Friends of Quantock

About Us

Friends of Quantock was formed in 1949 to protect threatened deciduous woodland and to oppose conifer afforestation. Since then, the Quantocks have been designated an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a Site of Special Scientific InterestÂ - proof of their high value as landscape and as a habitat for wild fauna and flora.

Friends of Quantock is a registered charity, run by a voluntary committee elected annually, and aiming to provide a voice for all those people concerned with the beauty and welfare of the Quantock Hills.

So, if you care about the Quantocks, please join us.

Objectives

To safeguard the landscape, natural beauty and amenities of the Quantocks in co-operation with other bodies who have similar objects or interests.

In particular, we aim to:

Preserve the Quantock landscape, the open heathland, deciduous woodland, wildlife, antiquities and the rights and privileges of the public and commoners.
Oppose inappropriate buildings, unauthorised vehicles, excessive noise, litter dumping, poaching and everything detrimental to peaceful, natural beauty.
Promote understanding, appreciation and responsible use of the Quantock environment.

What We Do

Friends of Quantock take part in reaching constructive decisions and policies for the welfare of the Quantock Hills by liaison withÂ the Quantock Joint Advisory Committee, Somerset County Council, the District Councils, the Quantock AONB Service, the Forestry Commission, Somerset Wildlife Trust, English Nature and many other authorities and interested voluntary groups.

We monitor quarrying, footpath and bridleway use and any changesÂ or developments which affect the Quantock environment. In practical terms, we have provided fire-beaters, trees, tools, radio equipment for the AONB service, bird nest-boxes, slides, photographs, information and publications; we have also carried out a major restoration of the Terhill statue of Jupiter on the Cothelstone Estate.

We commission reports on endangered species and habitats - e.g. the yellow wax-cap fungus; we organise events, lectures, meetings, a regular twice yearly Newsletter and information on matters concerning the Quantocks.