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5.1 Geology & Physical Geography

5.1.1 The landscape interest and diverse range of character areas across the Mendip district are inextricably linked to the underlying geology and geomorphology. The distinctive limestone ridge is identified as one of the defining special qualities of the Mendip Hills AONB [5.1].

Lynchcombe NR

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KEY

Geology Overview

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5.1.2 Within the Statement of Significance of the AONB’s KEY

Special Qualities it is noted;- BRITISH GEOLOGICAL SURVEY LOCALITY AREAS “The diverse and visible geology that ranges from 1 Black Down 6 Priddy GEOLOGICAL SSSI 2 Charterhouse 7 Harptree Smitham Hill REGIONALLY IMPORTANT GEODIVERSITY SITE Devonian to Jurassic in a relatively small area, making (RIGS) one of the best areas in the country to appreciate 3 Draycott & Westbury-Sub-Mendip 8 Beacon Hill the relationship between geology, landscape, natural 4 Ebbor Gorge 9 Mells and Wadbury Valley history including the iconic Cheddar Gorge”. [5.1] 5 Wookey Hole 10 Great Elm and Vallis Vale

5.1.3 This interest extends the full length of the Mendip ridge well beyond the AONB boundary. From the early exploitation of the lead and coal resources through to the modern extent of limestone quarrying within the district, the geology has also influenced the patterns of settlement and infrastructure within the district. With the natural exposure of strata and the mineral extraction operations the district geology has helped shape the understanding of many aspects of geological processes. Within the district there are a large number of geological SSSI and RIGS* sites highlighting this interest.

5.1.4 Comprehensive explanations of the Mendips geology and mineral history has been collated into an on- line resource by the British Geological Survey (BGS); this includes detailed descriptions of many of the key geological feature sites. Through this resource and an active programme of public events the local geology is promoted as an aspect of visitor interest for the district; the Mendip Rocks Festival started in 2010 and has become an annual event. [5.2]

Spot Location Map-Geological Interest This image illustrates the distribution of the BGS feature areas and designated geological interest sites.*RIGS – Regionally Important Geological (and Geomorphological) Sites.

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For a simple overview the description of the Mendip district can be broken down into five main areas;

1. The broad Mendip Plateau to the west of the B3139 (Bath Road from Wells to Emborough)

2. The narrower section of the Mendip ridge to the east of the B3139 including Beacon Hill ridge extending to Frome

3. The North Somerset Coal Fields on the north side of the Mendip ridge around the 4 Nettlebridge, Holcombe, Coleford to Mells Valleys 1 3 4. The high ridge encircling the deep valleys of the Wheel and Buckland Brooks and landscape extending to district boundary along the lower Frome Valley. 2 5. The gently rolling hills and valleys to the north and south of Frome extending around the south eastern side of the district to the Fosse Way 5

6. The south western area of low lying 6 landscape with intermittent ridges that extends from the Fosse Way to the district boundary.

Context Map-Geology with Topography Illustrates a simplified geology map. For a simple overview the description of the Mendip district can be broken down into five main areas as identified on Geological Areas (and Geomorphological) Sites.

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AREA 1 - THE MENDIP PLATEAU 5.1.7 A major period of uplift or ‘mountain building’ tremendous forces involved the rocks were thrust occurred during the Triassic period, 251 – 200 million up and over other younger rocks and left with many years ago, following the end of the Carboniferous fault lines. The formation of a steeply folded range era (the mountain building period referred to as the also created heavily fractured material susceptible Variscan Orogeny [5.3]). During this the Devonian to rapid erosion of the upper exposed levels. The and Carboniferous sediments were pushed up into strata that remain as the hills seen today are the rings a series of steep folds. In the Mendips these have of exposed carboniferous limestone surrounding the a distinctive form known as Periclines where the older sandstones. Four main characteristic Periclines folds drop down at either end taking the form of remain as Black Down, North Hill, Pen Hill and 1 an upturned boat. The resultant mountain range Beacon Hill. may have reached up to 1500 m and with the

BLACK DOWN

5.1.5 Among the oldest rocks exposed within the district are the Devonian deposits laid down as thick sequence of sediments across an area of desert some 416 to 359 million years ago. Often seen as reddy brown NORTH sandstones with the colour arising from iron oxides HILL deposited in dry conditions. As the parent material arose from the erosion of an earlier mountain range PEN HILL (from the Caledonian era) the series also contains areas of pebble conglomerate. These rocks occur as

the ridge of the Black Down hill as hard and insoluble BEACON core to the hills relatively resistant to erosion. HILL

5.1.6 These were overlaid in the Carboniferous period (359 – 299 million years ago) with sediments from a warm shallow sea. Varying conditions during this period created deposits ranging from mudstones, muddy limestones through to deep accumulations of very pure limestones. Devonian - Sandstones & Conglomerates

Carboniferous Limestone Series

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5.1.8 Where they outcrop the inner core of the harder here the plateau is notable for the absence of streams Devonian sandstones shed rainwater to the and surface water bodies. The area also contains boundaries of the adjoining limestones. As a soluble some of the most significant cave systems with several rock deposit the limestones allow the percolation extending to depths over 150m and many km of of water through the strata which allows further accessible passage. dissolving and erosion of the rock below ground. The Mendip landscape exhibits a range of ‘Karst’ 5.1.11 Within the MDC area the notable caves include the formations such as sink holes, swallets, caves very popular Swildons Hole, St Cuthbert’s Swallet and resurgence springs and streams. The basic and Eastwater Caven located in a cluster of caves component of limestone, calcite or calcium carbonate around the village of Priddy. is dissolved by rainwater (slightly acidified by carbon 5.1.12 Swildons is perhaps one of the best known cave dioxide) but is also readily recrystallized as purer systems with opportunities for moderate adventure forms of the mineral and as cave formations such through to extreme exploration. The cave has now as stalagmites and stalactites and other flowstone been explored and surveyed to a length of 9.2km features. and depth of 167m. [5.4]. The lower parts of the cave require diving equipment to get to the end 5.1.9 Another aspect of the intense pressures and processes of the mountain uplift was the creation of mineral beyond some 12 sumps, but the connection to follow deposits within the earlier strata. During the the stream water through to its eventual outflow at movement of the earth’s crust heated water from the Wookey Hole remains elusive. St Cuthbert’s Swallet surrounding depths was forced into the Mendip rock also an extensive and demanding cave entered via a formations. With this various dissolved elements and challenging climb within a very narrow rift but with compounds were carried up into fissures and fault the reward of chambers with spectacular formations. lines to then crystallise as veins of mineral. These are Eastwater offers a sporting trip entered via an unstable found through-out the hills as ores including those boulder ruckle that is really not for the faint hearted. of lead, zinc, iron and copper. These outcropped 5.1.13 While it may be unusual for a Landscape Character to the surface in areas leading to early human Tratmans Temple - Swildon’s Hole - Photographer : Donald Tomson Assessment to identify aspects below the surface, exploitation in the form of shallow mine workings it is important to recognise the extensive and very from well before the arrival of the Romans. The varied cave systems of the Mendips as an essential Statement of Significance : The AONBs Special Qualities natural outcrops and the spoils resultant from the part of the natural environment. This is reflected in various eras of extraction have created unusual soil “Caves, for their wildlife, geological, archeaological the AONB Special Qualities in respect of both the conditions giving rise to some unique habitat and importance including Aveline’s Hole - the oldest environmental interests and recreational value of flora collections within the district. cemetery site in Britain, and Goughs Cave - one of the the caves set out within the Statement of Significance most important Palaeolithic sites in Europe that provides AONB Management Plan:- 5.1.10 On the broader part of the Mendip ridge on the a breeding site for Lesser and Great Horseshoe bats” western side of the district the Devonian and [AONB Management Plan Jan 2019 - Para 1.4 page 11 - 7th bullet point - n.b. Carboniferous outcrop is the largest of the Periclines. caves named located outside of MDC area but representative of many others With the depth of the limestone cross section exposed within the district].

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AREA 2 - THE BEACON HILL RIDGE 5.1.16 Smaller cave systems are found around the sides pattern. The juxtaposition of much younger Jurassic of the hills on the eastern Mendips. Within the Inferiour Oolite over the Carboniferous strata in Stoke St Michael valley the small stream through the quarry face at Vallis Vale was first identified as the village flows into a swallet known as Stoke Lane significant in one of the earliest geological surveys. Slocker which carries the stream some 2 km to the The feature named, the De Le Beche Unconformity nearby St Dunstan’s Well. To the west of the village after the pioneering geologist, is recognised as a site the small disused Fairy Cave Quarry takes its name of particular importance to the history of geological from one of a group of small caves truncated by the science [5.2]. extraction across what would have been a single cave 2 system. The caves include a selection of very finely 5.1.18 The younger rock outcrops include the early Jurassic decorated chambers and passages. Among the Lias Oolitic limestones and mudstones which extend group Shatter Cave in turn takes its name from the out from the southern side of the Beacon Hill ridge. unstable passages resulting from the quarry blasting. These include the finer grain stone quarried around Doulting and prized for fine building work. 5.1.17 Further east the limestone outcrops thin out into smaller exposures within the Mells, Great Elm and Vallis Vale section of the Mells River Valley. Within

5.1.14 On the eastern end of the Mendips the Beacon Hill this steep sided narrow valley there are several Pericline appears as a narrower long thin outcrop smaller caves or rock shelters visible around the level pattern extending from the Horrington area to the of the river. In this area the interrelationships of outskirts of Frome. The most easterly outcrop of partially eroded Carboniferous deposits overlaid with the Carboniferous limestone being in the River later Jurassic deposits creates a complex geological Frome Valley near Spring Gardens. In this area the Carboniferous limestone beds are more steeply sloping giving rise to a narrower outcrop in plan.

5.1.15 This section of the ridge includes the oldest series of rock formations within the district. The Beacon Hill top is the highest point within the eastern Mendips. To the east of the hill top is an outcrop of Silurian igneous rock from 444 – 416 million years ago. This small outcrop is comprised of lava flow and volcanic ash deposits arising from an explosive eruption into a shallow sea. The lava flow in particular is a very hard material know as Andesite, valued as a quarried rock for its hard wearing anti-skid properties.

Spleenwort Shelter in the Mells/Wadbury Valley The De La Beche Unconformity - Vallis Vale [Permit Number CP20/025 British Geological Survey © UKRI 2020. All rights reserved]

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AREA 3 - THE NETTLEBRIDGE / MELLS VALLEY of the first people to map this and highlight the COAL SEAMS significance of geological sequences was William Smith (1769 – 1839) a surveyor working in both the Mendip collieries and on the local Somerset Coal Canal infrastructure; for which he eventually gained the title of ‘Father of English Geology’[5.2].

5.1.22 Extensive areas of the coalfield are overlaid by younger deposits. These arose from the marine 3 deposits on the edge of the landmass of the Mendip ridge after the upheaval of the landmass. Deposits of Triassic and Lias conglomerate and mudstones (Dolomitic Conglomerate, Mercia Mudstone and Charmouth Mudstones) sit over the Coal measures to the north of Mells and across to Stratton-on-the- Fosse. The listed Victorian colliery chimney at Buckland Dinham - all that remains in the agricultural landscape 5.1.19 In the later part of the Carboniferous period river or delta deposits of mud and silt in the shallow sea allowed the development of swampy tropical forests and subsequent coal formation in many thin seams. These extend out to the north beyond Radstock as a shallow coal seam to form the North Somerset Coal Field. These deposits were heavily folded and faulted in the process of being uplifted resulting in a complex pattern of coal measures intermingled with mudstones and sandstone.

5.1.20 In the Nettlebridge section of the Valley the coal TBC -- Old Image of Mackintosh Colliery - to be sourced occurs close to the surface facilitating possibly the earliest coal mining activity. Within the MDC area the coal measure extends east through Holcombe, Coleford, Vobster to Mells and Buckland Dinham.

5.1.21 With the heavily contorted coal seams the complex layering makes the pattern of coal bearing strata difficult to follow. Understanding the way in which strata patterns repeat across an area is a principle that underpins the science of modern geology. One

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AREA 4 - NORTH OF FROME TO THE 5.1.25 Part of the sequence outcrops across a small sharp between Buckland Dinham, Faulkland and Norton FAULKLAND RIDGE ridge in the topography on a line to the south west St Philip is predominantly comprised of the Forest of the A362 (the Radstock to Frome Road). Identified Marble Mudstones. These continue as an extensive on the British Geological Survey geological map of outcrop wrapping around to the east of Bath and East Mendip as the Great Oolite Scarp. The series on up into Gloucestershire to form a large part of Fullers Earth to Cornbrash is identified as the Great the Cotswold plateau landscape. While the MDC Oolite Group. area is outside of the Cotswold AONB there is some continuity of landscape character arising from the 5.1.26 The outcrop pattern partly repeats with the shared geology and topography. deeply incised stream valley around the hamlet 4 of Hardington. The wider area of the landscape

5.1.23 To the North of Frome a series of gently rolling hills and deep valleys separate the River Frome Valley from the Wellow Brook. In this area the geology and topography fit neatly together with strata exposed with the relative levels of the landscape. The younger geological sequence to the east of the Mendip Hills ridge is exposed to the east of the Vallis Vale quarries with an outcrop of late Triassic limestone and conglomerate sitting over the older carboniferous strata.

5.1.24 The Dolomitic Conglomerate and Charmouth Mudstones around and to the north of Mells give way to a sequence of Jurassic rocks spanning from the later Lias through to the Great Oolite Group which are exposed from a line from Mells to Kilmersdon in the west across to Woolverton/Rode in the east. These comprise of Inferior Oolite, Fullers Earth Formations, Frome Clay Formation, Forest Marble and finally Cornbrash.

View towards the Great Oolite Scarp (from the start of he East Mendip Way)

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AREA 5 - EAST OF FROME TO EVERCREECH sequence through the Jurassic including the Bridport Sand, Beacon Limestone, Inferior Oolite through to the Cornbrash.

5.1.28 The transition between Jurassic and Cretaceous Period occurs just on the County and District boundary as a sandstone in the woods of Witham Park (Cann Sand Member) and further north at East Woodlands as Gault Formation mudstone. The vale between Longleat and Frome also includes areas of Oxford clays alongside the Gault formation.

5

5.1.27 The pattern of Triassic and Jurassic geology is again evident in a narrow band between the Mendip Ridge to the west and the rising ground of the Cranborne Chase landscape to the east. Topographically this area forms the watershed between the Frome River valley that extends north to the Avon and the Alham River flowing west from Batcombe. The ground between the two catchments is locally higher in a line across roughly between Upton Noble and East Cranmore. To the west the earliest outcrops of Lias strata is seen as the Langport Blue Lias Formation and Charnmouth Mudstone Formation around Evercreech. Heading east and with higher elevations up towards the watershed the sequence follows the geological

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AREA 6 - SOUTH OF THE MENDIP RIDGE geological map as inliers of the older Carboniferous to the north around Bristol). As Strontium burns with - WEST OF EVERCREECH TO THE DISTRICT Blackrock Limestone. These being two outcrops of a bright red flame it can be identified with a flame BOUNDARY the folded sheets of strata. test and is used to colour fireworks.

5.1.31 Further south the underlying bedrock is comprised of 5.1.34 The rise and fall of the sea levels during the more younger Lias mudstones (Langport Member - Blue Lias recent Quaternary Period relating to the last 2.6 Formation and Charmouth Mudstones. These again million years have left deposits that trace the varying laid down in warm shallow sea conditions. With the conditions across the low lying moors and levels. sediments washed down from the eroding Mendip Extensive spread and depths of alluvial material ridge these areas include limestones or calcareous (up to 40m deep) relate to areas flooded by sea or deposits within the mudstones. In places the softer rivers. Amongst these there are the rich deposits of 6 light grey Lias limestone can be seen in the buildings Peat material up to 6m in depth reflecting swampy within the local villages. and heavily vegetated wetlands. Smaller areas of Head deposits occur (around Wookey and Wells) 5.1.32 The deposits of the Triassic and Jurassic eras were where ‘poorly sorted’ angular stony and gravel at one time deeper and more extensive. Reflecting materials are derived from the mass movement of relatively higher and changing sea levels. The loose material down sloping ground under permafrost remaining areas of higher ground within the Avalon conditions (solifluction in a periglacial environment). vale such as the Polden Hills and the Wookey / Alluvial fan deposits of gravel spread out from areas Bleadney Ridge were formed in the Triassic era where heavy meltwater floods have burst out from and Glastonbury Tor in the later Lias period. These the hills above. features remain where harder materials such as sandstone cappings have withstood the forces that 5.1.29 The low lying landscape in the south western portion have eroded away the surrounding softer bedrock. of the district reflects the evolution from shallow sea to relatively dry land. The Triassic deposits of 5.1.33 One other remarkable feature of these Triassic Dolomite Conglomerate along the toe of the Mendip deposits is found at Ben Knowle Hill just to the south of scarp represent an ancient shore line. The larger the Village of Wookey; were the rare mineral Celestite stones in this material being eroded from the parent (Strontium Sulphate) is found. The site is private land rocks of the former mountain range and deposited identified as a geological SSSI. The mineral is thought in the shallow water close to the coast. Further out to form as Strontium ions replaced other elements from the scarp the Mercia Mudstones of around the in such minerals as gypsum as solutions percolate same period represent the finer grain material that layers of sediment, this can occur as replacement may have once formed thicker beds off the coast or within existing nodules to form geodes or in fossil estuarine sediment. remains. Celestite is noted as having been worked on the south side of the Mendips pre 1914 [5.5] and 5.1.30 Within the transition between the levels and the toe occurs a few other locations on the south side of the of the Mendip scarp two small hills stand out on the Mendips (more commercial scale deposits were found Peat stockpile at Burtle Road Westhay

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5.2 TOPOGRAPHY AND DRAINAGE

5.2.1 As noted in the introductory section the Mendip district area contains the highest point of the ridge and the hills stand higher than all the other surrounding landscapes in this part of the SW region. The hills form a spine like ridge across the northern part of the MDC area with distinct differences between the north and south side slopes and plateau top. Towards the Blagdon western end of the Mendips (generally on the edge Lake and beyond the district boundary) the side slopes are more scarp like with a pronounced distinction Chew Valley Lake between the high hills and lower slopes. To the east Cheddar the hills merge with more rolling landscape and fade Reservoir into the vales around Frome.

