Carymoor Environmental Trust turns 30
Image courtesy of Carymoor Environmental Trust
Somerset-based environmental charity Carymoor Environmental Trust is celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2026, marking 3 decades of environmental education, conservation and community action.
To launch its anniversary year, the charity welcomed Sarah Dyke MP alongside members of the school council from Castle Cary Primary School, highlighting Carymoor’s long-standing commitment to educating young people and inspiring care for the natural world.
Founded in 1996 by a small group of local enthusiasts, Carymoor began with a clear and ambitious vision: to help people live more sustainably and reconnect with nature. 30 years on, the charity has grown into a thriving environmental organisation, inspiring communities across Somerset to reduce waste, enhance biodiversity and care for the environment.
One of Carymoor’s most remarkable achievements has been the transformation of 80 acres of capped landfill into a flourishing nature reserve. Today, the site supports woodland, wetland and wildflower meadows, with staff and volunteers regularly recording 28 species of butterfly, including 4 priority species. Deer, rabbits, foxes and badgers are now a familiar sight across the reserve.
Carymoor’s nature reserve and eco buildings form the base for a wide-ranging environmental education programme. More than 3,000 young people visit Carymoor each year, many encountering wildlife and natural habitats for the first time. Since the charity opened its doors, over 85,000 schoolchildren have taken part in visits and activities on site.
Children may spot a newt or a grass snake during their visit – moments that help spark a lifelong connection with nature. They can also visit a working Waste Transfer Station, giving them a first-hand understanding of waste issues and showing how everyday choices can make a real difference.
Sarah Dyke MP said:
“I am delighted to be at Carymoor to celebrate their 30th anniversary. Carymoor plays an important role in educating the next generation and helping to make environmentally positive behaviours the norm.”
Carymoor’s Schools Against Waste project, delivered in partnership with Somerset Council, extends this learning into primary schools across the county. Through assemblies and workshops, children explore the 3Rs – Reduce, Reuse, Recycle – with practical sessions on topics such as food waste and single-use plastics. Since 2018, more than 65,000 children have taken part in the programme.
Volunteers are central to Carymoor’s work, contributing more than 6,500 hours each year. Many volunteers are recovering from mental health challenges and gain confidence, connection and purpose through meaningful outdoor activity. Carymoor staff also teach traditional countryside skills, including hedgelaying, scything and coppicing, supporting both wildlife and wellbeing.
Carymoor’s education and conservation work continues to have a lasting impact through schools, community groups and volunteers, creating a strong legacy of environmental care across Somerset and beyond.
Chief Executive Rupert Farthing said:
“Over the past 30 years, Carymoor has made a significant impact on communities in Somerset and beyond, demonstrating that reducing our environmental impact can be positive and life-enhancing. As we look to the future, we aim to build on this legacy by expanding our education work, restoring more habitats and strengthening partnerships that help Somerset become a greener, more connected county. Carymoor is a beacon of positivity in challenging times.”
Carymoor Environmental Trust is an environmental education and nature conservation charity, based next to the landfill site at Dimmer, near Castle Cary. Registered charity number 1089668.
Watch Carymoor’s YouTube video to find out more about Outdoor learning at Carymoor.