seismic lines D and F, whose locations are shown in Fig. 2. On each line, a series of offshore shots was fired into a fixed array of land recording stations.
  • Accounting for National Nature Reserves

    Accounting for National Nature Reserves

    Natural England Research Report NERR078 Accounting for National Nature Reserves: A Natural Capital Account of the National Nature Reserves managed by Natural England www.gov.uk/naturalACCOUNTING FOR-england NATIONAL NATURE RESERVES Natural England Research Report NERR078 Accounting for National Nature Reserves: A Natural Capital Account of the National Nature Reserves managed by Natural England Tim Sunderland1, Ruth Waters1, Dan Marsh2, Cat Hudson1 and Jane Lusardi1 Published 21st February 2019 1 Natural England 2 University of Waikato, New Zealand This report is published by Natural England under the Open Government Licence - OGLv3.0 for public sector information. You are encouraged to use, and reuse, information subject to certain conditions. For details of the licence visit Copyright. Natural England photographs are only available for non commercial purposes. If any other information such as maps or data cannot be used commercially this will be made clear within the report. ISBN 978-1-78354-518-6 © Natural England 2018 ACCOUNTING FOR NATIONAL NATURE RESERVES Project details This report should be cited as: SUNDERLAND, T., WATERS, R.D., MARSH, D. V. K., HUDSON, C., AND LUSARDI, J. (2018). Accounting for National Nature Reserves: A natural capital account of the National Nature Reserves managed by Natural England. Natural England Research Report, Number 078 Project manager Tim Sunderland Principal Specialist in Economics Horizon House Bristol BS1 5TL [email protected] Acknowledgements We would like to thank everyone who contributed to this report both within Natural England and externally. ii Natural England Research Report 078 Foreword England’s National Nature Reserves (NNRs) are the crown jewels of our natural heritage.
  • SOMERSET FOLK All Who Roam, Both Young and Old, DECEMBER TOP SONGS CLASSICAL Come Listen to My Story Bold

    SOMERSET FOLK All Who Roam, Both Young and Old, DECEMBER TOP SONGS CLASSICAL Come Listen to My Story Bold

    Folk Singing Broadsht.2 5/4/09 8:47 am Page 1 SOMERSET FOLK All who roam, both young and old, DECEMBER TOP SONGS CLASSICAL Come listen to my story bold. 400 OF ENGLISH COLLECTED BY For miles around, from far and near, YEARS FOLK MUSIC TEN FOLK They come to see the rigs o’ the fair, 11 Wassailing SOMERSET CECIL SHARP 1557 Stationers’ Company begins to keep register of ballads O Master John, do you beware! Christmastime, Drayton printed in London. The Seeds of Love Folk music has inspired many composers, and And don’t go kissing the girls at Bridgwater Fair Mar y Tudor queen. Loss of English colony at Calais The Outlandish Knight in England tunes from Somerset singers feature The lads and lasses they come through Tradtional wassailing 1624 ‘John Barleycorn’ first registered. John Barleycorn in the following compositions, evoking the very From Stowey, Stogursey and Cannington too. essence of England’s rural landscape: can also be a Civil Wars 1642-1650, Execution of Charles I Barbara Allen SONG COLLECTED BY CECIL SHARP FROM visiting 1660s-70s Samuel Pepys makes a private ballad collection. Percy Grainger’s passacaglia Green Bushes WILLIAM BAILEY OF CANNINGTON AUGUST 8TH 1906 Lord Randal custom, Restoration places Charles II on throne was composed in 1905-6 but not performed similar to carol The Wraggle Taggle Gypsies 1765 Reliques of Ancient English Poetry published by FOLK 5 until years later. It takes its themes from the 4 singing, with a Thomas Percy. First printed ballad collection. Dabbling in the Dew ‘Green Bushes’ tune collected from Louie bowl filled with Customs, traditions & glorious folk song Mozart in London As I walked Through the Meadows Hooper of Hambridge, plus a version of ‘The cider or ale.
  • Somerset Parish Reg Sters