5.2.2 The Mells River starts within the Nettlebridge Valley and flows due east along the northern edge of the ridge before joining the River Frome near Oldford. The Frome then turns north to form the district boundary beyond Rode; before it joins the Wiltshire Avon which flows back to the West through Bristol.

5.2.3 The rolling landform contains and contributes to the character of Frome as a town. The topography also rises to the north and south of Frome into the other adjoining significant landscapes of the Cotswolds and Wiltshire Chalk Downlands. The landscape character of the area to the north within the MDC area is defined by high ridges around Orchardleigh and Buckland Dinham which separate the Frome and Mells River Valley from a dramatic secluded valley around Hardington / Laverton. These in turn are contained to the north by high ground between Falkland and Norton St Phillip. At the boundary of the district the land slopes dramatically down into the Wellow Valley which marks the southern edge of the Cotswold AONB. G204 - Context Map-Main Rivers&Topo

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5.2.4 East of Frome the landscape opens out towards the West Wiltshire Vale. The steep escarpment above 0+ High Points Westbury forms a distant horizon and the distinctive 50+ 1 Beacon Batch 7 Gare Hill shape of Cley Hill provide a backdrop to glimpsed 100+ 2 North Hill 8 Roddenbury Hillfort views from within the district. From many locations 150+ 3 Maesbury Castle 9 Small Down Knoll around the southern edges of Frome the land to 200+ 4 Beacon Hill 10 Walton Hill the south is contained by the wooded slopes of the 250+ m 5 Egford Hill 11 Glastonbury Tor Longleat Estate, which again form a distinct backdrop 6 Ammerdown to many views. 1 5.2.5 Further round towards Cranmore and Batcombe the landform is comprised of rolling hills and small intimate valleys. The influence of topography can be seen in the position of several roads through this 6 landscape with routes taking the ridgelines or gently climbing the valleys. The watershed between the 2 Frome catchment and the tributaries of the Brue lies within this area. The small scale steep sided valleys are also reflected in the place names of Batcombe 5 and Westcombe. The location of the Hill Fort at Small 3 Down Knoll takes advantage of a strategic position 4 on a small plateau and steep valley below. The hill top levels at the fort sit at around 220 m AOD as a 8 local high point overlooking a more open swath of landscape to the west. 9 5.2.6 To the south of Shepton and west of Evercreech 7 the topography gives way to a gentle form of low ridges and then the flatter low lying moors around 11 Glastonbury. The line of the Roman Fosse Way climbs over a ridge at Pye Hill and uncharacteristically takes a change in direction at the hill top. To the west of this the villages of East and West Pennard sit on and 10 next to the landform of a long low ridge. The line of this ridge points towards the Glastonbury Tor hill suggesting a shared origin as a former headland or promontory.

G234 - OS Map Base for Mark-ups-Topography-01.jpg

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5.2.7 The villages of Pilton and North Wootton nestle in Environment Agency Main River Upper Tributaries the landform to the southwest of Shepton. Again Notable resurgence Notable Spring small steep sided valleys provide intimate settings to both existing settlements. The larger high hill top of Launcherley Hill includes Iron Age fortifications alongside an extensive plateau as a further demonstration of the critical historical influence of topography on human settlement. 9 5.2.8 These areas of high ground subdivide the river 8 catchments into a series of modest rivers. The Sheppey drains from Shepton down past Croscombe 6 and Dulcote and out into the low lying landscape 5 of the Moors around Coxley. The Whitelake stream 5 FROME flows from Evercreech past the Pilton valley (drained 6 WELLS by a separate small stream) down into Splotts Moor 1 north of Glastonbury. While the Brue picks up the SHEPTON Alham and weaves around the district boundary 2 MALLET 2 north and west of Castle Cary. The Brue flows 2 6 around Baltonsborough through South Moor and 3 St Aldhelm’s then between Glastonbury and Street. 4 Well

5.2.9 Once down in the Moors all these water courses GLASTONBURY 7 flow through the low landscape with minimal level 4 change over long distances. The origin of the Levels and Peat Moors as shallow sea, estuarine marsh, 4 extensive wetland and then raised bog has given STREET 4 rise to a unique landscape. Historically the natural drainage across this was in the form of more erratic 4 ‘braded’ water courses which would have moved, split and merged as channels evolved to follow their own pattern. The extensive drainage systems installed in these areas have created more defined 1 River Axe 6 River Frome channels for the main rivers and efficiently drained 2 River Sheppey 7 River Alham the landscape to create more efficient conditions for farming and peat extraction. In the process of 3 White’s River 8 Buckland Brook drainage and extraction some significant changes to 4 River Brue 9 Henhambridge Brook the landscape have occurred; including the draining 5 Mells River

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of the Meare Lake in the 1700’s and the formation of new lakes and wetlands arising from the restoration of former workings.

5.2.10 The virtually flat topography of the Moors is distinctive in its own right but also provide contrast to the raised landforms that adjoin. The distinction between the peat levels and the habitable low lying ‘islands’ explains the local modern settlement pattern. This influence is in fact much more ancient with the distribution of Neolithic trackways between these islands discovered below the peat. The physical and visual contrast between flat landscape and such features as the Polden Ridge and the Wookey Islands adds interest to both elements of the respective landscapes.

Mells River at Nettlebridge

Wookey Island

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Mells River at Great Elm Egford Brook at Vallis Vale Holcombe Wood Stream

Weir on the River Brue at Lyford-on-Fosse River Brue River Brue

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5.3 ARCHAEOLOGY, HISTORIC LANDSCAPES AND INTEREST

5.3.1 The Mendip Karst contains some of the earliest archaeological material found in Britain. Generally the evidence of human activity across most of the rest of the country arises from periods after the last ice age some 11,000 years ago. But traces of human remains have been discovered within the caves and rock shelters that pre-date this, extending back into the interglacial periods possibly up to half a million years further back. These also occur alongside or above animal remains which confirm sequences of changing climatic conditions between the various eras.

Bronze Age Burial Mounds Beacon Hill 5.3.2 The work of HE Balch and his colleagues in the caves around Wells and Burrington in particular revealed an impressive list of fauna that at one time ranged across the landscape. This includes remains of Hippopotamus, Elephant, Rhinoceros and African Lion and Cat [5.6]. The presence of such species indicating a much warmer climate and connection with the landmass that became Africa. The smaller rock shelter caves may have simply provided shelter for some species; whereas the potholes on top of the plateau may have effectively trapped animals that fell in. Clearly none of the larger ‘megafauna’ species are associated with cave habitat; but the presence of Hyena provides an explanation of how parts of these animals became interned within the cave deposits. A small rock shelter close to the Wookey Hole resurgence named the Hyena Den provided an extensive collection of different remains; the location supports the theory the animals may have driven larger prey over nearby cliffs as an efficient means of hunting.

Priddy Mineries

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5.3.3 The very early (pre glacial) evidence of human Early Pre-history Early Recorded History presence is obviously limited within Britain. Identification of flint within Westbury Quarry (above Westbury-Sub-Mendip) which does not naturally occur on Mendip raises tantalising questions on human activity. Likewise butchery marks on a deer bone from Westbury Cave would suggest early human presence on Mendip around half a million years ago [5.7].

5.3.4 The caves may have been attractive for human occupation; particularly as the climate started to change. Pre-historic tools have been found in some of these same caves; including the Hyena Den where middle Palaeolithic artefacts were found. Again the Scheduled Ancient Monument Scheduled Ancient Monument topography of small narrow gorges and valleys may have made the Mendips an ideal hunting ground with Mid-Late Medieval Georgian - Modern Era the potential to drive animals into confined spaces. As the climate obviously became colder at the start of the last ice age the fauna record changed. Bears, Wolf, Arctic Fox, Woolly Rhinoceros and Mammoth occur in the later deposits.

5.3.5 During the subsequent glacial period the ice sheets stopped to the north of the Mendip District but the area would have been uninhabitable for humans. Many of the cave entrances were filled with the glacial debris brought down with periodic meltwaters.

5.3.6 Many of the finds made by Balch are displayed in the museum at Wells allowing direct connections to be made to the local landscape from which Scheduled Ancient Monument Scheduled Ancient Monument they came. Through his work Balch discovered or Enclosed Agriculture - Typically Ancient Form Industrial Heritage Site opened up many caves and managed to excavate Disused Quarries & Mines many locations before the caves became popular Enclosed Agriculture - Typically Pre-modern Form for sporting exploration. In surveying, meticulous Enclosed Agriculture - Typically Pre-modern Form recording of the digs and publication of his caving Scheduled Parks & Gardens books he inspired many more people to explore the Disused Railway Lines Mendip area both for its archaeology and for the Active Railway Lines

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interest of the caves. On the back of this several semi-natural setting. The waterlogged soils of the local dual interest archaeology and cave exploration peat beds provide anaerobic conditions ideal for the groups were formed within the area providing a preservation of many organic remains. This coupled strong local interest in the Mendip landscape. with the general nature of the watery farmland ensured areas have often remained relatively 5.3.7 The post glacial record picks up again with some very undisturbed. Local drainage works and peat cutting early prehistoric interest on the Mendip ridge. As over the years have revealed many aspects of how Elaine Jamieson sets out in The Historic Landscapes people lived in the wetlands taking advantage and of the Mendip Hills [5.7] there is evidence for hunter making adaptations to the environment to help them gathering activity on the Mendip plateau. Large survive. The early discovery of a timber trackway in assemblage of late Mesolithic flint recovered from the 1860’s and again in 1880’s was identified as a around Charterhouse-on-Mendip reflects the area’s route-way by C.W Dymond a Fellow of the Society status as a special place, with people possibly drawn of Antiquaries. At that time the ancient origin was to the region by the distinctive qualities of its abundant not fully appreciated and the feature named the mineral deposits [5.7]. Again the caves are also Abbot’s Way as Dymond wondered if the track may noted as part of this special place and their use for have been built by an Abbot of Glastonbury [5.8]. Mesolithic burial with the potential for connection to the underworld, legends and myths. Also noted is the 5.3.10 Slightly later work undertaken by Arthur Bulleid work from the Priddy Plateau Project [5.7] referring revealed much more of the significance of early to Mesolithic structures at Lower Pits Farm, Priddy human occupation. Inspired by work on lake are suggested by circular depressions, hearths and dwellings in Switzerland Bulleid started to search small quantities of flint. for similar settlements within the moors around Glastonbury. Culminating after four years of 5.3.8 With the Neolithic and early Bronze Age came more searching in the discovery of the Glastonbury Lake substantive and enduring structures. Standing stones, Village near Godney excavated between 1893 and long barrows and the Priddy Circles, remain across 1907 [5.8]. the Mendip plateau. Most being Scheduled Ancient Monuments. While this landscape has changed 5.3.11 The discovery of a number of other trackways around dramatically in the intervening eras there are features the area led to an active project to focus on the which sit on the highest and or more-wild sections archaeological interest of the moors. In 1970 a piece of the ridge which retain an evocative character for of ash plank ‘clearly split from a larger tree’ sent to these monuments. The sense of a special setting or John Coles at Cambridge heralded the discovery the distant views available from these features is an of the Sweet Track (after the finder of the plank aspect that lends added significance to these historic Raymond Sweet). This feature was later referred assets in the landscape. to as the ‘oldest road in the world’. The discovery and investigation of the trackway is set out in the 5.3.9 The Somerset Levels (or more specifically the peat Sweet Track to Glastonbury [5.8] and is in itself a moors) are another landscape in which the earliest captivating story. This and other Neolithic finds reveal human traces are found often within an evocative how the wild landscape of the levels may have been

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occupied during periods of fluctuating sea and flood noted the mineral deposits of the Mendips were levels. An interesting observation is made that the being exploited well before their arrival. Indeed they ways in which people lived within the moors may were interested in the British Isles because of the not have changed much over the 1,000 years after known mineral resources. The Roman settlement the occupation of the Lake Villages at Glastonbury at Charterhouse was built on earlier mining activity. (Godney) and Meare; ‘it seems, however, that the The visible legacy of the early lead mining activity is wetland environment exerted a stronger influence the pock marked remains of shallow workings known than any cultural change, however drastic the latter, locally as ‘Gruffy Ground’. The connection between and neither the Roman Conquest nor the Invasions the lead extraction and the Roman interest in the of the Dark Ages are reflected in the peat’ [Sweet hot springs of Bath is demonstrated by one of the Track to Glastonbury - page 20]. two Roman roads that strike out across the plateau. Again the Roman Roads extend the visible historic 5.3.12 Elsewhere, the later prehistoric or Late Bronze Age interest across the Landscape well beyond the AONB. saw the start of larger scale human influence on the landscapes, with forest clearance and early 5.3.15 With the decline of the Roman Empire (around 410 subsistence farming. The introduction of metal - 436 AD) Britain slipped back into more uncertain working represents a whole new technology; which times. With the invasions of the Saxons, Vikings and may in turn have led to economic and social Danes, some of the Iron Age Forts were reoccupied change. As a sign of uncertain times the creation in the 5th Century and the period gave rise to the of defensive hill forts provide a tangible connection legends and stories of Kings Arthur and Alfred. to this upheaval. Glastonbury has captured the title of most recognised setting for the Arthurian legends; with the Vale of 5.3.13 The pattern of Iron Age Scheduled Ancient Monuments Avalon (parts of Cornwall attempt similar claims). extends out from a concentration within the AONB and Levels areas. Within the AONB the wide rolling 5.3.16 One hillfort site where the setting has changed is upland of the plateau provides only a modest number Roddenbury Hill on the far eastern edge of the district. of defensive high points. Outside the AONB a What may have once been an open hill top is now great many hilltops across the MDC district include contained within the forest surrounding the Longleat Iron Age fortifications. Most of these are located in Estate close to East Woodlands. While the existing open settings that allow good appreciation of the woodlands are a product of much more recent natural defences, the construction efforts and the planting and management the location lies within likely harsh conditions faced by those who had to what is thought to have been a tract of wild land rely their protection. that separated the ancient kingdoms of Wessex and Dumnonia [5.9/3.2]. The wild landscape may have 5.3.14 The development of some of these forts will have been an area of dense woodlands set down in the coincided with the overlap between Iron Age Britain heavy clay vales below the higher hills of Cranborne and the arrival of the Roman Empire. The Romans Chase. The district boundary along this edge is one were active in the Mendip lead mining, but it is of the most extensive areas of modern forest within

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the MDC area, extending from East Woodland to Witham Friary. The location of the nearby Alfred’s Tower reflects the story of the King gathering troops on the edge of this wilderness before crossing to defeat the Danes at Edington in Wiltshire (the tower being a much later folly).

5.3.17 The area later became Selwood Forest, one of the many Royal Hunting Forests established by the Normans; in this context the term forest does not specifically denote a wooded landscape but was often related more to areas of ’waste’ or heath’ as land that was not in active agricultural cultivation. The Royal Forest may have included a very extensive swathe of land from Chippenham in Wiltshire down into South Somerset [5.10].

5.3.18 The Mendip hills were also included in the extent of Royal ownership across the south and south west regions. The hills were used as hunting grounds by the Anglo Saxon Kings including Edgar, son of Alfred the Great. The introduction of Forest Law protected the Kings deer and other wild animals with harsh penalties for transgressions. The extent of the Mendip Forest is not precisely known but work suggests it may well have encompassed most of the entire Mendip Hills (at least after the coronation of Henry II in 1155) area stretching from Axbridge and Cheddar as far as Frome [5.7]. The Royal ownership was later linked to the growth in ecclesiastical interest and ownership of the land as over time areas were transferred from King to the church.

5.3.19 The legends of Glastonbury also include the arrival of Joseph of Arimathea, marked in the town with the presence of the Glastonbury Thorn (Crataegus monogyna ‘Biflora’ as suggested by the name a variety that can flower twice a year at Easter and Christmas). The Abbey at Glastonbury may have Selwood Oaks and plaque at East Woodlands

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been founded on earlier construction including possible Roman stonework. The earliest known church on the site dates from around AD 720 relating to the Anglo-Saxon King Ina [5.11]. As explained in the English Heritage Listing Entry for the Abbey ‘Monasteries were inextricably woven into medieval society not only as centres of worship, learning and charity, but also because of the vast landholdings of some orders, as centres of immense wealth and political influence’. ‘By the time of the Domesday Book of 1086, Glastonbury Abbey was the wealthiest monastic house recorded in the land’.

