Calving deer and troublesome ticks

Rangers ask walkers to be mindful of calving deer and ground nesting birds this summer, and to beware of taking home more than just fond memories

June is a wonderful month to get outside and enjoy the Quantock scenery.  It is also a vital month for a lot of breeding wildlife such as ground nesting birds and Red Deer calves.  Quantock Hills AONB Service Rangers are reminding the public that these animals are vulnerable and that unnecessary disturbance can be avoided by keeping a respectful distance from the deer and keeping dogs under close control.  Red Deer Hinds (female deer) calve in sheltered, quite places and if you are lucky enough to spot a Red Deer calf please remember that during the first few days it is quite normal for the calf to be left alone between suckling bouts.  If you are at all concerned about the welfare of a deer please contact the Quantock Hills AONB office on 01823 451884.

Walkers will also need to protect themselves against bringing home more than just fond memories. 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 know that the disease is relatively rare.  Ranger Tim Russell has some helpful advice “There are some simple precautions you can take to reduce your chances of getting bitten by a Tick.  Keep to paths and tracks.  If passing through areas of rough vegetation it’s a good idea to tuck trousers into socks.  Check your clothing and exposed skin for ticks at regular intervals and again at the end of the day. “  A leaflet with more information is available from the Quantock Hills AONB Office based at Fyne Court in Broomfield, or call 01823 451884 and http://www.tickalert.org is a very useful website.

Georgie Grant - June 2012

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Information leaflets

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Planning Application Comments 2011

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Planning Application Comments Aug to Dec 2012

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

Planning application comments Jan 2013 onwards

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

Planning Application Comments Jan to July 2012

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

Planning Guidance and Position Statements

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PREPARING FOR CHANGE

Climate-proof your tourism business

Quantock Deer Count Results

Annual deer count results for 2010, 2011, 2012 and 2013

QUANTOCK ECO EVENTS PROGRAMME

Building Resilient Villages

Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) Papers 2009 to 2012

Papers from the partnership committee the Joint Advisory Committeeqhjac_papers_22nd_july_11.pdf

Quantock Hills Joint Advisory Committee (JAC) Papers from 2013

Papers from the partnership committee the Joint Advisory Committee

Quantock Hills Visitor Guide

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 Sustainable Development Fund provides 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.

Terms and Conditions for Quantock Hills Facebook page

Terms and Conditions for http://www.facebook.com/Quantock.hills

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.

Information

Useful Contacts

Quantock AONB Service
Tel: 01823 451 884

Somerset Wildlife Trust
Tel: 01823 652 400
www.somersetwildlife.org

National Trust
Tel: 01823 451 814
www.nationaltrust.org

Forestry Commission
Tel: 01278 732 319