Mendip Society
About the group
Description
The
Mendip Society is a registered charity, no. 262867. It is a group of some
700 like-minded people who come together in the interests of conserving
and enhancing the Mendip Hills and so to enjoy the Hills. Most of our
members live in and around the Hills, but some are from as far afield
as the north of England and even Canada. The Society co-operates with
the local authorities and voluntary organisations to achieve its aims,
working closely with the official “management” of the Mendip
Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the AONB Service and the Joint
Advisory Committee. However, we operate throughout the Hills, not just
the parts currently designated as AONB. The Society’s campaign for
designation of the Hills as an AONB, achieved in 1972, was its first major
success story.
Activities
We run an extensive programme of walks, talks and visits; help to keep open the rights of way in the Hills and serve on the Strategic Traffic Action and Tourism and Recreation Advisory Groups of the Joint Advisory Committee. By publishing a newsletter, and books and pamphlets of local interest we aim to encourage quiet access to the countryside for all. We also run social events and competitions.
The Society has a ‘Small Grants Scheme to encourage conservation objectives through the local community, monitors development plans and the AONB management plan, and advises local authorities on key planning applications, with a special watch on quarrying. At the moment we are supporting a proposed extension to the AONB and are actively campaigning against large scale wind power development at Chewton Mendip.
Members also form volunteer conservation groups to work on specific projects, such as the restoration of the lead flues at Charterhouse and the lead smelting chimney at East Harptree; and we own and manage Slader’s Leigh at Winscombe, an important wildlife meadow habitat, shortly to be designated a Local Nature Reserve.
Membership
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Eligibility: |
open to everyone |
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Fees: |
adult single - £12 pa. |
Meetings
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Walks |
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Venue: |
They are many and varied |
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Date: |
Saturdays usually |
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Time: |
2pm |
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Talks |
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Venue: |
There are 3 rotating talks venues, Wells, Winscombe and Cheddar |
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Date: |
Mainly the 1st or 4th Friday or the 3rd Thursday of the winter months |
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Time: |
7.30pm |
Other
Many members are non-active but support the ideals and aims of the Society by their membership; however there is a lively attendance at all the talks and a large loyal core of walkers. We welcome new members to contribute to the power of the Society in the area.
Contact
Gareth Jones
T: 01934 843767
E:
W: www.mendipsociety.org.uk
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