5.3.20 The extensive ownership and wealth would have had a profound impact on the landscape through extensive Credit : © Julian Hight www.britainsancientforest.co.uk land management. Within the hills sheep grazing and forestry were controlled along with mining. The Abbots of Glastonbury also managed the levels to the west of the Abbey and determined that the Meare Pool (a vast lake up until the mid 1700’s) [5.8] be drained to provide more land for grazing.

SELWOOD FOREST 5.3.21 The Bishops of Bath and Wells were also involved in the wider landscape; under a licence from the Blank Map Source : Equestenebrarum - CC BY 3.0 King in 1234 the Bishop was allowed to use timber from the woods at Cheddar to use as fuel to smelt ore from a mine he had been permitted to open within the Royal Forest [5.7]. The holdings of the Bishop of Bath and Wells are noted as having been ‘extensive particularly on the southern escarpment’ [5.7]. Closer to home the Bishops Palace in Wells started as a deer park, with the enclosure consented by King John in 1207 [5.11].

5.3.22 Within the Mendip district the growth of the two main monastic communities within close proximity with the Abbots of Glastonbury and the Bishops of

Wells Cathedral Parkland at Wells

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Bath and Wells may have created some rivalry. By The district contains only two standing castles at way of example during the C13 when ‘piqued by Farleigh Hungerford and in the middle of the village the Bishop, the Abbot ordered a massive scale peat of Nunney. Farleigh changed hands with the Royalists cutting operation from the moors south of Meare, forces taking the site in 1643 for it to be retaken by and there was removed ‘ all the peat of that great the Parliamentarians in 1645. [5.14] Nunney did moor so that for 10 years or more, every hearth in not escape so lightly and was damaged by being Glastonbury was plentifully supplied’ [5.8]. besieged in 1645. [5.15]

5.3.23 It is noted there are relatively few manorial centres 5.3.26 Following the upheavals of the Civil War the more on the upland areas of the Mendip Hills and the settled period after witnessed probably the most villages reflect the absence of the manor house or significant landscape change through the enclosure larger estate complexes. Not only were the areas of the agricultural landscapes for more productive controlled from the centres of Wells and Glastonbury farming. The creation of extensive rectilinear hedged

but the harsher conditions and harder farming of fields in the C17 and C18 extended across much of Farleigh Hungerford Castle the hilltops would have presumably been seen as the Mendip district. The levels and moors were not less attractive settings for the homes of the larger hedged in the same way but more extensive and landowner. efficient drainage systems again would have been seen as a transformation of the landscape. 5.3.24 The extent of these land holdings is also illustrated in the history of the three parishes of Mells, Nunney 5.3.27 The growth in private land ownership and wealth and Leigh on Mendip located in east Mendip; appears to have had the greatest impact on gifted to Glastonbury Abbey in 681 by the Bishop the eastern portion of the MDC area with the of Winchester [5.12]. Following the dissolution in the 1530’s the three parishes of the Mells Estate were sold off to the Horner Family. The parks and large houses of Mells Manor and Mells Park were established by the family initially around a deer park enclosed between 1604 and 1642. The Manor House is noted as having included a former monastic garden [5.13].

5.3.25 The English Civil War (1642 - 1651) passed through the district with more skirmishes than major battles; such as took place at Chewton Mendip and Norton St Phillip. There are no registered historic battlefields within the MDC area. A larger engagement of the two sides took place at Marshalls Elm near Street.

Nunney Castle Nunney Castle

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concentration of the larger parks, pleasure grounds and gardens around Mells and towards Frome.

5.3.28 Like the estates at Mells several of the parkland estates were fashioned from earlier holdings. Ston Easton Park belonged to the Augustinian priory of Bruton; at the Reformation the land was acquired by the Prior’s tenant John Hippisley [5.15]. The land at Babbington House was originally forfeit to the Crown in 1593 and then developed in the 1700’s. In 1750 Mrs Elizabeth Long had the medieval parish church rebuilt and the original with its adjoining village cleared away to create the extensive new parkland.

5.3.29 The nearby Ammerdown house was built later (1788) in a parkland that ‘swept up to the walls of the house’ [5.17]. Orchardleigh again based on a medieval deer park is noted as the largest area of Registered Parkland within the MDC area at 325 ha. One other extensive historic parkland is at Marston Bigot; the imposing mansion sits within an open parkland setting of 222 ha (now a Grade II Registered landscape). While protected area is extensive, this is only a very small portion of the overall estate identified in 1905 as being comprised of some 3600 acres (c 1460 ha) [5.18]

5.3.30 In total some 1,100 ha of historic landscapes are located within the district area.

5.3.31 As time went by these estates were altered and improved by successive generations with input from notable landscape designers. Mells Manor and Ammerdown House which benefited from the input of Edward Lutyens are noted as Grade I and Grade II* respectively. [5.17]

5.3.32 One of the smallest listed garden areas The Chantry illustrates the changing interest in creating more Marston Bigot

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intimate grounds and gardens to be enjoyed as Registered Parks and Gardens pleasure grounds. This 12 ha site is laid out in the Total area = 1,153 ha * *unannotated patches included picturesque style with grottoes and an early C19 villa. This site also provides the link between land owners and the early industrial era through James Fussell the iron-master or tool edge manufacturer with extensive workings at Mells.

5.3.33 As set out within the district wide geological description 3 section (section 5.1) the northern side of the Mendips 4 merge with the North Somerset Coal Fields. The 5 occurrence of coal and iron deposits fuelled the 7 growth in industrial activity on that side of the Mendip ridge closest to the markets of Bristol and Bath and the strategic canal and rail routes to London. The 6 area also offered these resources in close proximity 1 to the rivers well suited to water powered mills. The 2 Fussells Iron Workings in the Mells / Great Elm Valley 8 illustrate the connections between landscape and industry. The site abandoned after bankruptcy in 1890’s [5.19] now remains as an impressive and atmospheric ruin designated as a Special Landscape Feature and SAM.

5.3.34 With the proximity of the mining activity the landscape was also exploited for timber with saw mills at Leigh upon Mendip and larger forestry products suppliers at Charlton. The Charlton saw mills were a major supplier of timber to the mines around Radstock using some timber felled within the Orchardleigh estate. [5.12]

5.3.35 The Mendip area contains various reminders of of both WW1 and WW11. With the terrible toll on towns 1 Milton Lodge and The Combe 5 Babington House and villages across Britain there are war memorials 2 Bishops Palace, Wells 6 Mells Park in virtually every settlement. Many of these are listed and form a normal part of the village street scenes. 3 Ston Easton Park 7 Orchardleigh At the village of Butleigh (LCA E5) the memorial 4 Ammerdown House 8 Marston House is unusually located just outside of the village at a

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small cross roads. In this position the memorial has a poignant setting looking out over a panoramic view across the moors towards the Pennard Ridge and Mendip Hills beyond.

5.3.36 At points across the district minor defensive structures remain from WWII. In fact these comprise a continuous line of such features that formed the GHQ Line. This followed the landscape to provide an anti-tank defences line from the Bristol Channel at Burnham on Sea to Maidstone in Kent [5.20].

5.3.37 It contained a defence works with pillboxes for rifle, machine gun, and anti-tank fire. The line was divided into a number of sections and that protecting the Bristol area was the GHQ stop-line ‘Green’ which was 91 miles in length, with 319 pillboxes and 21 miles of anti-tank ditches. This was also known as the Bristol Outer Defence Line and was later manned almost exclusively by units from the Home Guard.

5.3.38 The ‘Green’ line began at the mouth of the River Brue near Highbridge, followed the river to its junction with the Division Rhyne near Meare and continued along the rhyne to Upper Godney where it turned north and east to Coxley. Skirting Wells it continued through wooded country eastward to the Somerset and Dorset railway around Radstock, then following Wellow Brook to the Wiltshire border at Freshford. Work on the ‘Green’ line, did not proceed as rapidly as might have been hoped and when, on June 17th 1941, it was announced that no additional work on pillboxes was contemplated, it was still incomplete.

5.3.39 Other water mills on the River Frome powered some of the industry in the town initially as part of the cloth making mills and later as part of the industrial activity. On the southern side of the district the resurgence at

Wookey Hole provided a supply of both clean water WW11 Features

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Another element of the WWII defences remain as the Beacon Batch Decoy installation.

Beacon Batch

WORDS ON PLAQUE During the Second World War there were Italian prisoners of war in camp close to this site. Towards the end of the war many of these men were allowed to work on local farms. Some were selected to live in at the farms and many became part of the family.

One of the prisoners, an artist named Gaetano Celestra with the help of his colleagues designed and sculpted this statue of Romulus, Remus and the Wolf in appreciation of the kindness shown to them during their forced stay in this country.

According to legend Romulus and Remus were the twin sons of Mars, the god of War, and vestal virgin Rhea Silvia. Amulius, the king, had the babes placed in a trough and cast into the River Tiber. They drifted ashore and were rescued by a female wolf who suckled, fed and protected them until Faustulus, a shepherd, and his wife found them and raised them into adulthood. Romulus and Remus both had plans to build a city but had such a violent disagreement about who should be king that Romulus killed Remus. Romulus built the city which he ruled as king for forty years.

Tank traps and pill boxes at Dulcote Romulus and Remus alongside the Bristol Road at Pen Hill. That city is Rome – founded in 753 BC.

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and power for the paper making industry. Within the moors the limited level differences on the rivers limited the potential for water power; attempts to harness the River Tone by the Bishop of Wells severely impacted on navigation and fishing [5.8].

5.3.40 The extraction of lead from the Mendips also switched from the early methods of mining the element as a natural ore to reprocessing the spoil heaps left by previous generations of miners. Victorian industrial sites Priddy and East Harptree provide further examples of the industrial heritage of the district.

5.3.41 The extent of heavy industry within the district greatly diminished with the closure of the coal mines in the 1950’s and 60’s. Many of the later disused coal mine sites are now occupied by small engineering or concrete batching works. The earlier traces of coal mining such as the medieval mines within the Nettlebridge Valley have naturalised and now form important nature conservation sites.

Restored Smitham Chimney on the site of the former lead-smelting works - listed 5.3.42 With the substantial growth in the coal industry the canal building and railways era closely followed. A canal link into the district to the mining areas around Holcombe and Coleford was attempted. Although much of the route was dug and aquaducts built in the village at Coleford and Hapsford, the enterprise was never completed.

5.3.43 Railway links were more successful and extensive with all the main towns linked by routes that crossed the Mendips between Radstock and Shepton and the Somerset and Dorset Line linking Frome, Shepton and Glastonbury. The Strawberry Line linked Wells to Bristol via the western end of the Mendips. These routes included stops at many of the smaller villages and included links to the mines at Mells and Coleford. Murtry Aquaduct Built for the Somerset - Dorset Coal Canal

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Many of these lines were closed under the 1960’s Beeching review. Most remain visible in the landscape as disused lines with some railway bridges and station buildings marking the routes and with some sections open as cycleway footpath routes (see section 5.6).

5.3.44 As part of the early industrial exploitation of the landscape the district contains many local quarries. Many started simply to supply local building stone. The industry has grown with some expanding into major quarries (discussed further in section 5.6 below). The smaller abandoned sites also fit within the collection of naturalised post-industrial landscapes as a further aspect of the industrial heritage of the district.

Active Railway Lines

Disused Railway Lines

Former Railway Stations & Halts

Significant Bridges

Viaducts

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5.4 VEGETATION PATTERNS & AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTION Historic Landscape Mapping

5.4.1 Aligned to the distinctive and diverse geological/ topographic composition of the district there is an interesting pattern of vegetation and habitats across the MDC area. The pattern is essentially a product of direct human influence over the many eras described in section 5.2. Today very few areas within the district are not under some form of active management; clearly most is in agricultural production, but some 900 ha (1.2% of the MDC area) is managed primarily for Nature / Conservation purposes. Approximately 9% of the district area is woodland and some 60 - 65% of the district is managed farmland.

5.4.2 The distribution of woodlands across the MDC area is illustrated. In total the district includes some 24 sq km of ancient woodland and around 57 sq km of woodland overall (3.3% and 8.8% respectively). The woodland cover includes a diverse mix of large woodland blocks, plantations and small copses or farm woodlands.

5.4.3 The Mendip plateau is generally a quite open landscape but includes some substantial areas of plantation planted over former gruffy ground (mining Industry Enclosed Agriculture landscape). On the south facing scarp slope are the more natural ancient woodlands of Ebbor Gorge and Military Typically Ancient Form Stoke Woods (above Rodney Stoke). Orchards Horticulture & Aquaculture Typically Pre Modern Form

5.4.4 A common characteristic of the East Mendip valleys Recreation Typically Modern Form is the thread of ancient woodlands that occupy much Settlement of the steeper valley sides. Despite some parts of Asham Wood having been lost to quarrying in the Unimproved Land past, a substantial area of the woodland remains Water Supply And Flood Defence as one of largest single ancient woodland areas in the district. Areas of woodland around the historic Woodland And Forestry

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Stockhill Plantation over Gruffy Ground

Asham Woods - Ancient Woodland

Blackers Hill, Gurney Slade - Ancient Woodland Beacon Wood

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parklands of Mells, Ammerdown and Orchardleigh reflect the earlier deer park enclosures and the desire by former landowners to create large scale structured often private landscapes. Between Frome and the district boundary to the south the woodlands on the rising ground of the Frome Valley form a distinctive backdrop to many views; parts of this landscape fall within the area that was once the Selwood Royal Hunting Forest. As with other areas of the Norman Royal Forests the term forest did not originally mean an area was necessarily woodland; but over time these areas have become or retained a greater proportion of ancient woodland cover

5.4.5 Within the Selwood Forest area there are occasional individual and groups of veteran trees; mainly Oak that stand out as significant landscape and biodiversity features. One such group in the Hamlet of East Woodlands has a plaque highlighting the Royal Forest history (while the individual trees are not that ancient they are likely descendants of the local stock).

5.4.6 As noted above some areas of woodland were either Ancient Woodland absorbed or created as part of the local estates and Other Woodlands parkland settings to significant houses. Alongside the woodlands these areas also included individual trees of woodland also influences the intrinsic character 5.4.8 The majority of the open countryside is under dairy planted in open parkland. Where these remain, they of the woodlands themselves. The areas of ancient and livestock grazing with grasslands equating to again include important veteran trees and a distinct woodland generally provide a stronger sense of a around 80% of the MDC farmed landscape (or type of landscape (as discussed in section 5.3 the semi natural setting with rich ground flora and often around 50% of the total MDC area). The remaining extent of historic parkland is concentrated more in a good selection of ancient or veteran trees. The balance is in arable production with approximately the Eastern part of the Mendip district). plantation woodlands provide a different experience; 10% as wheat / barley type crops and 10% as maize. some of these are Forestry Commission forests with The wheat and barley production is concentrated in 5.4.7 The distribution of woodlands is a key aspect of clear welcoming visitor parking and trails which the areas of lighter more easily managed soils, while the landscape character as part of the essential may offer a more obvious visitor destination and a maize is grown across most of the different soils in framework of the landscape. Occasionally the sheltered place to explore on a wet winters day. (The the district. Maize is generally produced as a fodder wooded areas form the boundary between distinct extent and nature of public access to woodland is crop for livestock although it can be used as an energy areas, in other areas they create a more intimate or set out in greater detail in section 5.6). crop for use in anaerobic digestion plants. It is also varied condition. The nature of the different types

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sometimes planted or left standing in small blocks as game cover. As a very tall plant it is sometimes quite dominant in the landscape (from footpaths etc), it is also often the last to be harvested in the autumn. A small selection of other crops are planted in the district such as oil seed rape for vegetable oil and bio-energy and the very tall grass miscanthus currently also grown as an energy crop.