    Somerset Parish Reg Sters

    S om e rs e t Pa ris h m r a riages. E DITE D BY . PH IL LIM OR E . W P W , M A , A N D W . A . BELL , R ector o Charl nch f y , A ND C . W . WH ISTLER , M . R . C . S Vicar ofS tockland . VOL VI 1 011 0011 m) T E UBS C R IBER S BY P ss u o TH H ILLIM OR E C o . I S , 1 2 H A NCER Y A NE 4 , C L , P R E F A C E . A sixth volu me of Somer set Marriage Regi sters is now s completed , making the total number of parishe dealt - with to be forty nine . 1 379239 A s s u se of before , contraction have been made w - o r i o — h . o . o . i o s of wid wer w d w di c the di ce e . — - b . a e o c o in h . t e ou of b ch l r c nty . — m — s s i e o a . i m a e l e . s e s Z a . pin t r, ngl w n arri g ic nce d — — m au e . e o a . d ght r . y y n . — — . oi th e a is of c a e n e . p p r h . c rp t r The reader mu st remember that the printed volumes “ ! fi are not evidence in the legal sen se . Certi cate s must l of be obtained from the ocal clergy in charge the Regi sters.
  • 'Cenoceras Islands' in the Blue Lias Formation (Lower Jurassic)

    'Cenoceras Islands' in the Blue Lias Formation (Lower Jurassic)

    FOSSIL IMPRINT • vol. 75 • 2019 • no. 1 • pp. 108–119 (formerly ACTA MUSEI NATIONALIS PRAGAE, Series B – Historia Naturalis) ‘CENOCERAS ISLANDS’ IN THE BLUE LIAS FORMATION (LOWER JURASSIC) OF WEST SOMERSET, UK: NAUTILID DOMINANCE AND INFLUENCE ON BENTHIC FAUNAS DAVID H. EVANS1, *, ANDY H. KING2 1 Stratigrapher, Natural England, Rivers House, East Quay, Bridgwater, Somerset, TA6 4YS UK; e-mail: [email protected]. 2 Director & Principal Geologist, Geckoella Ltd, Suite 323, 7 Bridge Street, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 1TG UK; e-mail: [email protected]. * corresponding author Evans, D. H., King, A. H. (2019): ‘Cenoceras islands’ in the Blue Lias Formation (Lower Jurassic) of West Somerset, UK: nautilid dominance and influence on benthic faunas. – Fossil Imprint, 75(1): 108–119, Praha. ISSN 2533-4050 (print), ISSN 2533-4069 (on-line). Abstract: Substantial numbers of the nautilid Cenoceras occur in a stratigraphically limited horizon within the upper part of the Lower Jurassic (Sinemurian Stage) Blue Lias Formation at Watchet on the West Somerset Coast (United Kingdom). Individual nautilid conchs are associated with clusters of encrusting organisms (sclerobionts) forming ‘islands’ that may have been raised slightly above the surrounding substrate. Despite the relatively large numbers of nautilid conchs involved, detailed investigation of their preservation suggests that their accumulation reflects a reduction in sedimentation rates rather than an influx of empty conches or moribund animals. Throughout those horizons in which nautilids are present in relative abundance, the remains of ammonites are subordinate or rare. The reason for this unclear, and preferential dissolution of ammonite conchs during their burial does seem to provide a satisfactory solution to the problem.
  • Habitats Regulations Assessment for the Preferred Strategy

    Habitats Regulations Assessment for the Preferred Strategy

    THE WEST SOMERSET LOCAL PLAN 2012 TO 2032 DRAFT PREFERRED STRATEGY HABITAT REGULATIONS ASSESSMENT January 2012 This report was prepared by Somerset County Council on behalf of the Exmoor National Park Authority, as the 'competent authority' under the Conservation of Habitats and Species Regulations 2010. Copyright The maps in this report are reproduced from Ordnance Survey material with the permission of Ordnance Survey on behalf of the Controller of Her Majesty’s Stationery Office. © Crown copyright. Unauthorised reproduction infringes Crown copyright and may lead to prosecution or civil proceedings. (Somerset County Council)(100038382)(2011) 2 Contents 1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 4 2. Screening Exercise ..................................................................................................... 6 3. Characteristics and Description of the Natura 2000 Sites ........................................... 8 Introduction .................................................................................................................. 8 Identification of Natura 2000 sites................................................................................ 8 Ecological Zones of Influence .................................................................................... 11 Description and Characterisation of Natura 2000 Sites ............................................. 11 4. Potential Impacts of the Plan on Ecology .................................................................
  • North and Mid Somerset CFMP

