Conservation projects

We have set up a number of conservation projects across North Somerset to give you hands-on experience of nature.

The schemes offer you the chance to understand and become involved in the care and management of your local natural environment.

Everyone with an interest is welcome to join in with all tools and materials provided, although we do ask that you wear appropriate clothing and footwear.

Children under 16 years of age should also be accompanied by an adult and please remember to bring a packed lunch.

The various projects are split between three of the main towns in North Somerset and are as follows:

Weston-super-Mare

• Uphill Hill
  Uphill Down and quarry became a Site of Special Scientific Interest under the Wildlife and Countryside Act and covers 16.66 hectares.
   
  Before being enclosed in 1818 it was part of a medieval open field system.

Many of its historical features are still visible and as a valuable local nature reserve it is home to some important species and habitats.

The management of the site is vital and our project aims to conserve its rare flora, invertebrates, birds and historical features and improve access, interpretation and seating.

• Weston Woods
  The wood was planted in 1824 and covers an area of 132.5 hectares overlooking the Severn Estuary.

It includes an area of ancient woodland known as Ashcombe Wood and an important Iron Age hill fort.

The ground flora and shrub layer is poor throughout the wood with little natural regeneration as the wood is well used for recreation and suffers with urban issues such as fly tipping, dog mess and dumping of garden waste.

Our volunteer group has been in operation for three years with the aim of enhancing the wood's recreation while at the same time conserving its natural and heritage features.

We are also trying to encourage education and art within the wood by increasing community involvement.

• Locking Pit and Castle

Locking Pit and Castle are two areas of open space consisting of a large pond and parkland with interesting wildlife.

Clevedon

• Strawberry Hill Wood
  The hill covers 10 hectares within Clevedon and is rich with archaeological and geological history.

It includes areas known as Highdale, Farm Wood, Firwood, Strawberry Hill and Bennetts Ripple which provide valuable habitats for many species - including the nationally threatened Greater Horseshoe Bat.

The ground flora and shrub layer throughout the majority of the woodland is poor although some ancient woodland indicator species are present.

The area is well used for recreation and suffers from several urban issues, such as the dumping of garden waste, dog fouling and fly tipping.

The aim of our volunteer group will be to encourage recreation and access while at the same time enhancing the area's conservation and heritage features.

We are also trying to encourage education and art within the wood by increasing community involvement.

• Dial Hill
  The hill has a host of historical features dating back to the Iron, Medieval and Roman ages.
   
  An area of semi-natural calcareous grassland with scrub and secondary woodland it has the potential to be botanically rich and become a valuable habitat with the correct management.
  

Nailsea

• Nowhere Wood
   
  A mixed woodland of 1.38 hectares, with interesting historical features from past quarrying activities. The woodland has a poor flora and shrub layer with little natural regeneration due to dense canopy and recreational use.

The volunteer group and management of the woodland has been in operation for a year with the aim to:

For more information about countyside conservation activities visit the British Trust for Nature Conservation Volunteers website or contact our Ranger Service.