5.4.9 Most of the farming landscape seen today is the result of the movement to enclose the landscape to improve agricultural efficiency. As with many other areas across England the greater proportion of this was done in the 18th and 19th centuries often under formal Parliamentary Enclosure Acts. The process dramatically changed what had been open areas of common, heathlands or ‘waste’ often, grazed communally, into defined fields. The early phases of this, dating from the late mediaeval, are seen as small scale and irregular shaped patterns. Within the MDC area a good proportion of this landscape remains. The later periods of enclosure (Georgian to Modern Era) are larger and more regular/rectilinear patterns. With the predominance of dairy farming the

Grassland Maize Barley

Maize

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Drystone wall field boundaries on the Central Mendip Plateau Field pattern over rolling topography - Vallis Vale Fly Tipping

patterns of modest sized fields that resulted from the and rich landscape experience. Sometimes the are also regularly re-sown and rolled from time to enclosures (both eras), has largely remained intact very regular dominant pattern of the more formal time as short term ‘lays’. The general appearance within the district. Georgian planned fields can create a well-ordered of many such fields within the agricultural landscape mosaic which may be viewed as aesthetically pleasing is a more uniformly even ground profile and grass 5.4.10 Up on top of the Mendip plateau the field boundaries where geometric patterns follow or contrast with height and often monotone deep green. In many are characteristically formed as dry stone walls. the natural topography. Part of such aesthetic may areas the agricultural operations also extend up Elsewhere the fields are hedged with mainly appeal to some by reflecting the sense of nature close to the field boundaries and few field corners Hawthorn, Blackthorn and Hazel and other native having been tamed. In areas of the high Mendip or headlands remain unmanaged. As such the shrubs with hedgerow trees Oaks and Ash. In many plateau there is often a strong contrast between landscape can appear unnaturally manicured or areas the hedges also include regenerating Elm; the wild upland character and this more managed intensively managed. As discussed below this degree which generally grows up to form thickets of young farm-scape. of management also mirrors a decline in biodiversity trees which then succumb to Dutch Elm disease and interest. die back. 5.4.13 The areas that escaped the Georgian era of enclosure often relate to those areas of steeper topography or 5.4.15 The pressures on the farming sector may well drive 5.4.11 On the levels and moors the enclosures were where the main focus was on other activities such the need to achieve good yields from all forms of accompanied with a push for more efficient land as quarrying or mining. These in turn are also often production. While this creates a heavily managed drainage in the 1700 - 1800’s. This has again found to sit alongside the other major element of character to many fields there are also aspects where created an intense pattern of ditches and drainage older landscape within the district in the pattern of care to maintain the landscape is still very evident. channels which overlay a much more ancient ancient woodland. In most areas with hedged fields the hedge lines landscape. appear neatly trimmed; which is a time-consuming 5.4.14 While the pattern of field boundaries has for the operation especially where the boundaries are not 5.4.12 The variations in field pattern has clear influence on most part endured, the need for high grass yields always needed to be stock proof (often areas are landscape character. The generally older, irregular for grazing and silage has required the extensive also fenced). Trimming hedges is undertaken simply small-scale pattern can provide a quite intimate use of fertilizers and herbicides; some pasture areas

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to keep them under control and possibly to limit 5.4.17 The extent of equestrian grazing across the district 5.4.18 The various extraction industries within the Mendips hedgerow trees (which can shade grass and crop appears very limited; in most instances where this have also had an influence on the Mendip flora and growth). Despite this in many areas there is a good was noted it was limited to one or two paddocks in biodiversity interest. While some areas of habitat coverage of hedgerow trees and even parkland / any one place. Equestrian grazing on its own can have in the past been lost to quarrying some areas free standing trees dotted across both grassland encourage the growth of docks and thistle species and of former minerals sites have become re-established and arable field areas. As set out below there is may be associated with more marginal land use on as distinct new habitat due to the very presence and some financial support available for managing farm the edge of urban areas. Over grazing of animals subsequent abandonment of the various mineral hedgerows through the Countryside Stewardship on small paddocks can cause poaching of thin or workings within the district. The interest of some scheme. wet soils. In a very small number of locations within habitats/plant communities is directly related to the MDC larger groups of grazing paddocks with extra particular substrates left after the minerals operations. 5.4.16 Across the district almost all the farmland seen was fencing and stable buildings were seen. These can Several of these sites are formally designated for in some form of active production. A very few small appear to contrast with the surrounding characteristic their unique nature conservation interest and are fields were noted on the edge of the built up areas land management and thereby be at odds with the identified as public nature reserves. where active management appeared to have been general landscape character. abandoned. In some of the areas close to towns, in particular around parts of Frome significant issues of fly tipping in farm gateways and laybys were encountered.

Blackmoor at Charterhouse Lead Works

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5.5 BIODIVERSITY & WILDLIFE INTEREST MDC PRIORITY HABITS HABITS OF PRINCIPAL IMPORTANCE FOR BIODIVERSITY UNDER S.41 OF THE NERC ACT 2006 5.5.1 Linked with the patterns of land use and vegetation types the range of biodiversity interest across the • Ancient and/or species-rich hedgerows district provides indicators for landscape character, • Coastal saltmarsh, sand dunes, vegetated shingle and inshore sands, muds and gravels, saline lagoons condition and value. In line with the national framework of planning policy and legislative • Floodplain grazing marsh protection various areas are designated and • Fen, marsh, swamp and reedbeds protected. While agricultural management across • Purple moor grass and rush pastures many areas is noted as relatively intense, there is • Lowland beech and yew woodland a framework of support for more environmentally

sensitive practice. Alongside this there is a significant • Lowland calcareous grassland (e.g. species-rich chalk and limestone grasslands) extent of land leased or owned and managed by • Lowland heathland and/or dry acid grassland the conservation trusts and managed for nature • Lowland meadows (e.g. species-rich flower meadows) conservation and public access. The district contains • Lowland mixed deciduous woodland (ancient woodland) landscapes of significant value for nature conservation • Lowland raised bog or Upland blanket bog and a good range of opportunities for the public to engage with this interest. At the same time there • Lowland wood-pasture and parkland are substantial areas where the national decline • Maritime cliffs and slopes and littoral and sub-littoral rock outcrops in biodiversity interest is markedly reflected in the • Native pine woodlands or Upland woodlands (e.g. mixed ashwoods, oakwoods, and birchwoods) character of the heavily managed farmland. • Rivers and streams (e.g. chalk streams) 5.5.2 Under the National Planning Policy guidance [NPPF • Standing open water and canals (e.g. lakes, reservoirs, ponds, aquifer fed fluctuating water bodies) – para 174] within the objective to protect and • Upland calcareous grassland and upland hay meadows enhance biodiversity, the emphasis is placed on the • Upland heathland need to identify and map the components of local wildlife rich habitats and wider ecological networks. • Wet woodland The guidance also requires authorities to promote • Traditional orchards the conservation, restoration and enhancement of priority habitats, networks and priority species. Within Somerset the ecological network has been mapped by the Somerset Wildlife Trust and County Council. Highlighted in pink text: Habitat types listed within the national landscape character area profiles that cover the From the list of the priority habitats found county MDC district. wide those found within the MDC area include the following;-

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5.5.3 The MDC area includes a wide range of important International Designations • Special Protection Areas (SPA) species, habitat types and designated areas. These • Special Area of Conservation (SAC) are directly related to the Krast geomorphology, historical pattern of woodland and agricultural activity • Ramsar Site and the exploitation of mineral resources across the Nationally Designated Sites • Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) * district. • National Nature Reserve (NNR) **

5.5.4 It is noted that several of these designations Regionally and Locally Designated Sites • Sites of Nature Conservation Importance (SNCI) overlap within the MDC area. The extent of all • Local Nature Reserve the designations with the higher level international designations is illustrated overlaid on the more local Note : designations. The respective individual areas and * SSSI may generally equate to a sample of local status sites cumulative totals of these are provided alongside the ** NNR denotes an SSSI with public areas mapped areas. From this in total some 7,400 ha or 7.4 sq km (1%) of the district is covered by some guidance on AW [5.21] confirms the status of ancient However, consideration should be given to wood form of ecological designation. woodland, to qualify an area has been wooded pasture identified as ancient in planning decisions

5.5.5 The majority of these designations are site specific and continuously since at least 1600 AD. This can be in the same way as other ancient woodland (historic provide protection through the clear identification of either;- parkland has similar protection under the NPPF). a particular area as important for specific species or ‘Wooded continuously’ does not mean there’s been • semi-natural woodlands mainly made up of trees habitat value. However, the SAC designation relating a continuous tree cover across the whole site. Not all and shrubs native to the site, usually arising from to the North Somerset and Mendip Bat population has trees in the woodland have to be old. Open space, natural regeneration, or wider area implications as the protection of important both temporary and permanent, is an important component of ancient woodlands. colonies requires consideration of wider changes in • Plantations on ancient woodland sites which may the landscape used for foraging. In addition to this include replanting with conifer or broadleaved 5.5.8 The Mendip Woodlands SAC designation extends to populations of bats protected by similar designations trees, this assumes ancient woodland features some 253 ha (most of which is within the MDC area). within Wiltshire extend into the north eastern corner such as undisturbed soil, ground flora and fungi The Natural England Citation explains the interest of the MDC area. Developments that change the would be present within these areas. It is noted that a key component layout of important navigational aids for foraging of these areas is Ash woodland which presents a bats or the light levels within the sensitive areas could 5.5.7 Both have equal protection within the National significant issue in relation to the growing incidence impact on the protected species. Planning Policy Framework [NPPF Para 175 & Annex 2 of Ash die back (chalara) [Refer to Section 8]. Glossary]. Other types of ancient woodland are noted 5.5.6 The majority of the Ancient Woodland areas are not with the guidance as; wood pastures identified as 5.5.9 The various designations described above generally protected by formal designation (although as noted ancient and historic parkland, which is protected as a work through restrictions on development or below a proportion is covered by a SAC designation). heritage asset in the NPPF. It is noted in the guidance management changes (some scope exists for positive The areas are listed on the national Ancient Woodland that many of these do not appear on the Ancient management agreements within SSSI and NNR sites). Inventory and as such are recognised in the planning Woodland Inventory because their low tree density In addition, the Higher Tier Countryside Stewardship system as being of great importance. The government would not register as woodland on historic maps. incentives are available for land with the highest

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NATURE CONSERVATION - ALL AREAS

Individual Designation Areas Designations Individual Areas Cumulative Areas Ramsar 510 ha 510 ha SAC 350 ha 860 ha SPA 510 ha 860 ha SSSI 1,891 ha 1,891 ha NNR 400 ha 2,076 ha LNR 8 ha 2,076 ha Other NR managed by trusts 647ha 2,363 ha Local Wildlife Sites 5,976 ha 7,180 ha TOTAL 7,180 ha

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MENDIP WOODLANDS SAC CITATION priority habitat or designations. The extent of Higher and pollinators. These are set out as four separate AREA 253.86HA Tier management within the district is in the order offers depending on the type of farming as either of 76 sq Km (note: this figure similar to the extent of arable, lowland grazing, mixed or upland. ecological designations; while the areas are closely COMPONENT SSSI: aligned they do not match directly, many of the 5.5.14 The Hedgerows and Boundaries Capital Grant has 12 Asham Wood SSSI, Cheddar Wood SSSI, Ebbor designated areas are nature reserves rather than different categories for assisting with the capital cost Gorge SSSI, Rodney Stoke SSSI farmland with land close by under HT Stewardship. of restoring existing farm boundaries. The benefits of the scheme are noted as ‘restoring hedgerows 5.5.10 At a wider level incentive support for other forms of and boundaries not only protects livestock and crops SITE DESCRIPTION: sensitive management are provided by further levels from the elements, it also supports a variety of wildlife Mendip Woodlands contains extensive examples of Countryside Stewardships. Namely; and helps to reduce pollution and flooding’. Within of mixed woodlands on limestone. They have the list of actions supported are the restoration of developed on dolomitic conglomerate, lower 5.5.11 Mid Tier which incorporates a wide range of stone walls, gapping up hedge lines and planting limestone shales and Carboniferous limestone environmental management options and capital hedgerow trees strata on the southern escarpment of the Mendip items. Which include support for wildlife by such Hills. Although they are dominated by ash measures as providing sources of nectar and pollen Fraxinus excelsior a, rich variety of other trees for insect pollinators or provide winter food and and shrubs are present, including elm Ulmus nesting habitats for farmland birds or by support for spp., small-leaved lime Tilia cordata field maple local priority habitats such as: species-rich grasslands, Acer campestre and whitebeam Sorbus aria. wetlands, and water courses, hedges, orchards, wood At Ebbor Gorge elm rather than lime is mixed pastures and parklands. with ash in a steep-sided gorge; at both Rodney 5.5.12 In addition to the above biodiversity benefits there Stoke and Cheddar Wood lime and ash are found are Mid Tier options to promote management on rocky slopes with patches of deeper soil measures that help manage flood-risk, reduce soil between the outcrops. Ferns characteristic of this erosion and improve water quality or convert and woodland type, such as hart’s-tongue Phyllitis manage land under an organic certification standard. scolopendrium and shield-ferns Polystichum spp., Measures aimed at specific landscape features include are common. The site is in the centre of the range support for maintaining traditional farm buildings of common dormouse Muscardinus avellanarius and management of scheduled ancient monuments and Cheddar Wood holds a large population of and other features of archaeological interest. this species.

5.5.13 Wildlife Offers have similar objectives but a simplified http://publications.naturalengland.org.uk/ application process and a limited number of publication/6243663101296640 management options. These include encouraging the provision of sources of nectar and pollen for insect pollinators, winter food for seed-eating birds and improved habitats, especially for farmland birds

Asham Woods

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TRADITIONAL ORCHARDS some 1050 ha of land across the MDC area; a identified. Either way it is the case that there are proportion of this land falls within the designations many opportunities for wildlife interest to enhance 5.5.15 Apple orchards are a common feature through the set out above. In particular the EN National Nature the experience of the Mendip landscape. Mendip District area. The larger areas of these Reserves (NNRs) of Ebbor Gorge, Rodney Stoke are concentrated in the south west corner of the and Shapwick Heath provide a substantial area of 5.5.20 The majority of such experiences would be connected district, but many other individual farm or domestic managed habitats. to the bird life often concentrated within the Levels orchards exist across the whole area. In most and Moors, particularly at West Hay or Shapwick instances the trees are set within grazed paddocks, 5.5.17 The Somerset Wildlife Trust, RSPB and Butterfly Heath; including the large numbers of over-wintering and the grasslands below the trees is less intensely Conservation Trusts all have a primary interest species along with the opportunities to witness starling managed than surrounding areas of livestock or dairy in nature conservation. The National Trust and murmurations or to hear the booming call of Bitterns production. Orchards clearly provide a major boost Woodland Trust have similar conservation objectives, from within the reeds. Occasional sightings of Marsh to food supplied for pollinators, but other forms of but areas may be acquired with public access as Harriers are also possible. Across the whole district wildlife also benefit from the presence and habitat the primary purpose. The National Trust may also buzzards can be regularly spotted either soaring or variety provided by the trees. Where orchards include lease farmland out and thereby have less control perched on fence posts and telegraph poles. The historic varieties of fruit trees, this covers another over conservation management. While the Local population of butterflies on some of the limestone aspect of biodiversity conservation. Plan identifies National and Local Nature Reserves grasslands of the district include some 34 species (NNR’s and LNR’s – in fact only 1 LNR is identified in recorded at Westbury Beacon and the Large Blue 5.5.16 As a more direct means of achieving conservation the Local Plan. This is the SWT Street Heath Nature Butterfly on the National Trust’s Collard Hill. The outcomes the various conservation agencies/ Reserve near Glastonbury) not all the sites identified Somerset bat population is of international importance NGO’s have been working to protect and enhance by the above trusts are designated as formal reserves. for specific species; although most sightings are only biodiversity across the district. Natural England and very fleeting glimpses the experience of watching several trusts and charities now own and or manage 5.5.18 The Forestry Commission have objectives to manage individuals hunting can add to the mystique of a areas of woodland for the benefit of conservation walk at dusk even if the actual type of bat can only these are generally in conjunction with the need to be guessed at. maintain timber production and public access. 5.5.21 As a further dimension to this all the various trust 5.5.19 A full list of the nature reserves identified for this study and charity organisations managing the landscapes are set out in Appendix 2. The majority of the sites within the district offer opportunities and rely on identified are freely accessible to the public either via volunteer labour to support management projects. existing public rights of way or as open access land This involvement provides a recreational and (apart from the private farmland – some of which educational connection with the district biodiversity may still be accessible via the PROW network). As and landscapes. such the extent of landscape across the district that is available for people to directly connect with the 5.5.22 As noted in the introductory section, the biodiversity floristic interest of these sites is significant. Wildlife and landscapes in Somerset are being considered benefiting from the conditions in the reserve areas at a wider ‘landscape’ wide scale with the Avalon may sometimes be more elusive but at the same Marshes and Brue Valley areas in the Levels and time may range beyond the boundaries of the areas Mendip Hills Living Landscapes projects. These

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seek to promote biodiversity enhancement across REWILDING wider areas and connect areas at a more strategic level. Again, these projects include a dimension of 5.5.28 While a few areas of unmanaged land have been local public involvement and the promotion of some noted in the field work exercise no areas of active smaller spaces such as church yards and village rewilding have been identified within the MDC area greens which can not only deliver local habitat but at this time. It is understood there is interest in the directly engage people’s interest and understanding potential for a significant project to deliver some of the landscape and its biodiversity more substantive ecological net gain.

5.5.23 Another aspect of public interest in biodiversity is the regular debate over management of roadside verges. Work done by the conservation charity Plant Life to promote the idea of a subtle change to grassland management to encourage wildflower growth. The Somerset Highways Biodiversity Manual produced in 2015 sets out various measures aimed at promoting more diverse highway verges.

5.5.24 Within the mapping of the County’s ecological networks the connectivity of natural features such as woodlands, hedge lines and watercourses is noted.

5.5.25 Greater emphasis on enhancing the wider picture of biodiversity across the district is expected as a result of the 2019 version of the National Planning Framework (NPPF). In this Local Plan policies and development decisions are increasingly expected to deliver tangible net gain for biodiversity.

5.5.26 Allied with this work is on-going to deliver a strategy for a nature recovery network (based on the County ecological network mapping).

5.5.27 As part of this network, planning the pattern of disused railways that cross the district are noted as an aspect to overlay to consider how these may contribute to the connectivity of habitat.

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5.6 MODERN LAND-SUE AND DEVELOPMENT

5.6.1 As approximately 75% of the district is managed farmland or woodland, the area is essentially a very rural district. The built-up areas of Wells and the four main towns equate to less than 3% of the district area (including the main villages with defined settlement boundaries adds a further 0.5 %). The main settlements are all contained within distinct settings and are separated by strongly rural Frome landscape in between. The degree to which the district

landscape is seen as unspoilt or remote is influenced Wells by the distribution of buildings, infrastructure and the presence (or absence) of other forms of development. Shepton Mallet

5.6.2 The different form and character of the various

settlements across the district relates to their respective Glastonbury historical development. For the larger towns this is often clear within the core areas and less so on the more universal suburban edges (the character Street analysis of the towns is outside of the scope of this assessment).

