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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:-
- encourage recreation and access
- enhance nature conservation
- encourage education and art
- conserve heritage features
- develop community involvement
For more information about countyside conservation activities
visit the British Trust for Nature Conservation
Volunteers website or contact our
Ranger Service. |