In a landmark move for local biodiversity, a 'super' National Nature Reserve (NNR) has been launched across the Mendip Hills. This is the second in the King's Series of NNRs aimed at enhancing nature recovery and biodiversity.

The new reserve is the result of a collaborative effort involving nine organisations: Natural England, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Avon Wildlife Trust, Mendip Hills AONB, the National Trust, Longleat and Cheddar Gorge Caves, the Butterfly Conservation, the Woodland Trust, and the South West Heritage Trust. These organisations have come together with ambitious plans to improve nature recovery in the area, making it more accessible for locals and visitors alike.

The NNR comprises 1,413 hectares and combines existing reserves, Ebbor Gorge and Rodney Stoke, as well as 29 other nature-rich sites. Stretching from the woodlands of England's smallest city, Wells, to Brean Down in the Severn estuary, the reserve links ecologically significant areas along the popular Mendip Way walking route.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, commented: "Today's declaration of the new Mendip National Nature Reserve is a huge step for nature recovery, not just in Somerset but the country as a whole. This treasure trove of ancient woodlands, rich wildflower grasslands and stunning geology has national importance due to its habitats and sustains a huge variety of wildlife from birds to small mammals and from rare butterflies to plants found only here."

A panoramic view of the newly declared 'super' National Nature Reserve in the Mendip Hills, where diverse ecosystems come together to form a sanctuary for local wildlife and a haven for nature lovers.

Rachael Fickweiler, Head of Nature Reserves and Land Management at Somerset Wildlife Trust, added: "Bringing together landowners and land managers to collaborate on a landscape-scale approach across the sites included in the new Mendip 'super' NNR is the best way to achieve nature's recovery and our 30 by 30 ambitions for land under good management for nature. This is essential if we are to tackle the challenges we face, including climate change and the adaptation needed to respond to this threat to key Mendip species such as the adder and greater horseshoe bat; and issues such as the devastating impact that ash dieback disease has had on our Mendip trees and woodlands."

The new NNR is home to diverse wildlife such as horseshoe bats, adder, skylark, water vole, and rare plants like Cheddar pink. It will also serve as a hub for environmental science and aims to improve public access and engagement, connecting people with the natural world.

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