5.6.3 With the history of mineral extraction and areas of industrial activity the district has over time accommodated and often absorbed some major impacts. The extent to which these are continuing is crucial to appreciating the ability of the area to Main Roads absorb further change. Main Roads Through Built-up Areas

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AGRICULTURAL DEVELOPMENT inside for the wetter colder late autumn winter period. 5.6.9 As set out previously (section 5.2) the spatial Very few larger farm complexes with intensive rearing distribution of settlements across the district is directly 5.6.4 Farm buildings and individual residential properties facilities were noted within the field work for this related to the geology and other aspects of the are amongst the most widespread form of assessment. In some instances, it appears the physical landscape. The relationship of the North development in the countryside. In many locations economic pressures of farming, in particular in the Somerset Coal Field, to transport links and water these often reflect the historic landscape development dairy sector, means a few farm sites are in dilapidated power determined the development pattern of the and are an integral part of the landscape character, condition with empty or degraded buildings. north side of the Mendip area through the Mells and provide interest or focal points. Elements of more Frome River Valleys. modern farm development is often accepted as part 5.6.8 With the relatively small proportion of the district of the agricultural scene. occupied by urban and large village areas the 5.6.10 The location of Frome at the far eastern tip of the settlement pattern is clearly quite dispersed. As Mendip ridge on the confluence of the two rivers 5.6.5 Many farmhouses and occasional associated farm a rural district the presence or prominence of the provided the power for its industrial growth. The buildings are listed or are simply attractive properties local towns has a bearing on the degree to which ridge also provided routes west over high ground to set within the local landscape; as such many are seen the area is perceived as primarily unspoilt rural or Shepton and Wells. The position of the historic town to add interest or enhance the scene. Throughout urbanised. The distribution of the villages and larger within the valley has provided a degree of natural the district the ready supply of various local building hamlets also influences the sense of remoteness and containment to this settlement. As identified within stone is evident in these buildings. tranquillity across the district. the Landscape Character Section (LCA B2) the areas directly influenced by the post war growth of the town 5.6.6 Almost all the main farmsteads include a selection are well contained for a settlement of this size. The of modern style and scale barns and or cattle sheds. While these often have a semi industrial character the need for such buildings is often accepted (including by the planning system) as a basic essential of modern farming. In many instances these large buildings have become part of the agricultural landscape and often not noticed as inherently intrusive. In a few locations the scale or siting of such buildings has an adverse impact on such aspects as the setting of adjacent buildings, views / visual amenity or simply the character of the local landscape. (as with other forms of development any lack of care over siting or minimal effort to landscape or integrate can exacerbate the impact of new buildings).

5.6.7 The vast majority of cattle dairy and livestock production within the area appears to be combination of outdoor grass-based management during the spring and summer months, with the stock moved View of Frome Spring Gardens area from Watcombe Fields

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town is bypassed on the main road route from north to south with smaller side roads providing a link from the A362 to the A361 around the northern side. As set out within LCA B2.4 the bypass is effectively contained by landscape and described as its own character area. With these and other routes available to avoid the town there is little need for travellers to pass through Frome. This means that the presence of the town is not overly obvious as a one of the major settlements of the district. A modern edge of town commercial development located on the east bypass is a single obvious urban development on the otherwise contained urban edge.

5.6.11 Frome is very clearly separated from the other Mendip towns. The nearest being Shepton Mallet, the road between them is continuously set within open rural landscapes apart from a single short section passing View of large scale commercial development fronting Frome Bypass thorough the small village of Doulting. lesser extent the southwest. Both places have a strong many external views. The bulk of the built up area 5.6.12 Shepton is again a settlement well contained by landscape setting and clear separation from each is nestled into the side of the Tor Hill with the lower its position within a valley. Approaching from the other. Traffic on the southside of Wells can bypass Wearyall Hill also providing some containment and Doulting direction some of the larger scale edge the centre but does pass through modern commercial division of the development on the southern side. of town buildings are in view from the main road and residential development areas with a clearly The town is partially bypassed on the route of the providing a hint of the nature of the settlement as a more urban character. Several other main roads A39, the route passing through the areas of modern town. But again, the overall scale of the built up area enter Wells from the north, east and west. These all commercial development on the south western side is not apparent. The more heavily trafficked route pass through close to the centre connecting via an of the town. The A361 takes a more tortuous route of the A37 skirts the town with only a short section inner ring road and again are presented with a more through the edge of the older part of the town and with developed frontage. Where other roads pass obvious townscape from each direction. close to the main high street / centre. through the centre there is little indication or build

up to the approaching urban edge and the nature 5.6.14 Glastonbury and Street are located close to each other 5.6.15 The gap between Glastonbury and Street is very short of the Shepton as a small market town is evident. and while not far apart they are markedly separate although the landscape changes quite dramatically places. The connecting roads from both Shepton when following the main road. The containment of 5.6.13 The main road between Wells and Shepton passes and Wells pass through very distinctive landscapes Wearyall Hill stops and the road runs on a causeway through a winding narrow combe and the village of and there is no inter visibility along the way. The over the River Brue and the flood plain between the Croscombe (in the Sheppey Valley LCA A6). Like iconic Tor above Glastonbury provides the immediate two towns. While the centre of town is bypassed by Shepton, Wells is set down at the base of the Mendip landmark for the town and the hill acts as a screen the A39 the suburban edge is divided by the road. scarp with rising ground to the south east and to a and dominant back drop to the built-up area for Large scale commercial development alongside the

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road again confirms this as a town to passing traffic. A short gap in the development frontage between Street and the adjoining village of Walton provides some sense that these are also two distinct places. The road frontage within Walton has more of a village character, with smaller scale buildings and more older cottage style properties.

5.6.16 The character of the smaller settlements is touched on within respective sections of the individual character area studies in Section 6. The general distribution of the villages and larger hamlets is illustrated. The majority of these are based around the agricultural activity often with either collection of farms, a farmstead or estate providing the main focus for the original development. In some locations other A361 - main road through Pilton Village factors have attracted or shaped the development pattern and remain as clear influence on growth. A few examples of these would be;-

5.6.17 The flood levels within the Levels and Moors where the growth of settlements has been strictly limited by available dry land. As a result villages such as Meare and Westhay and Godney are laid out along the contours.

5.6.18 The spring line to the west of Wells along the base of the Mendip scarp has given rise to the string of small villages along the Strawberry Line between and including Easton and Draycott.

5.6.19 The villages of Pilton, West Pennard, Walton and Coxley are examples of places that have grown up alongside strategic main roads. Possibly at one time benefitting from passing trade, but now suffering the effects of heavy traffic. Each of these includes extensive (sometimes historic) ribbon development along the main roads.

A39 - Main road through Walton

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5.6.20 The mining and quarry villages of Gurney Slade, particularly in the north Mendip area are • Large country houses - as noted within section Stoke St Michael, Holcombe and Coleford clearly located on the former mine workings and 5.3, the district has a modest number of country located right next to the mineral resources they reflect the industrial activity and jobs that estates. The majority of these are located within exploited, generally have tighter grain of development came with the coal and quarrying. Some are the eastern portion of the district. For the most than the more agricultural based settlements. Some concrete batching plants based connected to part these are within private grounds and not of these grew markedly during the 20 century as the the available stone supplies. Others are small openly visible in the landscape. One notable extraction processed were industrialised. Although lorry parks out of which the fleets of quarry exception to this being Marston House viewed becoming larger places they now remain as more lorries operate to serve the local quarries. across the parkland from the nearby lanes. remote communities away from the bigger towns and transport links. • Disused railway buildings and infrastructure reflecting the network of former railway lines. 5.6.21 The interfaces between the built up areas and the These once served not only the main towns but adjoining rural landscapes is considered in the also included small rural stops close to or in the respective landscape character areas in Section 6. villages. In a few places the stations or other The internal character of the towns is beyond the buildings remain elsewhere there are substantial scope of this assessment but further information is bridge structures over or under the lanes. provided in the separate assessments undertaken for the town setting studies [5.22].

5.6.22 Away from the villages there are a few other ‘settlement’ type features that do reoccur in parts of the district. These include;-

• A number of isolated historic churches which Marston House often sit entirely on their own or amongst a collection of other buildings (houses or farmstead) where the church appears to be larger than would be needed for the immediate community. The reasons for such isolation may vary from place to place and maybe to do with having once served a larger medieval village now lost or a wider dispersed congregation. Examples include the churches at Holcombe Wood, Godney, Emborough, Rodden Manor, East Woodlands, Hardington and Hemmington.

• Light industrial sites appearing to sit in odd locations in open countryside. Many of these

East Woodlands Church Emborough Church

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ROADS AND INFRASTRUCTURE

5.6.23 While there are a number of strategic main A roads within the district; across the area as a whole there are very few sections of major modern road. The low-key nature of the majority of the district’s roads is important to the wider perception of the pervasive rural character across the MDC area. The few significant elements include;-

• The Beckington Bypass consisting of a full scale dual carriageway with central reservation the main section between two large roundabouts is around 1 Km long.

• The Frome bypass is a modern roadway (see LCA B2.4) with long relatively straight sections of standard road width (non dual) between illuminated roundabout junctions, with no properties and few field gateways fronting onto the roadway. The route was extensively Frome Bypass landscaped when built in the early 1990’s and is now well contained by topography and bands of semi mature woodland.

• The A371 provides a bypass to the village of Dulcote on the edge of Wells. The road is again a standard carriageway with strategic planting and no field accesses.

• The Glastonbury and Street bypasses are located within more of an obvious suburban setting.

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5.6.24 In a very few other locations modest roundabouts and crawler lanes have been introduced into the original road-scape; while often accepted as well 4 established or essential elements they do read as minor intrusions into the rural landscapes. In a few instances these features provide rare overtaking 1 opportunities encouraging higher traffic speeds for traffic trying to pass convoys or slow moving HGV’s;

increasing speeds directly increases the noise and Frome hostile conditions for non-vehicular road users. Wells Where these sit close to nearby built up areas they 2 3 are more readily perceived as part of the local Shepton settled landscape and as such not overly intrusive; Mallet the presence of signage and lighting columns is 5 often one of the more intrusive elements of modern roadscape at these points (further discussion on the 6 Glastonbury impact of lighting is set out in Section 5). 7 Street

Modern Roads 5. Illuminated Roundabouts Illuminated Roundabouts On outskirts of Shepton Mallet Localised Crawler Lanes 6. Wells / Dulcote Bypass 1. Beckington Bypass Two lane modern standard roundabout enters edge of Wells Trunk Road A30, built-up area Dual (2) Carriageway outside of built-up area 6. Wells / Dulcote Bypass 2. Frome Bypass Two lane modern standard roundabout enters edge of Wells Two Lane Modern Standard Highway with illuminated built-up area roundabout junctions 7. A38 Glastonbury Bypass 3. Nunney Catch to Tor Works Single carriageway illuminated road with roundabout junctions A361 Main Road with localised crawler lanes around on edge of built-up area quarry entrances and modern illuminated roundabouts and 8. Street Dual Carriageway illuminated tee junction at Cranmore 4. Crawler Lane A37 Rush Hill Short section within built-up area View towards Dulcote

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5.6.25 While the majority of the local roads have retained a modest scale and rural character the volume of traffic in many locations is noted as having a significant impact on the quality of the rural landscape. The daily traffic flows are illustrated on the main strategic routes across the district. (The effect of this on the sense of tranquility is set out in Section 5.9).

Average Annual Daily Flows (2018) All Motor Vehicles

1,500 - 2,500

2,501 - 5,000

5,001 - 7,500

7,501 - 10,000

10,001 - 17,500 View of Wells Cathedral on road approach to Wells

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INFRASTRUCTURE local landscape or over mature planting allows views into the unsightly works. The albeit small works at 5.6.26 While there are some elements of modern Nunney has a greater impact than some others, infrastructure within the landscape, overall these due to limited screening to a nearby footpath and are reasonably well dispersed across the MDC area. presence within what would otherwise feel like a very The general impression is that the rural landscape strongly semi-natural area of landscape. is not heavily cluttered with intrusive items. Often large elements can be absorbed simply by the scale or dominant character of the surroundings. In other circumstances it may be the surrounding fencing, safety barriers or signage which intrude more than the main structures. Significant items within the district include:

5.6.27 The Pen Hill Mast (see sections 5.10 and 6.1.10 - 6.1.26)

5.6.28 The pylon / power transmission line extending across the full length of the district from the levels and moors, south of Pilton and up to the county boundary near Frome.

5.6.29 A number of telecom towers located on some of the highest points of the Mendip Ridge, specifically Rains Batch close to Blackdown (SAM – LCA A1), Warren Hill Farm / Frome Road near Maesbury Hill Fort (SAM) and Cranmore Tower (Grade II Listed).

5.6.30 Underground reservoirs also on high ground on the Mendip ridge. As an example of the impact of the ancillary features the poor boundary treatments the reservoir site at Rains Batch shows how the fencing can be more intrusive than the main element of infrastructure.

5.6.31 Most if not all the main villages have local sewage treatment works, by necessity these are often set away from the settlement edge. In places original conifer hedges de-mark the works as not part of the

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RENEWABLE ENERGY DEVELOPMENTS

5.6.32 Mendip has accommodated a range of larger renewable energy projects within the district area. These range in type and size with both large scale solar and wind projects and some small-scale hydroelectric installations. It is important to note there are no notable developments within either of the AONB areas. A full list and mapping of the non- domestic solar farms and turbines consented within the district is provided in Appendix 2.

5.6.33 There are 19 consented solar farms within the district extending to around 230 ha. These have a peak output capacity of around 101 mgw. In many locations the facilities are set into the existing field pattern with tall hedges providing reasonable screening. A number of smaller installations have been set up in close proximity to large farm buildings; these generally sit in amongst the other development with minimal visual impact. None of the sites noted in the fieldwork stage were seen from elevated panoramic views

5.6.34 Some were located very close to public footpaths where the screening was inadequate to prevent the obvious presence of the installations. Many while having good general screening have access gateways with a direct view from a public road directly into the area. In some of the more remote locations the presence of the solar farms does have a direct impact on the sense of the unspoilt condition or sense of tranquillity.

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5.6.35 The wind turbine installations vary in size. The largest within the district at Shooters Bottom, Chewton Mendip, measuring some 100 m from ground level to the highest blade tip; it is understood this installation has a potential peak output of 1,800 kw. A number of smaller turbines generating less than 5 kw are located close to farm buildings or small holdings. The turbines are relatively well spaced out such that there are few close proximity views of more than one from any given point. There are however many long views across the district where several turbines are visible in the view. The total potential peak output within the MDC area currently is estimated as 107 mWp.

5.6.36 There are comparatively far fewer hydroelectric schemes within the district. The identified sites and outputs number some 11 installations with a peak output of 320 mgw. While the potential for landscape and visual impact from these generally ought to be much less than the wind and solar options, the installations can involve some unsightly engineering works that conflict with the general character of the local rivers.

5.6.37 Further consideration of the landscape and visual impact of renewable energy is set out within Appendix 4.

Power Transmission Lines Solar Farm (Commercial) Solar Farm (Domestic) Wind Farm (>5kW) Wind Farm (<=5kW) Hydro Scheme

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ELECTRICITY GENERATION FIGURES : CONVERSION VALUE FOR PEAK OUTPUTS TO AVERAGE ANNUAL OUTPUTS

Area/Number of Sites Conversion MDC Total Peak Estimated Equivalent Rate Output Annual Output Number of % MWh MWh Homes

Solar 232 Ha / 31 No. 10.9% 102.6 97,957 30,334 Wind 30 30% 3.9215 10,649 3,327 Hydro 11 36% 0.320 1,009 315 Total No. of dwellings potentially covered by renewables within district Conversion rate based on Department of Energy and Climate Change data for 2013 – 2017

5.6.38 Based on current typical domestic consumption values 1mwh equates to the demand of around 2,750 homes (assumes 3200 kWhrs/pa). Note efficiency rates are improving but shifts towards more electric vehicles and away from other CO2 energy uses may result in increased dependency on electricity.

