Protected Landscapes
Enjoy Somerset's Special Landscapes
There is so much that is special about Somerset. Indeed most people outside of the County don't know that the majority of Exmoor (two thirds to be precise) is actually in Somerset not Devon.
What's more Somerset has 3 AONB's - Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty - as well as the Levels & Moors, which runs through the heart of Somerset and has a unique cultural heritage.
In addition, Somerset has a whole host of RSPB, English Nature and Somerset Wildlife Trust Reserves and protected Areas.
Explore a Protected Landscape...
Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Just 20 miles or so to the south of Bath and Bristol are the Mendip Hills. Rising to just over 1000 feet (300 metres) at the highest point, this apparently modest plateau of limestone hills stretches about 50 miles, from the coast at Weston-super-Mare almost to Frome in the east. Nonetheless, on a clear day, the Mendips offer spectacular panoramic...
Somerset Levels & Moors
The Somerset Levels and Moors are one of the most important inland wetland landscapes in Britain, if not the world. The Levels stretch along the coast and are a clay belt about 6 metres above sea level whereas the Moors are inland flood plains only about 3 metres above sea level. This quiet and distinctive landscape is valued as a place to...
Otterhead Estate
The Otterhead nature reserve is a neglected Victorian landscape in the valley of the River Otter. New management seeks to conserve heritage features including garden plants and improve wildlife habitats.
Quantock Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Quantock Hills are situated between Taunton and Bridgwater stretching to the sea at the Bristol Channel. Though compact, measuring just twelve miles by four, they offer extensive views over much of Somerset and across to the Welsh coast. Characterised by deep wooded valleys or "combes", open heath land and rich flora and fauna, the...
Exmoor National Park
One of the most peaceful of all National Parks, Exmoor is renowned for its dramatic coastal views, heather moorland, ancient woodlands, steep combes and Exmoor Ponies.
Blackdown Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
The Blackdown Hills are a nationally important landscape and were designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in recognition of the special qualities of their natural and built environment. Being relatively unspoilt, the Hills offer a rare sense of timelessness. A network of hedges, mature hedgerow trees and small copses link a rich...
Ham Hill Country Park
390 acre, open access country park. Superb walks and panoramic views with iron age and roman earthworks.
Tarr Steps Woodland National Nature Reserve
Tarr Steps is an example of a 'clapper' bridge (the term being derived from the Latin 'claperius', meaning 'pile of stones') and is constructed entirely from large stone slabs and boulders.
Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve
Woodland walk with excellent spring flowers, summer butterflies and autumn colour. Limestone outcrops and towering cliffs surround the gorge itself with great views across the Somerset levels to Glastonbury Tor and Brent Knoll.
Shapwick Heath National Nature Reserve
Shapwick Heath NNR is a major wetland reserve forming a large part of the Avalon Marshes, and boasts a wide variety of habitats, animals and plant life.
Kilve Beach
The beach is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a favourite haunt of geologists with its spectacular rock formations and fossils, including ammonites and reptile remains.
Uphill Local Nature Reserve
Uphill Hill Local Nature Reserve is located to the south of the village of Uphill, which is itself just south of Weston-super-Mare, and is best accessed from the car park at the base of Uphill Hill.
Hawkcombe Woods National Nature Reserve
The reserve is one of England's most special ancient woodlands and is a valuable example of what can be likened to a temperate 'rainforest' with abundant mosses, lichens and fungi.
RSPB Ham Wall - Mendip
The reserve is accessed via the public footpath, which follows the old Glastonbury to Highbridge railway line. There are also longer nature trails, extending up to 3.6 miles (5.8 km) on slightly rougher grounds. Open all year round. Free entry.
RSPB Greylake reserve
“Access for All” facilities include a 700m nature trail, suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs, interpretative displays and a sound box, and a viewing hide, which is wheelchair accessible. There is a good sized car park and a bicycle rack.
