Lead Organisation
Bath and North East Somerset Council
Partner organisations
Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol Avon Rivers Trust, Bristol Avon Catchment Partnership, Wessex Water, Natural England, University of Bath, Bath Spa University, Bath College, West of England Nature Partnership, Environment Agency, Midsomer Norton Town Council, and Westfield Parish Council.
Project description
The Somer Valley encompasses the Cam and Wellow river catchments and is characterised by steep valleys, farmland and hedgerows. The Somer Valley Rediscovered Partnership’s objectives are to:
- Restore and enhance ecological, terrestrial and aquatic networks to increase biodiversity.
- Improve access and people’s connection to nature, enabling positive local action and improving health and wellbeing.
- Increase resilience to climate change, enabling communities and nature to thrive.
- Improve land management to protect and enhance landscape character, including habitats and historic features.
- Promote exploration by walking and cycling and as a visitor destination.
The project includes the restoration of 34 hectares of green spaces featuring species-rich grassland around Midsomer Norton and Radstock.
Project location
The Somer Valley lies to the south of Bath, located between the Mendip Hills and Cotswolds National Landscapes.
Contribution to Big Chalk
The Somer Valley is part of a wider ambition to better connect the Mendip Hills and the Cotswolds for wildlife – known as the 'Limestone Link'. It includes focus areas for restoring and creating species-rich grasslands identified by the West of England Local Nature Recovery Strategy and contributing towards Big Chalk’s vision.
The focus on improving access and people’s connection to nature will ensure the landscape benefits local communities and residents, as exemplified by the Avon Wildlife Trust-led Nextdoor Nature programme, and community involvement in restoring green spaces.
Do you have a project that could strengthen the future of southern England’s iconic chalk and limestone landscapes?
The Big Chalk programme brings together a dynamic suite of partner-led projects, each unique in its focus, area, and partnerships but sharing a commitment to our collective vision.
If your project contributes to the Big Chalk mission, we invite you to register it as a Big Chalk Project. Registered projects gain access to networking, shared learning, and best practice—alongside the Big Chalk brand, boosting your profile and connecting you to a powerful, growing network of partners.
Together, these projects form a united effort to secure the future of southern England’s chalk and limestone landscapes, making a lasting impact for nature and communities.