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QUARRYING 5.6.42 While the impact of the remaining active quarries 5.6.43 Within the MDC area these sites breakdown as has been focused into a more concentrated but follows: 5.6.39 In the immediate aftermath of WWII the Somerset defined geographic area; there are some sites that quarries were required to provide significant retain historic planning approval for future extraction. 5.6.44 The active sites are generally well contained in the stone supplies to help with the reconstruction and Mining and quarrying are dealt with by the County landscape with the scale of the operations often only subsequent development of southern England. In Council who are responsible for the identification visible from glimpsed views at the quarry entrances the early part of this period some very extensive of strategic reserves and the granting of planning or occasional footpaths on the site perimeters. In planning consents were granted for major quarries. approvals. The extent of consented extraction is most situations the industrial scale crushing plants are By the late 1960’s early 1970’s concern was growing confirmed by the County Mineral and Waste Local located away from public view and the rail facilities about the long term impact on the environment and Plan (Appendix 2).[5.23]. This identifies sites as Active, quite discreetly located. Gurney Slade quarry being scenic quality of the Mendip area. At the same time Inactive or Dormant reflecting the controls provided one of the few remaining locations where the plant blasting and lorry traffic were also an increasing by the 1995 Environment Act. is located immediately adjacent to the public road concern. Following review of the issues the decision frontage provides an illustration of the kind of scale was made to focus the larger scale production outside of operation and impact that was at one time more of the Mendip AONB and into the East Mendip area. obvious across the district. In this area the two main quarries Whatley Quarry and the Tor Quarry Works were able to develop rail heads with connections back to the mainline railways near Frome. Category Definition No. within MDC area Ha within MDC area

5.6.40 After studies to confirm the potential effects on local Active Classed as currently operational 8 672 ha water table conditions both sites were consented for Inactive Worked in the period 22nd February 1982 6 121 ha below water table extraction. Other large quarries and 6th June 1995 and possibly post this were also established with long term reserves in period. Is not currently operational but has the East Mendip area around Gurney Slade, Stoke agreed working conditions and could reopen St Michael, Leigh on Mendip and near Nunney at Holwell. Dormant Where no mineral development has taken 9 250 ha 5.6.41 As part of the long term plan for reducing the place to any substantial extent in, on, or environmental impact at these quarries, extensive under the site at any time in the period areas of mounded perimeter landscape has been 22nd February 1982 and 6th June 1995. A installed along with woodland planting. At Asham dormant site cannot be worked without Woods where consent had been granted for the agreeing modern working conditions with quarries to remove an area of ancient woodland the Minerals Planning Authority designated SSSI, these were stopped leaving a large area of the former quarry as abandoned. Some Refer to Appendix 2 for full list and individual areas other smaller quarry sites at Stoke St Michael, Leigh on Mendip and Vobster also remain as abandoned workings.

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5.6.45 Post extraction the abandoned small historic quarries have become naturalised and interesting features in the landscape. With limited soils woodland and scrub vegetation can take time to become established and areas of grit and exposed cliff faces provide potential habitat for local limestone flora. In a few the exposed geology is of interest in its own right (see section 5.1). A few of the larger disused quarries have been adopted for positive after use; for example, the flooded quarries at Vobster and Waterlip used as diving and underwater testing centres. Several other large either abandoned dormant or inactive sites in the area remain unused. With potential hazards including sizable cliff faces most of these include extensive fencing and significant warning signage, which can also be an intrusive reminder of the industrial presence.

5.6.46 The remaining active sites including very large super quarries at Tor Works and Watley have many years of extraction remaining. Post extraction those sites below the water table will flood and remain with significant cliff edges.

5.6.47 While ultimately a destructive industry and although the extent of the quarries has reduced within the MDC area, quarrying remains as a major source of employment within the district. [5.23] Alongside efforts to reduce the impact of extraction the industry has engaged with the local community and invested in an education and environment programme. This includes the Somerset Earth Science Centre at Moons Active Sites Inactive Sites Dormant Sites Hill Quarry which provides a venue for education, Classed as currently operational Worked in the period 22nd February 1982 Where no mineral development has taken and 6th June 1995 and possibly post this place to any substantial extent in, on, or community and local business set next to a lake period. Is not currently operational but under the site at any time in the period within a former quarry (accessed via the main active has agreed working conditions and could 22nd February 1982 and 6th June 1995. quarry entrance). The centre hosts school and reopen A dormant site cannot be worked without community visits to the nearby quarries and a variety agreeing modern working conditions with the Minerals Planning Authority of programmes linked to the national curriculum. The

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site also hosts many of the activities of the Mendip Rocks festival; during which the nearby quarries are opened up to public visits (see section 5.7).

5.6.48 As a reflection of the significance of the quarrying industry a Community Heritage Project was established with Lottery Heritage Funding to record the history of the limestone quarries within Mendip area. This culminated in the publication of a collection of historic photographs in Quarry Faces the Story of Mendip Stone and an oral history collection .

5.6.49 Further detail on the future reserves and policy is set out within the Country Minerals and Waste Local Gurney Slade Quarry, Stock Hill Plan [5.24]

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5.7 CULTURAL HERITAGE, LITERATURE AND G230 - Cultural Heritage_Sites.jpg ART

5.7.1 From some of the Neolithic and Bronze Age sites across the district it is evident that the Mendip landscape has long drawn people to specific places for more than the basic essentials such as food and shelter. The ritual sites on top of the plateau may have 1 provided the setting for community gatherings where the views across the surrounding lowlands, and the 5 sunrises/sunsets may have provided an extraordinary back drop to the proceedings of the day.

5.7.2 As a comparatively modern event the Priddy Sheep 3 Fair has been a regular occurrence on the hills since 3 1348. The fair is thought to have moved up to the 2 village from Wells to avoid the black death but there 6 are suggestions of some annual gathering at Priddy before that date. The event has been a major date in the farming calendar when stock would be traded, 1 Priddy Green Sheep Fair and the community would come together alongside a 2 Royal Bath & West Showground 3 Frome Cheese Show Romany horse fair. The large village green is taken 4 Midsomer Showground over with numerous stock pens; when not in use the 5 Mells pens are stored in a stack under a thatched roof in 6 Glastonbury Festival the middle of the green. The fair takes place on the Wednesday nearest the 21st of August although in recent years the fair has been cancelled. The village green remains well known as the setting for this traditional event. The Priddy folk festival held annually in July and growing since 1991 enjoys the use of the same iconic village green setting.

Priddy Green - Sheep fair Pens Stacked under Thatched Shelter Priddy Sheep Fair : Credit : Richard Baker, Bakerpictures.com

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5.7.3 The district includes other well-established venues for several other major annual agricultural shows. The largest of these being the Royal Bath and West Show which provides a showcase for all aspects of rural life and enterprise from across the whole of the south west region. The show attracts upwards of 145,000 visitors over several days [5.25]. The show and the show ground were established by the Royal Bath and West of England Society, founded in 1777. It is understood to be the oldest Agricultural Society in the country (it was ‘not the first but it has outlived all its predecessors’). The Society highlights how it was;-

“founded in an age when there was no Government departmental input into agriculture, the Society, along with its private landowners, scientists and individuals in politics and public affairs, made a remarkable contribution to the development of farming practices and other aspects of the rural economy in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries” Credit : Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society

5.7.4 The showground is in a rural location a few miles was taken to relocate to a larger rural site further out south of Shepton Mallett. The site has been developed on the B3092 road to Maiden Bradley. to include significant infrastructure and exhibition space so is used for many other events during the 5.7.6 The show takes place on a single Saturday in year. These include other agricultural events, other September each year and attracts in the region general trade shows and as an entertainment venue. of 20,000 visitors. The event includes one of the largest one day cattle shows and a full range of 5.7.5 At a smaller scale the Frome Cheese Show [5.26] local foods and rural crafts intended to appeal to and the Mid Somerset Showground provide the both the agricultural community and urban based Old image from Frome Cheese Society - tbc venues for similar but smaller scale local agricultural visitors. The show is now located in a clearly rural shows. The Cheese Show is believed to date from location and parts of the showground take advantage 1861 promoted by a local agricultural society. The of this setting to create areas for demonstrating rural first show is recorded as having drawn a crowd of pursuits. 2000 – 3000 visitors despite ‘drenching storms’. Originally the show took place on a site on the edge 5.7.7 The Mid Somerset Show [5.27] also claims a long of Frome but as the town expanded the opportunity history connected with another local agricultural

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society. The society suggests its origin can be traced 5.7.11 Another winter activity organised by the Mid Somerset back to the 1850’s when as ‘Legend has it that back Society is an annual hedge-laying competition, held in the early 1850’s that after a drink at The Bell Inn each year on the third Sunday in February. This in the nearby village of Evercreech, the Evercreech takes place on local farms and includes both Open Farmers Club was born and the inaugural annual and Amateur classes with all competitors using the ploughing match was held’. Mendip/North Somerset Style of hedge-laying.

5.7.8 The show has grown over the years on a site on 5.7.12 Across the district many of the villages hold the the edge of Shepton Mallet. The event is a mix of normal range of local shows and fetes and annual agricultural show with livestock classes for cattle, bonfire parties. These make use of village green sheep and pigs and a ring for horse jumping displays, spaces and recreation grounds across the district. a flower and veg show along with cheese awards and In the village of Mells the annual Daffodil Festival the Somerset Cider Championships. The one-day has evolved into a major event unique within the event normally held in August attracts in the order MDC area. Originally started in 1979 (inspired by of 17,000 visitors. a similar festival from Thriplow in Hertfordshire) the display extends through the whole village. Daffodils 5.7.9 The event is due to relocate to a new site to the south have been planted within many of gardens and within of the existing showground as part of a proposed the hedgerows along the lanes providing a burst of housing development [5.28]. early spring colour. Parts of the main village street are closed to traffic for a street party and stalls. The 5.7.10 These are the main agricultural shows, alongside 2019 event attracted some 10,000 visitors on the day, their show the Mid Somerset Society also organise but the displays clearly last for several weeks. [5.30]. the North Wootton Wassail. Wassailing is an ancient tradition dating back to Anglo Saxon times; the word 5.7.13 In terms of sheer scale, the one event that eclipses all Wassail thought to arise from an Anglo Saxon ‘wes others is the Glastonbury Festival of Contemporary hal’ meaning ‘good health’. In the past this would and Performing Arts. The festival started in 1970 and take place in orchards across many fruit growing will be celebrating its 50th year in 2020 (allowing for areas of England and is being kept alive within parts a few fallow years there have been some 35 actual Credit : Mid-Somerset Agricultural Society of the South West. The ceremony takes place in mid- festivals). The main festival site extends to some 360 January and includes a blessing used to ensure a ha but a vast area of surrounding farmland is also good cider apple harvest. Lots of noise and music used for parking and camping beyond the perimeter are also used to scare away the unwanted spirits. fence. Over the years the festival has expanded Bonfires and cider also assist in keeping out the both in area but also in the scope of entertainment cold and to ward off any evil. Another site where such that it now claims to be the largest greenfield the tradition is being continued is in the National music and performing arts festival in the world Trust new community orchard planted on the side [5.31]. While it is essentially about the entertainment, of Glastonbury Tor. [5.29] the rural landscape setting is a large part of the

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festival’s unique attraction. In recent years the event attendance has been licenced for up to 210,000 people with public access over five days.[

5.7.14 For many the experience of getting to the site in the depths of Somerset, the rural setting and camping on a farm (albeit alongside many others) is an unusual experience. The festival site is contained within its own valley, subdivided by many field hedgerows and occasional small areas of woodland. While the stages, markets and crowds transform from farm to festival there is still a backdrop of the valley hillsides and tree cover that defines the event setting

5.7.15 The landform helps create and separate different SLF character areas and provides constantly changing WELLS

views between areas. The main pyramid stage is set SLF within an amphitheatre of one of the larger sloping

fields, which accommodates a crowd in the order of views out from festival siteSLF 100,000. Other parts of the site are more enclosed distant views to mendip ridge SLF and secluded with the small farm woodlands being used as part of individual entertainment areas or SLF simply providing shade. SLF

1 5.7.16 The hillside camping fields and valley sides provide

opportunities for long views down the valley to p ilton the landscape beyond. These include the view of ridge Glastonbury Tor in the distance and the hills around North Wootton with the Mendip ridge behind. The western outlook also allows evening sun and sunset GLASTONBURY FESTIVAL SITE views when the weather allows. At the same time

the natural site conditions have often become all too Pyramidal GLASTONBURY TOR apparent with exposure to the legendary mud and Stage even flooding during the event. views out from festival site SLF w 5.7.17 The festival is an opportunity for people to engage oode d escar t to south with the outdoors and the distinctive local landscape pmen and enjoy an event that is made unique by virtue of its *SLF = Special Landscape Feature

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particular landscape setting. Some attending treat the event as a main holiday or as part of a longer stay in the region; as such the festival generates significant draw for visitors to travel and stay within the district and appreciate the wider southwest landscape.

LITERATURE AND ART

5.7.18 Despite the areas rich history and scenic quality the Mendip District area is not associated with any major historical works of literature or art.

5.7.19 A few travel writers have clearly ventured into the district and provide interesting historical references. These included Celia Fiennes, daughter of a colonel in Cromwell’s army. She made and wrote about remarkable journeys riding side-saddle through every county in England, accompanied only by two servants. She travelled to improve her health, visiting many spa towns, but also for personal adventure. Her account of her travels seems to have been written after her travels had largely ended, in 1702. She died in 1741. The Glastonbury antiquarians provide an extract of her journal relating to this;

5.7.20 Of her journey from Bristol to Plymouth she mentions Wookey Hole, Wells and Glastonbury [5.32].

“From Ocley Hole I went to Wells wch was on an even ground one mile farther, this Wells is what must be reckoned halfe a citty this and ye Bath makeing up but one Bishops See. Here are two Churches wth ye Cathedrall. Ye Cathedrall has ye greatest curiosity for carv’d work in stone, the west front is full of all sorts of ffigures, ye 12 apostles, ye K and Q wth angells and figures of all forms, as thick one to another as can be, and soe almost all round ye Church.

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The assizes was in the town wch filled it like a faire, and in his masters service yt were strong and Industrious so 5.8 ACCESS AND RECREATIONAL ACTIVITY little stands for selling things was in all the streetes. There ye motto described his services under that resemblance. I saw ye town hall. The streetes are well pitch’d, and a The effigee was very curious and wth rings on the fingers, 5.8.1 As noted in the introductory section, the population large market place and shambles. The Bishops pallace is but in Monmouths tyme the soldiers defaced it much.” of the MDC area is in the order of 114,000 [ONS]. in a park moated round, nothing worth notice in it. St With the urban populations of Bristol and Bath and Andrews well wch gives name to the town bubbles up so adjoining district areas there are around 1 million quick a spring and becomes the head of two little rivers 5.7.21 Although Thomas Hardy is normally associated people living in or within a 30 to 40 minute drive wch encreases a little way off into good rivers. Thence I with Dorset he did use some areas of Somerset as of the district. The AONB designations provide an went to Glasenbury 4 miles, a pretty levell way till just the inspiration or setting to some of his works. The obvious invitation for countryside visits and locations you come to the town, then I ascended a stony hill and Mells Park Estate is believed to have provided the such as Blackdown, Ebbor Gorge, Priddy Mineries and went just by the tower wch is on a green round riseing inspiration for one short story in A Group of Noble the Mendip Forest are well established as accessible, ground. There is only a little tower remaines like a Dames. The house becoming Falls Park with the open and free recreational destinations. beacon, it had bells formerly in it and some superstition occupant Elizabeth Horner cast as the First Countess 5.8.2 Some of the above sites along with a few more observ’d there, but now its broken down on one side. of Wessex. [5.33]. outside the AONBs are noted as ‘open access land’ From this I descended a very steep stony way into the 5.7.22 Other parts of the Mendips were used as inspiration as defined by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act town; Glasenbury tho’ in ancient tymes was a renowned by Hardy in another work, ‘Our Exploits in West Poley 2000 (CROW Act). The Act gives a public right of place where was founded the first monastery, its now a a short story for boys’ [The excluded and collaborative access to land mapped as open country (mountain, ragged poor place and the abbey has only the kitchen stories – Edited by Pamela Dalziel 1992] moor, heath and down) or registered common land. remaining in it wch is a distinct building, round like a These areas are clearly identified on Ordnance Survey pigeon house all stone. The walls of ye abbey here and 5.7.23 While very few historical artistic references have maps (as a yellow tint boundary). there appeares and some little places and ye cellar or been identified for this study, there is an active arts vault wch if they cast a stone into the place it gives a great community within the district with members drawing echo, and ye country people says its ye devil set there on directly on the local landscapes for inspiration. This a tun of money wch makes ye noise least they should is evidenced by the Somerset Arts Works organisation take it away from him. There is the holly thorn growing who stage programmes promoting the work local on a chimney, this the superstitious covet much and have artists. Part of this is the annual Somerset Arts Weeks gott some of it for their gardens and soe have almost festival where work is exhibited in buildings and the quite spoiled it, wch did grow quite round a chimney open air across the district. In the past this has also tunnell in the stone. Here is a very pretty church a good overlapped with the Mendip Rocks Festival which tower well carv’d all stone 160 stepps up. Walking in the also includes landscape inspired work. tower I could have a prospect of the whole place wch appeared very ragged and decayed. The Church is neate, 5.7.24 As examples of work currently emerging from the there is the effigee of the abbot on a tombstone carved district three artists have provided examples and all about wth eschuteons of a camell, and round it an explanations of their work for this study. The three jnscription or motto in old latin and an old caracter. It are all living and working within district include; Lottie was a phancy of his stewards who was a very faithfull Scott, Christina White and Myrtle Pizzey. dilligent servant, and as he made use of those creatures Sustrans art below cycleway bridge near Kilmersdon

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LOTTIE SCOTT

Lottie Scott explores place, time and material. Since 2013 her practice has focused on the peat moors in Somerset, examining the indexical nature of peat as a living archive of land and people.

Working with photography, sculpture and drawing, she is interested in processes of transformation in the waterlogged landscape of the moors. This is a place that distils and suspends ancient matter, where a wealth of prehistoric archaeology has been unearthed by centuries of destructive peat cutting. Her work offers up the materials of the moors for contemplation, considering themes of deep time, preservation, extraction Photograph of Turve Sculptures Photograph of Peat pigment and charcoal drawings, using rolls of Somerset paper and transience. Exhibition:- A Long Hundred. Artist: Lotte Scott Exhibition:- A Long Hundred. Artist: Lotte Scott

Selected images from the in-situ exhibition ‘A Long Hundred’ in the historic Meare Abbots Fish House.

