Quantock Hills. An Area of Outstanding Beauty

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New funding in Western Somerset

New opportunities for project funding in Western Somerset

A new pot of funding is avaliable for projects in the Quantock Hills under the Western Somerset Local Action initiative. Local Action for Rural Communities is part of the Rural Development Programme for England, a European funded programme running from 2009 to 2013. The Rural Development Programme for England (RDPE) runs from 2007 to 2013. It is the 2nd pillar of the Common Agricultural Policy and aims to support the creation of genuinely sustainable farming, forestry and food sectors, whilst also bringing wider benefits for the economy, the environment and rural communities. It provides the major financial vehicle for protecting and enhancing the environment and securing a range of public benefits for society.

In this region, the South West of England Regional Development Agency (RDA) is responsible for ensuring that five per cent of the RDPE funding is spent on enabling community involvement in rural development. This investment is about improving the quality of life in rural areas and promoting diversification of the rural economy. The budget is channelled through the ‘Leader’ community-led approach to development, which is called Local Action in the South West.

The Western Somerset Local Action initiative has an overall vision to work towards a low carbon economy. The investment programme is now open and looking for Expressions of Interest from communities, partnerships and businesses who have a project that they feel will help to deliver the priorities for their area. If you feel you have a project which may be eligible for funding or just want to know more about the initiative then go to: http://western.somersetleader.org.uk/

Iain Porter - October 2009

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Stay in the loop

Annual Reports

View Annual reports from the Quantock AONB Service

AONB Planning Consultation Comments 2011

Please click below to read responses made by the AONB on behalf of the Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee

Information leaflets

Find out more about why the heathland is so important for birds, the red deer on the Quantocks and why the history of the landscape is so special.

Management Plan

The Quantock Hills AONB Management Plan 2009-2014 and Management Plan Summary

Newsletters

If you would like to subscribe to the Quantock Hills e-newsletter please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) and we will put you on our mailing list

Other organisations and activities in the Quantocks

A few things you might find interesting from organisations we work with in the Quantocks

Planning Application Comments 2012

Find out how the Quantock Hills AONB Service commented on planning applications in 2012

Planning Guidance and Position Statements

Find our guidance documents and position statements here.

PREPARING FOR CHANGE

Climate-proof your tourism business

Quantock Deer Count Results

Annual deer count results for 2010, 2011and 2012

QUANTOCK ECO EVENTS PROGRAMME

Building Resilient Villages

Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) Papers

Papers from the partnership committee the Joint Advisory Committeeqhjac_papers_22nd_july_11.pdf

Quantock Hills Visitor Guide

Recreation Leaflets

a full range of leaflets from circular walks to event guides and leaflets to allow you to enjoy the best of the hills

SCC disposal of land

Find out the Quantock Hills AONB Service position, and our response to SCC

Sustainable Development Fund forms

The SDF for 20011/12 has £45,000 to allocate. This will provide grants to organisations, businesses, community groups and individuals who wish to explore and develop practical projects that enhance, conserve and develop the environment, economy and way of life.

Tick Leaflet

Ticks are becoming more common and a bite from this spider-like parasite could lead to Lyme Disease. This is a treatable infection caused by bacterium transmitted by ticks when they bite. Not every tick carries Lyme Disease and it is important to realise that the disease is relatively rare.