Somerset Stonemasons help to mark Protected Landscapes

9th June 2005

Over the next three years major entrances to the Mendip Hills are going to be transformed with plaques which have been made for the Mendip Hills AONB by Wells Cathedral Stonemasons.

Throughout the project a total of 15 plaques will be put in place to raise awareness of the protected landscapes that you are entering.

The Mendip Hills AONB (Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty) Service looks after 198 km² of land taking in areas between Bleadon, near Weston-super-Mare to Wells and further north to Blagdon. Some of the famous landscape within the area includes Cheddar Gorge, Wookey Hole Caves and Dolebury Hillfort.

Jim Hardcastle, Development Officer for the Mendip Hills AONB commented: "The Mendip Hills are a popular destination for people participating in a number of leisure activities including horse riding and walking, and by marking the major entrances we are raising awareness that they are entering a nationally protected area which may contain important habitats, or even an Iron Age field monument."

Peter Arkell, Managing Director of Wells Cathedral Stonemasons added: "It is wonderful to be working on a project that focuses on our local area and by working with the AONB we will be helping to preserve the natural and ancient habitats that are all around us, but our sometimes taken for granted."

Pictured are Peter Arkell, Managing Director of Wells Cathedral Stonemasons (left) and Jim Hardcastle, Development Officer for the Mendip Hills AONB (right).