Photograph of Peat pigment and charcoal drawings, using rolls of Somerset paper Photograph of Peat pigment and charcoal drawings, using rolls of Somerset paper Exhibition:- A Long Hundred. Artist: Lotte Scott Exhibition:- A Long Hundred. Artist: Lotte Scott

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Selected images from the from Levels Photographs Series.

Butleigh Moor Flood.- from Levels Photographs Series - Artist Lotte Scott

Working Tree II - from Levels Photographs Series - Artist Lotte Scott Godney Flood - from Levels Photographs Series - Artist Lotte Scott

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CHRISTINA WHITE

Christina is a Contemporary Art Photographer and has lived in the Mendips, Somerset for some 19 years. Locality is important to her, discovering the roots of a particular landscape and unravelling the past. The history of extraction of metals, minerals and stone and its relationship with nature is an interesting one. There is a dichotomy between the reclamation of nature, where the land becomes a SSSI and the man-managed recovery by the planting of forest or the development of a leisure complex over such trauma. She is presently pre-occupied with limestone extraction on Mendip, photographing disused and working quarries. It is a landscape that is forever changing, and as she wanders between past and present she gets a sense of time travel.

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MYRTLE PIZZEY

Myrtle and her family moved from the city of Bristol to live three miles outside of Wells 35 years ago. She says :

“At the time they were desperate to escape the big city and live in a rural environment. Although we were aware of the Somerset Levels , until we explored our surroundings fully, we did not realise the extent of this area of outstanding natural beauty.

Trees inspire me to record their scarred surfaces , the elements of harsh winters and dry summers. The marks of insects and birds who had sheltered in their protective coverings. The sounds they emit from the wind in their branches at different Willows by The Sheppey times of year , their ability to clean the air and the way they define the landscape at the edge of rivers, rhynes and lanes. Sitting in a semi wild landscape, watching wild life around continue their daily routine, and recording the trees that define it is my idea of heaven !”

[email protected]

http://myrtlepizzey.co.uk

A Somerset Hedge

Jim’s Rhyne

Footbridge of the Sheppey Masebury Farm Willow Sketch

Images courtesy of Myrtle Pizzey Artist © all rights reserved

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5.8.3 The extent of open public access land across the NOTENOTE :: COUNTRYSIDE RIGHTSRIGHTS OFOF WAYWAY ACTACT 20002000 district is relatively modest and as illustrated most is concentrated within the Mendip AONB area. AreasAreas wherewhere openopen publicpublic accessaccess waswas alreadyalready wellwell established priorprior toto thethe 20002000 ActAct areare notnot alwaysalways 5.8.4 Several of the recognised ‘open access’ sites are identifiedidentified asas openopen accessaccess landland (as(as perper SectionSection 1515 ofof managed as Nature Reserves as identified within thethe Act).Act). Section 5.4. In addition, many of the other various nature reserve areas around the district while not UnderUnder thethe ActAct (section(section 16)16) landowners couldcould alsoalso identified as ‘open access land’ are nevertheless dedicatededicate landland forfor publicpublic accessaccess inin perpetuity; mostmost openly accessible and promoted as such by the (but(but notnot all)all) ofof thethe ForestryForestry Commission HoldingsHoldings respective organisations. As noted within Section fallfall withinwithin thisthis category.category. 5.4 these areas are often popular visitor destinations providing the added interest of interpretive signage LocalLocal examplesexamples -- TheThe areaarea ofof Blackdown isis identifiedidentified or opportunity for people to connect with wildlife asas anan established accessaccess areaarea (Section(Section 15).15). and distinctive flora. TheThe EastEast HarptreeHarptree Woodlands areare dedicateddedicated (under(under 5.8.5 In a similar vein the National Trust own some modest SectionSection 16)16) whilewhile thethe StockhillStockhill PlantationPlantation ForestForest areas of land around Glastonbury and Street on isis notnot (presumably asas woodlandwoodland andand aa previously which there is an open invitation for public access. well-established accessaccess areaarea thisthis waswas notnot deemeddeemed (Not all land owned by the Trust is always freely necessary). open as some is either tenanted farmland or pay to enter attractions – the areas identified in this study TheThe extentextent ofof somesome areasareas ofof previously established are those which appear to be open and there are openopen accessaccess areare excludedexcluded fromfrom thethe O/SO/S mappingmapping butbut no fee entry NT sites in the MDC area). cancan bebe tracedtraced viavia thethe Government Interactive MagicMagic Map.Map.

Priddy Mineries Public viewing platform overlooking wetland reserve at Ashcott Corner

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5.8.6 The Woodland Trust own some woodlands and promote public access to others. Within the MDC two woodlands (18 ha) are identified on the WT website as owned and managed by the trust. Some additional 52 ha of woodland across the district is promoted by the WT as ‘Welcome Woods’ where the promotion of public access has evidently been agreed with the respective landowner. While many other woodlands across the district are not fully open to free range access they are still accessible via the public rights of way network. The total area of accessible woodland is in the order of 3,500 ha.

5.8.7 Within this category of recreational access there is a range visitor provision reflecting the different levels of public access or expectation. Within some of the wetland nature reserve sites with high visitor numbers, the locations include semi-formal visitor parking and comprehensive signage. The sites also include boardwalks and bird-hide structures set into the landscape. In these locations consideration is understandably given to public safety and disabled access, requiring clear signage, gentle gradients and firm paved surfaces. With the interest or promotion of the bird reserves these sites can become quite busy which is a further influence on character; all combined they may be perceived as having more of a managed character. With the sense of these areas providing a safe, informative and welcoming environment these sites clearly attract people and have become recognised as the more intensive visitor destinations within the district.

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5.8.8 One other open access site where high visitor 5.8.11 As part of the character area study the extent of - Macmillan Way numbers are noted as having a direct influence on open access land and the network and the degree - Monarchs Way the landscape character is Glastonbury Tor. The to which PROW routes (inc. minor lanes) join up - Limestone Link Tor is accessed via a steep surfaced path with steps or provide connections to obvious destinations has and an overall climb of 60 - 100 m. As an iconic been reviewed. In most areas the coverage of 5.8.13 These total some 106 km. These are often promoted landmark and spectacular view point the site is an routes is judged as good. In a few locations where via websites and guidebooks and are waymarked. obvious draw to visitors to the town. At this location the distribution of paths was notably thinner or Most of these follow normal unsurfaced footpaths parking and signage is limited but a surfaced path routes end at busy main roads these were noted as and bridleways. In addition, as part of the Sustrans route and constant flow of visitors clearly present the relatively poor. National Cycleway Network and local routes there site as a busy visitor destination. are 3 main sections of shared use trails that pass 5.8.12 Across the district a number of the PROW routes through the MDC area. The Sustrans routes are 5.8.9 These areas contrast with other areas that provide have been joined together to create a main a more naturalistic setting where informal parking specific long distance routes: made up of a mix of surfaced off highway shared and minimal signage is provided such as the Forestry - East Mendip Way walking / cycle routes and generally minor roads. Commission Parking areas within the Mendip AONB. - West Mendip Way The Sustrans type routes total 102 km of which the Other areas offer even less with minimal or no parking or signage; the character of these as open heath or moor can offer more of a wilderness experience. OPEN ACCESS LOCATIONS AREA - HA STATUS However, even with limited facilities these areas CROW OPEN ACCESS LAND remain quite popular and it is notable that at peak (Inc Section 15/16 Areas) times there is often a level of activity that prevents Areas within the AONBs 78 Legally protected the full sense of an isolated wild environment (the Areas outside AONBs 107 Legally protected extent of background noise as described in section 5.7 below is also relevant to this). TOTAL 887 Status - CROW Access Land, previously Open Country 5.8.10 Alongside the resource of openly accessible landscape (Section 15) or Dedicated (Section 16) and woodland the District has an extensive network of OTHER AREAS AREA - HA COMBINED TOTALS Public Rights of Way (PROW), in total this equates to around 1400 km (see page). These clearly link with Nature Reserves with Open Access Permissive many minor lanes allowing wider access throughout (exc CROW areas above 1055 Access the area. From the fieldwork visits for this study, it is noted that the vast majority of paths are maintained National Trust Landscape Permissive as open routes, with maintained signage, gates, stiles (exc CROW areas above) 635 Access and with vegetation cut-back. These also appeared well used and it was rare to walk a path or bridleway

for any length of time without encountering one or Woodland Trust Open Access & Welcome Woodlands Permissive 3472 two other people even during the working week. (exc CROW areas above) & PROW

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off-road proportion is around 18 km and a short section of the limestone link path.

5.8.14 The main off road Sustrans routes are surfaced as a mix of asphalt and self-binding gravels to provide a suitably smooth cycling surface. These routes are very popular with family groups, young and inexperienced cyclists and disabled users. The two main sections of off-road cycleways lead out from the built-up areas of Wells and Radstock and are noted as relatively busy.

5.8.15 Elsewhere the general nature of the PROW network is low key with unsurfaced paths, minimal signage and modest levels of activity. Most offer a good balance between being useable and reasonably easy to follow and the opportunities to enjoy more remote isolated experiences.

5.8.16 The district landscape also provides the setting for many active recreational pursuits. These include the normal range of running/jogging, cycling and equestrian access that would be generally expected in the countryside. The quality of the landscape is such that the MDC area generally offers a very good setting for these activities.

5.8.17 Some informal mountain biking was noted in a few locations during the study fieldwork as was some off-road motocross/scrambling activity. Some of this was organised club events taking place within the quarries and on other private land.

5.8.18 Of particular note the rural character of the highway network and dispersed settlement pattern of the district (as described in Section 5.6) means many of the local roads provide an attractive setting for cycling. The network providing a wide range of conditions and challenges. It is noted that this includes sections of

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the main roads which despite some heavy traffic are semi natural settings are part of the appeal (not only 5.9 TRANQUILITY & DARK SKIES well used by active recreational cyclists. Reference from the perspective of a more isolated experience to ‘heat mapping’ on social media sports apps but with limited public access to the base of a climb 5.9.1 With an ever increasing pace of modern life the illustrates the distribution of popular cycle circuits the risk of safety conflicts is reduced). opportunity to get away from it all and experience extends across all the roads in the district. a degree of peace and quiet is often highly valued 5.8.21 Where former quarries have become flooded there but can be hard to find. The growth in urban 5.8.19 As noted previously the Karst geology of the Mendips can be an attraction but also significant risk for open development and major infrastructure across the offer the opportunities for caving at all levels from water swimming (the depth of the flooded workings country can often represent more than simply a beginner groups to seriously challenging conditions and deep shade can create very cold water conditions loss of countryside, the intrusion of unsympathetic for experienced cavers. While this interest is noted and vertical edges can impede self-rescue). One development and increases in background noise can as one of the special qualities of the Mendip Hills location where the distinctive landscape setting of indirectly diminish the quality of surrounding areas of AONB [5.34] it is not restricted to just the AONB area. a former quarry has been put to good use is the landscape. As a result areas of tranquil landscape are Caves offering a few hours of sporting activity exist Vobster Quay Inland Diving Centre. This site offers of inherent value and are recognised as of increasing as far east as Stoke St Michael and near the edge of both diving and supervised freshwater swimming importance; this includes references to tranquility Shepton. The majority of the caves within the district activity throughout the year. Another club open water in national planning guidance [NPPF – para 180]. are on or accessed over private land and many of the swimming venue is on the River Frome on the district larger caves are padlocked with controlled access. boundary at Farleigh Hungerford. 5.9.2 Tranquility in the countryside is clearly a highly variable and subjective quality; and with regular 5.8.20 Alongside the caves there is a concentration of rock 5.8.22 The River Frome is also used for canoeing and exposure people can become desensitised to some and quarry faces throughout the Mendip Ridge area kayaking from the centre of Frome (with the Frome level of disturbance. Efforts have been made to define (from near Wells to Frome) that are popular with Canoe Club facilities on the river in the town) all the degrees of tranquillity and map its extent across the climbers. The majority of these are smaller limestone way downstream to the district boundary near Iford (a crags often in remote locations with limited parking number of weirs on route needing to be portaged). or access. These do not generally attract large This river and many of the others within the district numbers of visiting climbers and the often secluded / are also fished, most allowing public access via local angling clubs.

5.8.23 Finally, there are golf courses set within open countryside these located on the outskirts of Wells, at Maesbury, Ston Easton and near Frome at Orchardleigh. The Wells Golf Club and the Mendip Golf Club at Maesbury are located in strongly semi natural hillside locations with good varied views. The Ston Easton and Orchardleigh courses are both set within areas or registered historic landscape.

Cycleway on Former Disused Railway at Ham Wall Nature Reserve Wells Golf Club

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UK this was initially done by the CPRE. To provide transmission lines is also factored in. The mapped regional maps tranquil areas were broadly defined information generated from this takes some account in relation to a series of distances from negative of topography and woodland cover which may features such as power stations and motorways influence the sense of tranquillity at a local level. these included; 5.9.5 As illustrated the available mapping has been overlaid • 2km from most other motorways and major trunk on the local map base as used for this study. The roads such as the M4 and A1 and from the edge identified character areas are also indicated to allow of smaller towns the findings of fieldwork to be cross referred. The traffic figure data provided for the strategic roads • 1km from medium disturbance roads i.e. roads through the district has also been overlaid providing that are difficult to cross at peak times (taken to be a clear correlation in most areas. roughly equivalent to greater than 10,000 vehicles per day) and some main line railways and 5.9.6 From this exercise there appears to be a clear correlation between the areas of urban development • 1km from 400KV and 275KV power lines or and major roads within the district and the national groups of pylons. tranquillity map.

5.9.3 Subsequent work to refine the methodology and 5.9.7 Outside of the built up areas moderate levels of undertake more local studies of different districts tranquility are seen to exist across a large proportion has been undertaken by the charity supported by of the MDC district area. At this level when actively Natural England. One such study was a ground walking through an area, without concentrating on truthing exercise undertaken for the Cranborne Chase the issue, the noise levels and visual intrusions are AONB [5.35]. Such an exercise for the wider MDC not often picked up as a conscious intrusion. area has been beyond the scope of this study; but the opportunity has been taken through the project 5.9.8 A general finding from the field work was that field work to consider how accurately the broad many rural footpaths and lanes provide access to level mapping that is available matches with the countryside away from the most intensive levels of local experience. noise. However, in very many areas throughout the MDC area there is a fairly constant pervasive 5.9.4 The available open source mapping has been used low-level background noise mainly from the A and based on the CPRE Study of 2008. The approach B road traffic. taken for this applied set criteria for determining the level of potential tranquillity based on the 5.9.9 There are some notable locations where without distance from urban development, roads and other background traffic noise the experience of the major infrastructure. The assessment considers landscape could be really exceptional from the both noise and the visual intrusions as impacting combinations of interest, semi-natural/wild character on tranquility; so while roads clearly generate or spectacular views. These would encompass some noise effects, infrastructure such as major power of the districts Special Landscape Feature Areas; in

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which it would be expected visitors may pause to absorb the experience. As an example, the Iron Age fort at Maesbury Castle has a dramatic set of ramparts providing interest and drama and the site provides panoramic views from the north and south sides of the ridge; however with the A37 passing within 1200 m and the B3135 only around 600 m away the road traffic noise on a weekday morning was a substantial intrusion. A number of other hilltop locations were also noted as susceptible to the intrusion of distant road noise.

5.9.10 Within the Mendip AONB area, as an open gently undulating plateau (LCA A2) with some relatively busy and fast roads, the opportunities for experiencing deeply tranquil landscape are also limited.

5.9.11 By contrast the deep wooded valleys of the Mells River and side Valleys (LCA A10.1 – A10.4), the Holcombe Valley (LCA A9.2), the wide vale of land in the upper Frome Valley and the combes around Batcombe did provide good degrees of quiet landscape.

5.9.12 Within the woodlands and deep valleys in these areas and in particular in the presence of running water, the sense of all other background noise could be very quickly eliminated even where roads or other activity may actually be quite close.

5.9.13 In relation to the effect of power transmission lines, the MDC area is crossed west to east by a line of pylons. The line extends through open landscape Tranquillity mapping data set overlaid on MDC area from the levels to the north of Glastonbury, to the south of Pilton and Shepton Mallet. The line crosses the highest ground on its route between Cranmore and Wanstrow before dropping down into the more ‘National Tranquillity Mapping Data 2007 developed for the Campaign to Protect Rural England and Natural enclosed landscape of the Frome Valley. Near the England by Northumbria University. © Crown Copyright and database rights [Year]. Ordnance Survey licence number 100022021.’

