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< Back to FAQs Hunting Why do I see hunting on the hills, I thought it was banned? The Hunting Act 2004 (c 37) banned the hunting of wild mammals with dogs in England and Wales. There are some exemptions under the Act though these are very limited and specific such as the use of 2 dogs in the process of flushing out an unidentified wild mammal, nor does it affect drag hunting, where hounds are trained to follow an artificial scent. ​ Some landowners have given the hunt permission to use their land for exempt hunting (flushing wild mammals with 2 dogs), in some cases allowing vehicles following the activity onto the common providing the hunt stays within the law. If you believe that you have seen the hunt engaging in activities that are not permitted under the Hunting Act, then please contact the police on the 101 non-emergency number to report the incident or 999 if you or someone else is in immediate danger or you need police help immediately. It is not within the remit or the powers of the Quantock Hills AONB to investigate or take enforcement action in respect of illegal hunting. ​ Impacts of the activity are discussed between the landowners and Natural England because the common is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. The Quantock Hills Deer Management Group also liaise with landowners and interested parties about the deer population. < Previous Next >

< Back to all information leaflets Visitor Guide Download document [pdf] A guide to exploring the Quantock Hills National Landscape. Click on the button above to download a copy of this document. If you require a different format, please email quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk or call 01823 451884. < Previous Next >

< Back to Newsletters (all) Newsletter December 2021 Download document [pdf] Click on the button above to download a copy of this document. If you require a different format, please email quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk or call 01823 451884. < Previous Next >

< Back to Meet the team Project Support Officer - Vacancy Project Support Officer - Vacancy ​ The role manages the administration and communication for the Landscape Projects work of the Quantock Hills National Landscape Team. This includes engaging with farmers, land owners and community groups promoting funding opportunities for landscape, nature, climate or access enhancements. < Previous Next >

< Back to Places to visit Ramscombe (Great Wood) Explore this 600 hectare woodland, a mix of magnificant conifers and ancient oak woods. More info: https://www.forestryengland.uk/great-wood ​ Best time to visit ​ Look out for ​ Getting there What3Words: Nearest postcode: Google Maps link: ​ ​ Address: ​ Facilities nearby Toilets, accessible toilet on site. Cafe at entrance to Great Wood (not Forestry England). Transport and parking A number of parking locations within Great Wood. Charges apply. Accessibility There is level access from the main car park to Ramscombe Picnic Table and from the Event Room car park to accessible toilet. Forest roads and tracks uneven terrain with some slopes. Great Wood is owned and managed by Forestry England. It is over 600 hectares in size and mixes commercial conifer woodland with broadleaf and open areas providing a mix of habitats ideal for wildlife. There are a number of car parks from which to explore the woods using the great network of bridleways or forest road either on foot, on horse or by bike. In Ramscombe there is family picnic area with wheelchair access, plenty of picnic tables and also dedicated surfaces for BBQs. From here the 2 mile Red Route is great to view the majestic Douglas Firs that tower above the surrounding woodland. < Previous Next >

< Back to Farming in Protected Landscapes Case Studies (all) Preservation of an historic limekiln This project preserved an historic limekiln in Lower Aisholt and created public access and interpretation. Aisholt QH1011 ​ < Previous Next >

< Back to Newsletters (all) Newsletter July 2020 Download document [pdf] Click on the button above to download a copy of this document. If you require a different format, please email quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk or call 01823 451884. < Previous Next >

< Back to Meet the team Mark Baker Project Manager (Landscapes) mark.baker@somerset.gov.uk The Project Manager oversees the Teams landscape projects such as the Landscape Improvement Scheme. The role also leads on the nature recovery work of the Team including the Nature Recovery Plan, engagement with local and national nature recovery strategies. < Previous Next >

Heath The Quantock Hills along with Exmoor and Dartmoor National Parks are well known for the quality of their heathlands. The mix of different types of heath are an important feature of the Quantock Hills. The upland heath is dominated by dwarf shrubs of ling heather with whortleberry, bell heather, cross leaved heath and western gorse also present. The western heath are dominated by bell heather and western gorse. ​ On the better drained deeper soils of the lower slopes bracken is more prevalent. The bracken is often found with whortleberry, wavy-haired grass and dwarf shrubs such as heather and gorse. The heaths support a range of characteristic animals. Birds include: Dartford Warbler, Whinchat, Stonechat, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Linnet, Wheatear and Raven. Nightjars can be heard during the summer months, whilst you may be lucky and spot a Hen Harrier gliding over the heath during the winter. A variety of invertebrates including a wide range of moths and butterflies such as the Small Heath and Grayling are to be found. ​ Although primarily woodland animals Red Deer can often be seen grazing on the heath in the early morning and late evening. The close proximity of heathland to scrub and woodland habitats creates a ‘transition zone’ of particular ecological importance. This area can be favoured by some animals and birds, such as Redstart and Tree Pipit. Due to the increase of agricultural improvement of land the amount of heath left in the UK has decreased. Because of the ecological importance of this habitat the heathlands on the Quantock Hills are designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI).

< Back to Management Plan (all documents) State of the Quantock Hills report Download document [pdf] Click on the button above to download a copy of this document. If you require a different format, please email quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk or call 01823 451884. < Previous Next >

< Back to Joint Advisory Committee papers (all) Joint Advisory Committee papers January 2021 Download document [pdf] Click on the button above to download a copy of this document. If you require a different format, please email quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk or call 01823 451884. < Previous Next >

< Back to educational resources (all documents) Kilve Shore education pack Download document [pdf] Explore the coast at Kilve in this teachers pack with a Geography and Science theme (KS1 – 2). Click on the button above to download a copy of this document. If you require a different format, please email quantockhills@somerset.gov.uk or call 01823 451884. < Previous Next >