NATURAL England and its partners have today launched a new ‘super’ National Nature Reserve across the Mendip Hills which marks the second in the new King’s Series of National Nature Reserves committed to enhancing biodiversity and nature recovery.

The declaration comes as a result of a partnership between Natural England, Mendip Hills AONB, the National Trust, Longleat/Cheddar Gorge Caves, Somerset and Avon Wildlife Trusts, Butterfly Conservation, the Woodland Trust and the South West Heritage Trust, who are all working in partnership to manage the NNR with a shared objective for nature recovery.

Together, the organisations have ambitious plans to recover nature in the Mendips.

The Mendip Hills is a vibrant landscape of steep limestone slopes, traditional wildflower grasslands, ancient wooded combes, spectacular gorges, and rocky outcrops with stunning views and a rich array of wildlife and history.

The new, larger 'super' National Nature Reserve, will see nine organisations working together in partnership to improve collaboration and joined-up management for wildlife and geology.

Tony Juniper, Chair of Natural England, said: “Today’s declaration of the new Mendip National Nature Reserve is a huge step for nature recovery, not just in Somerset and the west of England, 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.

“Working with partners to create this new National Nature Reserve will be a step along the road of enhancing the biodiversity of the Mendip Hills making it a bigger, better, and more joined-up place for wildlife to thrive.

"It also means this area is recognised for its importance to nature and people, where the local community has so many opportunities to connect with nature, history, and the local heritage.”

National Nature Reserve status is given to the very best nature conservation sites in England and is recognition that the land is nationally important and will be managed in perpetuity for its wildlife and geology.

Many National Nature Reserves are managed – like the Mendip National Nature Reserve - by multiple parties also known as Approved Bodies who are committed to working together towards a shared future vision for the Nature Reserve.

Read more about the power of National Nature Reserves in this blog by Tony Juniper.