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town the route tracks around the south-eastern side of 5.9.16 The extent of light pollution across the UK has also the Frome Bypass and railway corridor. The line then been mapped at a national scale data sets of the runs alongside the railway to the district boundary. mapping are available from the CPRE. The presence Within the open landscape of the Moors the pylons of excess lighting raises concern over; are encountered in places as a dramatic long line seen in the context of a large scale landscape. In • the visual intrusion of artificial light sources at the more secluded rolling landscapes individual dusk and after dark, towers can dominate the smaller scale more intimate • the reduction in the visibility up into the night landscape but often only shorter sections of the line sky and are in view. The 1 Km offset differentiates between a line having a direct effect on the setting of a footpath • the waste of energy represented by lighting being or a more distant visual impact where a pylon may be spread beyond where it is needed. seen as intrusive to a view rather than the tranquillity of a viewpoint. 5.9.17 At a national level the west country does provide some areas where the level of light pollution is relatively 5.9.14 Since the growth in renewable energy projects low; as such there are opportunities for visitors to the postdates the available tranquillity mapping the area to enjoy a relatively dark night sky that would distribution of these installations has not been not be experienced in our larger urban areas. included on the regional maps. The impact of these sites also varies on the basis of type, scale, siting and 5.9.18 In 2019 Cranborne Chase became the first whole setting. Although several of the turbines within the AONB area in the UK to achieve International district are of a larger scale than the pylons (some Dark Skies Status (this is one of only 14 such areas in the order of 100m to the tip compared to 45 – globally). The AONB area extends to 981 Sq Km 50m for a typical pylon); as individual features there and a large proportion of the area (52%) is classed has been more scope to locate in positions where as having some of the darkest sky conditions (band landform and vegetation can reduce the impact. 1 and 40% in the next category). The designation With this and the noise generated by the turbines a took 10 years to achieve and involves a long-term similar 1 Km offset would again distinguish effects commitment to continue to manage the reduction in on tranquillity from more distant visual impact. light pollution. [5.35]

5.9.15 While the solar farms generally have a lesser visual 5.9.19 The part of the AONB that overlaps with the MDC impact there are examples where the presence of area is included in the darker sky portion of the extensive rows of panels, fencing and other associated designated area. This relates to the level of light development does impact on the sense of unspoilt radiance up into the night sky rather than the visibility tranquillity. In some instances the location of these of lighting. It is noted that much of the ‘overlap’ area developments in more remote areas of the district is forest with occasional views out over the vale of may well have reduced visual impact but in return landscape between the district boundary and Frome; reduced the sense of remote isolation. where views occur these do often include the dark vale with Frome in the distance.

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5.9.20 The Mendip AONB includes some areas (albeit with significant settlements. Many of these correspond smaller extent) with similar levels of low upward to either illuminated highway junctions, quarries and light projection. Indeed the areas of this AONB other commercial developments. with the darkest skies do lie within the MDC area. With the nature of the central Mendip plateau there 5.9.24 As with most highway authorities Somerset County is are also areas where there are no views out from progressively up-dating the street lighting from the the hills to the surrounding settlements so at night traditional strong yellowy orange low pressure sodium the effect of being in a truly dark landscape can be to whiter more efficient LED luminaires. With carefully experienced. One feature that clearly conflicts with designed lighting schemes the level of light spill can this is the Pen Hill mast which is distinctively lit with be very effectively controlled and with the level of aircraft warning lights. illumination focused more on where it is intended, this can allow a reduction in the amount of light required. 5.9.21 Elsewhere on the Mendip ridge (both within and Over time the intrusion of highway junction lighting outside the AONB) the open hillside slopes or scarp within the district is expected to reduce. The county provide many views out to the north and south. In have also trialled reductions in the hours and levels these the towns and other light sources stand out, and of illumination on parts of the network. often reveal the presence of settlements that merge into the distant views during the day. A similar effect 5.9.25 It is assumed the quarry areas include illumination occurs down within the moors landscapes where of the mechanical crushing plant areas and loading there are good low levels of lighting but views are facilities along with safety and security lighting for available to the villages on the periphery. the main operations. The East Mendip quarries and railhead areas can be identified on the base-mapping 5.9.22 While the built up areas clearly create the largest within areas of light intrusion. While some of these areas of light intrusion it is evident that the distribution may well be contained within the quarry excavations of light sources within these areas is not entirely there is evidently some degree of light spill or upward even. As illustrated by night-time photographs of projection from these sites. On the ground the Glastonbury and Street, specific areas of these towns quarries can be identified after dark as areas of can produce a disproportionate degree of impact. white glow arising from floodlighting within the sites. The areas of large scale commercial and retail It is notable that each of these sites is illustrated on developments with open car parks and extensive the dark sky mapping as a bright spot but also has security flood lighting stand out as substantially an extensive area of light pollution as an outer ring. brighter areas of townscape. Elsewhere flood lit sports facilities can be identified as among the brighter 5.9.26 The high mast lighting at the Mearhead / Tor Works sources of individual lights. Railhead at can be seen from the A361. This can be seen in conjunction with a commercial depot site 5.9.23 Reference to the detail of the dark sky mapping next to the main road to the east and an illuminated indicate areas of illumination that are not associated highway junction to the west.

Christina White - all rights reserved

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5.9.27 At a smaller scale individual light sources include village street lights and property/farm security flood lighting. With careful positioning these can often be installed in such a way as to avoid long distance intrusions. (It is often the direct view of a light source that is far more intrusive than any reflection back from the ground or surfaces that are being illuminated).

Dark sky mapping data set overlaid on MDC area

Courtesy of CPRE and Earth Observation Group, NOAA National Geophysical Data Center. Data processed by LUC on behalf of CPRE. Spatial reference: WGS_1984_Web_Mercator_Auxiliary_Sphere LUC 2016

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5.9.28 These aspects of tranquility and dark skies are of particular relevance within the MDC area as the district offers a range of experiences related to the more semi-natural and even wild areas of landscape where the landscape is inherently more sensitive to such intrusions.

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5.10 VISUAL APPRAISAL

5.10.1 Alongside the variations in landscape character within the district, the nature of views across the area is also critically important to the appreciation of the landscape resource. Landscape character and visual amenity are clearly interrelated but are identified as separate considerations. This is an established approach recognised as best practice for consideration of the potential impacts arising from development or other forms of change in the environment [5.36]. This separation is also a useful distinction for appreciating the general condition and value of the district’s landscapes.

5.10.2 The degree to which a landscape provides open views or the scenic qualities of those views may well have a bearing on the perceived character. Landscape character is considered in terms of the intrinsic conditions irrespective of any public access or enjoyment. Visual amenity is more related to the public availability and general quality of views; and the relative importance of those views to those who may be taking them in.

5.10.3 Generally, the MDC area provides very good degree of visual amenity across all the main landscape areas. It is relevant to note that views (both to and from the Mendips) are listed as one of the special qualities of the AONB. As set below the quality and interest of the local views extends well beyond the designation boundary.

5.10.4 In many situations the visual amenity of the district should be recognised as being sensitive to change; either by virtue of the landscape that exists in the views or the relative sensitivity and/or numbers of people who would experience them.

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5.10.5 This assessment is based on a range of factors as follows: Many of the various landscapes across the district provide regular opportunities for views. The dramatic high ground of the Mendip Ridge, the undulating ridges and valleys of the downs and combes in the southern part of the district and the open expanses of the moors allow regular open long views.

5.10.6 In some locations the very steep high areas of topography create correspondingly dramatic panoramic and very long distance views. Open access viewpoints such as Deerleap, Blackdown Maesbury Castle and Beacon Hill on the top of the Mendip Ridge, view out well beyond the district boundaries. The hilltop of Glastonbury Tor at 158 m although lower, allows a full 360 degree long ranging panorama. These locations draw visitors specifically for the view. With the more open views from the western end of the ridge combined with those from the Tor overlooking the levels, there is a significant expanse of landscape in view from these key viewpoints.

5.10.7 In many other locations roads and paths follow ridgelines these often provide good distant views. The eastern end of the district includes views north over the district boundary into the Wellow valley and towards Bath, east into the Wiltshire Vale to the edges of Salisbury Plain and the Marlborough Downs and South to the forested edge of the Cranborne Chase AONB.

5.10.8 With rolling topography and the general coverage of hedges, trees and woodlands there is a lot of variety and constant change in the views as the landscape is explored. This applies to both changing views from footpath routes and the main roads and lanes. This

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is coupled with the diverse range of different types are many small industrial, engineering and transport points; but there is the risk of intrusion where these of landscape across the district which means the businesses dotted through the area (it is presumed become part of a more cluttered scene. landscape in view from such routes also provides a some of these are a spin off from the nature of the further aspect of constant change. heavy extraction industry); as a direct link with this 5.10.15 Related to the presence of reference points within history many of these operations are based in and the views, the MDC area has a series of significant 5.10.9 Several landscapes in view are inherently quite largely hidden from view within the former quarries mainly historic landmarks that already provide this distinctive and dramatic. The expanse of open and mine working sites. function. Those visible in long distance views include;- moors and the drama of the Mendip Ridge are 5.10.16 Glastonbury Tor is the iconic landmark for the impressive simply in terms of scale. Others such as 5.10.12 There are few elements of urban intrusion where the Foxcote / Wellow Brook valley and Batcombe parts of the towns can be picked out in the middle to southwestern part of the district. The hilltop chapel valley are also of such large scale that the views are long distance views. For the most part the dispersed stands out in views from the full 360° surrounding of immediate appeal. and limited extent of major settlements within the area. The feature is highly distinctive, marks the district ensures the visual impact of the built-up areas location of Glastonbury and is synonymous with the 5.10.10 While these and many other areas are of high scenic is focused into relatively localised areas. (Further religious and mythical status of the town. quality, the condition of the landscapes in view consideration of these local effects noted below). does vary. There are areas where more intensive 5.10.17 The Pen Hill Mast marks a high point on the Mendip ridge above Wells, close up it is a colossal scale agricultural production creates field patterns with 5.10.13 As identified in section 5.5 there are a number of uniform and unnaturally bright shades of green. wind turbines and solar farms distributed across the structure. The mast is visible from points well beyond There are locations where post war development of district. To date many of these have taken advantage the district boundary and locates the central Mendips expanded villages or the towns is in view. However, in of locations where the opportunities for extensive and provides an orientation marker from many many situations the overall scale of view in prospect, views are fairly limited. directions. complex patterns of other features or the wider overall 5.10.18 Three towers mark a triangle at the eastern end of the pattern presents views that are still interesting and 5.10.14 With careful siting of individual turbines there are district. Cranmore Tower, Ammerdown Tower (Jolliffe essentially rural. examples where only glimpsed views occur within the rolling landform. However, in some instances there Column) and Alfred’s Tower (just outside of the MDC area) are all listed structures and are visible rising out 5.10.11 On the whole the district has relatively few elements are two installations in close proximity, which creates of inherently and highly intrusive development. the impression of a single turbine visible from many of their respective settings. Cranmore and Alfred’s Historically more of the quarries used to present more points. Likewise, the solar farm installations towers are located within accessible woodland and unshielded workings with machinery crushing plant have generally been set into heavily treed or hedged are opened at times for public viewing. Ammerdown at some sites close to main road frontages and visible landscape allowing the visual impact to be reduced. is part of the registered historic parkland and is not working faces. Closure of some sites and landscaping Significant visual impacts for both of these types of accessible. Ammerdown at one time had a glazed around the entrance to others has helped reduce the renewable energy occur where close quarter views are illuminated viewing dome. visual impact of the quarrying industry (landscape gained from otherwise remote and unspoilt footpaths 5.10.19 Beyond the district boundary Cley Hill and the impacts often remain). Where extensive mounding and lanes. With the number of turbines in place Westbury White Horse are also frequently seen in and planting was installed in the 1980’s and 90’s this at this time, it is the case that in many of the long distant views from within the MDC area. is now starting to mature into young woodland further distance views across the district it is often possible

helping to integrate these sites. With the history of to pick out at least one installation. As occasional 5.10.20 All combined the district landscape offers many high mineral extraction across parts of the district there features they may be seen as innocuous reference quality interesting views. With the extensive network

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of public rights of way (1,1413 km) and minor lanes there is good level of public access for this to be fully appreciated from the many recreational routes. As noted previously the PROW network appears well used across the district; this includes the 106 km of long distance trails and 102km of the Sustrans cycle routes. In terms of relative sensitivity, it should be noted some of the less frequented path routes leading out into areas of more remote or inaccessible landscape may be valued for the greater degree of tranquillity and isolation they offer.

5.10.21 The scenic quality and visual sensitivity also extends to the district’s roadscapes. As noted previously almost all of the main routes within the area remain as original country roads with minimal evidence of Glastonbury Tor Cranmore Tower modern highway engineering. As a consequence the roads fit with the landscape and the road corridors are embedded in the landscape. The areas of countryside in view from the strategic routes through the MDC area are generally attractive and interesting. The essentially rural and varied character of the district is clearly evident from the sections of main road between each of the main settlements. From the distribution of daily traffic flows it is evident the views from these roads will be experienced by many thousands of road users on a daily basis. While not all road users may be interested or fully engaged with the landscape views, it is reasonable to assume the quality of the rural district will be apparent to many and as such the condition of the roadscape contributes to the perceived character of the Mendip area.

5.10.22 While there are many positive aspects to the visual amenities there are some areas where this has been diminished.

Pen Hill Mast Cley Hill

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5.10.23 The district has accommodated areas of post-war urban and village expansion. This is generally spread between the four towns and Wells and the larger villages. In a few places the extent and repetitive nature of some housing highlights the presence of these areas; light or uniform coloured elevations and roofscapes exacerbate the impact. Some skyline housing on the outskirts of Frome stands out as development where the visual impact of a few properties seems disproportionate to the number of dwellings provided. Groups of white/light rendered housing on the hillsides on the outskirts of Wells contrast with later more muted housing developments. While there are various such examples where more considered site planning or design could have greatly reduced the visual impact, these effects are concentrated in and around the main built up areas. Across the district there are some elements of larger scale commercial development mostly within or on the edges of the towns; in places these can have a significant adverse impact. This mostly due to the scale of buildings, car parks and the contrast of larger block development alongside the smaller grain of historic townscape.

5.10.24 As noted elsewhere excessive lighting of these sites often adds to this impact. While each of the towns do contain elements of visual intrusion, as noted in section 5.5 Frome, Shepton and Wells and to some extent Glastonbury are contained within their local landform, helping to reduce their presence within the wider rural area.

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REFERENCES FOR SECTION 5.0

[5.15] Nunney – The English Civil War [5.27] http://www.midsomersetshow.org.uk/about/history-of- [5.1] Mendip AONB Management Plan 2019 - 2014 the-society/ [5.16] EH List Entry [5.2] https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mendips/home.htm [5.28] http://www.midsomersetshow.org.uk/news/mid- [5.17] Ammerdown House [5.3] https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mendips/geology/Geological_ somerset-show-secures-its-future/ Structure.htm [5.18] Marston Bigot [5.29] http://www.midsomersetshow.org.uk/events/view/north- [5.4] Mendip Cave Registry and Archive wootton-wassail/ [5.19] EN list Entry http://www.mcra.org.uk/registry/sitedetails.php?id=240 https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/glastonbury-tor/ [5.20] http://humanities.uwe.ac.uk/bhr/Main/ww2/3 14.htm features/enjoy-a-somerset-tradition---new-year-2020 [5.5] Institute for Geological Sciences Natural Enviornment [5.21] National Planning Policy Framework 2019 & Research Council Mineral Assessment Report 25. The [5.30] https://www.mellsdaffodilfestival.co.uk/ Celestite Resources of the Area north east of Bristol. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/ancient-woodland-and- [5.31] https://mendip.gov.uk/article/7467/Glastonbury- veteran-trees-protection-surveys-licences#ancient- [5.6] Mendip, Its Swallet Caves and Rock Shelters HE Balch 1937] Festival-Licensing-and-Event-Management-Information woodland [5.7] The Historic Landscape of the Mendip Hills – Historic https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/information/an- [5.22] Landscape Assessment of the Fringes of the Towns in England Jamieson 2015 introduction-to-glastonbury-festival/ the Mendip District August 1996 & the Mendip Local Development Framework Core Strategy Strategic [5.8] Sweet Track – The Somerset Levels in Prehistory Bryony [5.32] Glastonbury antiquarians https://www. Landscape Appraisal of The Main Towns October 2006 and John Coles – 1986 glastonburyantiquarians.org/site/index.php?page_ both undertaken on behalf of MDC. id=209 [5.9] [3.2] Source for Selwood Forest – point on barrier between [5.23] Reference for employment in Mendip quarrying ancient Kingdoms – [5.33] [https://historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list- industry https://www.bgs.ac.uk/mendips/ entry/1001150] http://east-woodlands.co.uk/?page_id=65 aggregates/economy.html [5.34] Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) Badon and the Early Wars for Wessex, circa 500 to 710 July [5.24] Somerset County Minerals Plan Appendix C – Site Profiles Management Plan 2019-2024 (January 2019) 2018 Jan 2013 [5.35] [Cranborne Chase AONB Partnership – information on [5.10] The Bounds of Selwood Michael McGarvie https://www.somerset.gov.uk/waste-planning-and-land/ application for International Dark Sky Reserve somerset-minerals-plan [5.11] EH List Entry https://cranbornechase.org.uk/wp-content/ [5.25] https://www.bathandwest.com/media/New-Exh-App- uploads/2020/01/Cranborne_Chase_AONB_IDSR_ [5.12] Leigh on Mendip Parish Plan 2006 Pack-2017.pdf application_July_201920for20Web1.pdf.

[5.13] EH List Entry [5.26] https://www.fromecheeseshow.co.uk/general- [5.36] GLVIA3 information/show-history/ https://www. [5.14] The English Civil War fromecheeseshow.co.uk/sponsors/

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