Have your say: Draft Quantock Hills National Landscape Management Plan 2026-2031

The Quantock Hills National Landscape, designated as England’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956, is protected to conserve and enhance its natural beauty – including landscape, biodiversity, geology, scenic value (such as dark skies and tranquillity), and cultural and historic heritage.

The Quantock Hills National Landscape Partnership brings together local authorities, conservation bodies, government departments, and community organisations to safeguard the Quantock Hills for everyone. Working with partners, landowners, farmers, and organisations, the Partnership ensures the area’s ongoing protection.

Somerset Council undertakes the review and holds responsibility for the creation and ongoing review of the Management Plan. We develop policies and objectives that local authorities, partner organisations, and stakeholders must consider in fulfilling their duties, and these also inform the action plan for our Team and the wider partnership.

The Management Plan is vital as it describes the area’s special qualities and provides a framework for collaborative action to protect, enhance, and enjoy the Quantock Hills in line with a shared vision. The Partnership began its latest review in 2024, consulting residents, farmers, business owners, councillors, parish councils, stakeholders, and visitors to identify key issues.

These conversations have shaped the draft Management Plan for 2026-2031, and we now invite your views. After a 6-week consultation, amendments will be made before the plan is adopted.

Hugh Warmington, Chair of the Quantock Hills National Landscape Partnership, said:

“This is an important moment for the communities of the Quantock Hills and those who love visiting here. The draft Plan sets the priorities for this very special landscape, and how it responds to change. Much consultation has been done in the last year, but this is the first chance to see the draft plan in its entirety and to comment on it.”

The consultation is open until 31 December 2025. To view the draft plan, visit quantockhills.com/management-plan-2026-2031, request a paper copy by emailing quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk, or call 01823 451884.

Why not enjoy the Quantocks Poetry Trail this winter – a delightful walk featuring poetry, including works by our staff member Angela Wensley, whose piece ‘Solar Dawn’ was published in Hot Poet Sparks in 2023.