    North and Mid Somerset CFMP

    ` Parrett Catchment Flood Management Plan Consultation Draft (v5) (March 2008) We are the Environment Agency. It’s our job to look after your environment and make it a better place – for you, and for future generations. Your environment is the air you breathe, the water you drink and the ground you walk on. Working with business, Government and society as a whole, we are making your environment cleaner and healthier. The Environment Agency. Out there, making your environment a better place. Published by: Environment Agency Rio House Waterside Drive, Aztec West Almondsbury, Bristol BS32 4UD Tel: 01454 624400 Fax: 01454 624409 © Environment Agency March 2008 All rights reserved. This document may be reproduced with prior permission of the Environment Agency. Environment Agency Parrett Catchment Flood Management Plan – Consultation Draft (Mar 2008) Document issue history ISSUE BOX Issue date Version Status Revisions Originated Checked Approved Issued to by by by 15 Nov 07 1 Draft JM/JK/JT JM KT/RR 13 Dec 07 2 Draft v2 Response to JM/JK/JT JM/KT KT/RR Regional QRP 4 Feb 08 3 Draft v3 Action Plan JM/JK/JT JM KT/RR & Other Revisions 12 Feb 08 4 Draft v4 Minor JM JM KT/RR Revisions 20 Mar 08 5 Draft v5 Minor JM/JK/JT JM/KT Public consultation Revisions Consultation Contact details The Parrett CFMP will be reviewed within the next 5 to 6 years. Any comments collated during this period will be considered at the time of review. Any comments should be addressed to: Ken Tatem Regional strategic and Development Planning Environment Agency Rivers House East Quay Bridgwater Somerset TA6 4YS or send an email to: [email protected] Environment Agency Parrett Catchment Flood Management Plan – Consultation Draft (Mar 2008) Foreword Parrett DRAFT Catchment Flood Management Plan I am pleased to introduce the draft Parrett Catchment Flood Management Plan (CFMP).
  • ID970901 Greenhill and Brownfield Reps.Pdf

    ID970901 Greenhill and Brownfield Reps.Pdf

    Representations SEDGEMOOR LOCAL PLAN REVIEW - REGULATION 19 PUBLICATION VERSION (JANUARY 2017) 1.0 Introduction 1.1.1 These representations have been prepared by Ian Jewson Planning Ltd on behalf of Greenhill & Brownfield and relate to Sedgemoor District Council’s (SDC’s) consultation on the Proposed Submission Local Plan (January 2017). Whilst Greenhill & Brownfield has a general interest in SDC’s forward planning it also has specific interests in relation to land referred to as H057a (land at edge of Woolavington) and H337 (land west of Sedgemoor Way) in the Strategic Housing Land Availability Report 2016. Where relevant these representations will highlight the potential for residential development on this land. IJP previously submitted reps in relation to the Stage 1 Consultation review of the Local Plan (October 2015). An additional consultation took place between June and August 2016 which focussed on Bridgwater and the Tier 1 settlements. 1.1.2 These representations provide comments on the soundness of the proposed policies in relation to the specific questions raised by the Regulation 19 consultation with reference to evidence base documents where relevant. 1.1.3 Specific consideration has been given to the following policies: • Policy S 2 (Spatial Strategy for Sedgemoor) • Policy S 3 (Infrastructure Delivery) • Policy S 4 (Sustainable Development Principles) • Policy T 2 (Tier 2 Settlement Objectives) • Policy T 3 (Tier 2 Settlement Housing) • Policy D 7 (Affordable Housing) Representations 1.1.4 These policies are discussed in turn in the following sections and where appropriate we have made suggested changes for the policy to be considered sound. 2.0 Policy S 2 (Spatial Strategy for Sedgemoor) Housing and Employment Requirement 2.1.1 The Strategic Housing Market Assessment (SHMA) prepared by Peter Brett Associates in September 2016 concludes that the Objectively Assessed Housing Need (OAHN) in Sedgemoor is (annually over the 2011-32 period) 644 dwellings per annum (13,530 over the full emerging Plan period).
  • Newsletter to SWT Councillors and Parish

