The Mendip Hills National Landscape offers corporates compelling opportunities to invest in large-scale ecological restoration, habitat enhancement and community-linked nature recovery.
With its iconic Cheddar Gorge, diverse woodland and grassland habitats, and extensive cultural history, this landscape delivers high-value natural capital outcomes aligned with sustainability and ESG ambitions.
Open the drop-down box for a quick overview of the assets and opportunities in the Mendip Hills National Landscape:
In a nutshell...
Size: 19,800 ha
Population: ~20,000
Natural capital assets:
- Karst & Limestone habitats
- Wetland ecosystems and lakes
- Cultural and archaeological heritage
- Sustainable tourism
Governance: The Mendip Hills National Landscape Partnership is coordinated by a management team working with councils, landowners, conservation partners and community groups.
Welcome to the Mendip Hills National Landscape
The Mendip Hills rise prominently above the Somerset Levels, forming a patchwork of limestone ridges, wooded combes, lakes and dramatic gorges. Within this ~198 km² landscape lie ancient monuments, rich biodiversity, priority grasslands and internationally important geological features that together tell a deep story of human-nature interaction.
The National Landscape Partnership’s Management Plan drives nature recovery, climate resilience, sustainable agriculture integration, community participation and cultural heritage enhancement. Priority actions include restoring Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs), supporting wildlife corridors, championing species recovery, and enhancing access for local and regional communities.
The Mendip Hills National Landscape works with farmers, local councils, conservation bodies and volunteers to co-design interventions that deliver measurable biodiversity, carbon and social returns. Corporate funding can accelerate habitat restoration, ecological monitoring programmes, regenerative land-use innovations and community education, amplifying ESG impact and local resilience.
Natural capital assets and opportunities
Here are some of the key natural assets and opportunities:
- Karst & Limestone Habitats: Calcareous grasslands and wooded combes rich in species and geological significance.
- Chew Valley Lakes: Important wetland ecosystems supporting birdlife and freshwater services.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Priority habitats for greater horseshoe bats, dormice, adders and rare flora.
- Cultural Heritage: Dry-stone walls, Bronze Age monuments and long-standing pastoral landscapes.
- Sustainable Recreation & Tourism: Trails, caves and outdoor activity networks that connect people to nature.