    Newsletter to SWT Councillors and Parish

    Newsletter to SWT Councillors and Parish Councils Issue 53 Week ending 11/04/2021 #Hands #Face #Space and Fresh Air SWT Council priorities Somerset West and Taunton Council’s updated priorities during the Coronavirus pandemic are as follows: Preserve critical services; Safeguard the public; Ensure our most vulnerable residents are supported; and Planning economic resilience and recovery The situation is being reviewed on a daily basis to ensure that the Council follows the latest advice from Public Health England. Click here to read up to date information on how SWT continues to respond to Coronavirus. Key Messages this week 1. HRH Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh Following the death of His Royal Highness Prince Philip, The Duke of Edinburgh, the Leader and the Chair of SWT have issued a statement of condolence - “On behalf of the residents of Somerset West and Taunton we would like to offer our heartfelt condolences to HM The Queen and the Royal Family. Our thoughts are with them at this sad time.” Our social media banners have been changed and condolence posts have gone out across our channels. Our website has also been amended in memory of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh. Flags are lowered to half-mast at Deane House and West Somerset House. There is also a picture of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh and commemorative wording by the door in Deane House for the public to see. In line with current restrictions and guidance from the Royal Household, we ask that members of the public do not leave floral tributes in public spaces or gather at monuments at this sad time, to ensure each other’s safety.
  • Great Wood Volcano Walk, Quantock Hills, Somerset

    Great Wood Volcano Walk, Quantock Hills, Somerset

    A) Campbell Room to Seven Wells car park Route 1 Great Wood Volcano Walk From the Campbell Room ❶, turn left and walk along the road towards Great Wood forest. The stream on your right, raised above road level, is actually a leet built to supply Distance: 3.5miles (5.5km) Height gain: 680 feet (207m) Time: 1.5 to 2 hours water to the former flour and silk mills at Marsh Mills. After Adscombe Farm the road Map: Ordnance Survey Explorer Map 140 Quantock Hills & Bridgwater. rises, becoming a forest track at the cattle grid ❷. You could continue directly ahead along the track, but take the right hand track up hill instead. Just after the car barrier, Parking: Seven Wells car park (ST173373), marked ❺ on the sketch below. turn left off the track ❸ and take the narrow bridleway between the trees. This brings Start and finish: The Campbell Room or Seven Wells car park. you back to the main track to Seven Wells just before the entrance to Greatwood Camp. Continue along the track for just over half a mile to reach the Seven Wells car park or — This easy circular walk in the Quantock Hills follows tracks and bridleways if you started from the Campbell Room — you could save half a mile by cutting down through Great Wood forest, fields and open parkland, as well as taking you the small path a few hundred metres on the left after Greatwood Camp ❹, crossing the over rock from the Quantock's very own extinct volcano. The sections on local stream and turning left onto the track on the other side of the valley floor.
  • Quantock and Blackdown Hills

    Quantock and Blackdown Hills

    Spring 2018 Quantock and Blackdown hills Looking after Fyne Court and Wellington Monument as well as over 600 hectares of designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Together, we can look after this special place for ever, for everyone . Our work Wildlife spotting What’s on? Looking after places Cadbury Easter egg hunt Friday 30 March to Monday 2 April, 10am-2pm, Fyne people live Court Head to Fyne Court’s wild garden in search for spring- time clues to earn your reward Somerset Festival of Nature Saturday 5 May, Fyne Court, Quantock Hills Kick off a month of celebration of nature across all of Somerset Top of the Gorge festival Friday 22 June to Sunday 24 June, Cheddar Gorge Enjoy a weekend of adventure sports Stay a little longer… Where next? A former gardener’s cottage bursting with character, Coleridge Cottage Fyne Court Cottage, sleeps 6. Home of romantic poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge and the start of the Coleridge Way walk Search availability at nationaltrust.org.uk/holidays Knightshayes A country estate on a grand gothic scale, surrounded by acres of glorious gardens and parkland Barrington Court An empty Tudor house beautifully restored in the 1920s Fyne Court waymarked wander Fyne Court was home to the Crosse family for generations, until the house was destroyed by fire in 1894. The estate’s garden is now a haven for wildlife. Explore this wild garden, now hidden away in the Quantock Hills. Whether you’re looking for wildlife, natural play or peace and tranquillity, Fyne Court’s waymarked trails offer a lot to discover.