The Mendip Society

For over 60 years The Mendip Society has organised walks, talks and events. Spoken up to highlight local issues, monitored planning, rights of way, conservation matters and so much more.

A farm visit with a twist. &nbsp;Neil and Lottie are planning a discovery trail around their regenerative farm, which sits just above Ebbor Gorge National Nature Reserve on the southern edge of the Mendip Plateau. Most of the farm is at about 250 metres above sea level with fantastic views across the Somerset levels to Glastonbury Tor, the Bristol Channel, the Quantocks and even Exmoor on a clear day. &nbsp; This visit includes a bit of a challenge, finding questions and facts posted at points around the farm aimed at spurring on a discussion afterwards, over tea and cake, about the farm and the philosophy of regenerative farming that Neil and Lottie espouse. &nbsp; An entertaining and educational visit for all, come along, join in, and discover something new in idyllic countryside.

Ebbor Beef Discovery Trail

Our last attempt at this event got rained off. &nbsp;If you were one of those who booked but didn&#39;t go then please book under &quot;Trying again!&quot; this time.&nbsp; A short walk on uneven ground, looking at the flora and fauna found on this reserve which is owned by Somerset Wildlife Trust. &nbsp;Free car parking can be found at The Blackmoor Reserve Car park or along the roadside beside the reserve.&nbsp;

Ubley Warren Flora and Fauna Walk two

Since their arrival in 2020, Charlie and Rachel Fayers have transformed their Patch into a haven for wildlife. This former campsite is located near some important wildlife reserves but even so, they have been amazed at the speed at which nature has thrived!&nbsp;Habitat management has focused on wildflower meadows, the creation of five ponds, hedgerow planting, woodland regeneration and a traditional orchard.&nbsp;To date, over 750 species have been recorded on site, with some of the highlights being the hazel dormouse, breeding adders and tawny owls and the biggest surprise - a pine marten that made headlines recently - the first one seen on Mendip for over 100 years!&nbsp; The Mendip Society has organised an exclusive tour for members and guests, with Charlie and Rachel showing us just what they have achieved in a few short years. &nbsp;Following the official tour, members and guests are welcome to stay on site and enjoy a lunchtime picnic (bring your own) in the delightful surroundings of this special place. &nbsp; Do please note that this is a NO DOGS visit. &nbsp;Both because the owners have their own dog on site and to avoid the possibility of disturbing the rich assortment of wildlife in a relatively small area.

A (second) Visit to A Patch Wilder

A Visit to A Patch Wilder

A short walk on uneven ground, looking at the flora and fauna found on this reserve which is owned by Somerset Wildlife Trust. &nbsp;Free car parking can be found at The Blackmoor Reserve Car park or along the roadside beside the reserve.&nbsp;

Ubley Warren Flora and Fauna Walk

Join us for a walk to Wilkins Cider Farm.&nbsp;This is an easy, mainly flat walk of around 7Km (4.4 miles) with one small hill of around 70 meters assent. Roger Wilkins is a legend in the world of traditional Somerset cider. &nbsp;His product is award winning - and strong! &nbsp;Be prepared to carry back a sample or two of the product, and make sure you have a &ldquo;designated driver&rdquo; for the trip home!

A walk to Wilkins Cider Farm

A short walk on level ground looking at wildlife and flowers at Blagdon Lake. We will be going to the north side of the lake which isn&#39;t open to the public or permit holders as a rule. The meadows are a delight &nbsp;in May. &nbsp;Some bird watching included.

Wildlife and Flowers at Blagdon Lake with Nigel Milborne

A return visit to this smallholding near Churchill. &nbsp;With support from several local funds, including our Small Grants Fund, Roger and Christine run short courses in conjunction with the local college, MHNL and others, introducing students to land and livestock management plus restoration and renovation works - This was where the &ldquo;Arty Adders&rdquo; were created last year amongst other things. Roger has also uncovered a lot of local history and installed information boards to tell the story of his land.&nbsp;A tour of the farm will be followed by refreshments and a chance to discuss their plans for the future.

A visit to Batch Farm

Meeting at The playing fields (free) car park in Frog lane, &nbsp;This is a circular walk of around four miles with the potential to see Ravens, Peregrines and even Roe Deer. &nbsp;Mainly on gravel paths and fields, with three stiles. (a couple are quite high)&nbsp;Also included are Ancient woodland, a cave and a swallet, fields, a mineral lake, A little bit of road walking with a couple of slight inclines but nothing too steep. There is a pleasant area by the river half way round where we can stop and have a break, so you may wish to bring a snack and drink.

Stoke St Michael, Four Mile Circular Walk

The Mendip Society has been invited for an exclusive private visit to Yeo Valley Organic. &nbsp; Starting with an introduction and business insight over tea or coffee, followed by a guided walk around the farm then transferring to the HQ canteen for a two-course lunch.&nbsp;&nbsp; The price of a place on this special event is &nbsp;just &pound;12.50, which includes tea / coffee and your lunch.

Visit Yeo Valley

A fairly short, but very informative walk with Nathan Orr, recovery ranger for MHNL. &nbsp;Generally easy going, but there will be stiles to be negotiated, and you should expect quite a lot of standing still while Nathan &quot;shows and tells&quot;.&nbsp;Therefore warm layers and wet weather gear is advisable.&nbsp;

Discover the Nature in Dry Stone Walls

With Master of CeremoniesMr. Les Davies MBE andfeaturing The Langport Mummers.

WASSAIL 2026

Open to all,16 years + (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) . &nbsp;This course is limited to twelve participants.&nbsp; All tools are provided for the day, but please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Joining instructions &amp; other information will be sent to participants nearer the date.

Beginners Hedge Laying Training Day

Open to all,16 years + (under 18s must be accompanied by an adult) . &nbsp;This course is limited to ten participants.&nbsp; All tools are provided for the day, but please wear suitable footwear and clothing. Joining instructions &amp; other information will be sent to participants nearer the date.

Coppicing for Beginners

By completing this questionnaire, you can join us or renew your membership. &nbsp; Please read each category carefully and double check everything before committing. In particular, please be aware that Zeffy will add in a &quot;voluntary donation&quot; of 17% to the stated membership fee. &nbsp;THIS CAN BE OVER-RIDEN!&nbsp;&nbsp;Simply set the donation amount to &quot;&pound;0&quot; before you check out. &nbsp;Zeffy relies on these donations to allow us free use of its facilities, but you are under no obligation whatsoever to make a donation - it is 100% up to you.

By completing this questionnaire, you can join us or renew your membership. Please read each category carefully and double check everything before committing. In particular, please be aware that Zeffy will add in a "voluntary donation" of 17% to the stated membership fee. THIS CAN BE OVER-RIDEN! Simply set the donation amount to "£0" before you check out. Zeffy relies on these donations to allow us free use of its facilities, but you are under no obligation whatsoever to make a donation - it is 100% up to you.

Membership

Join us for a visit to Folly Farm Avon Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve.&nbsp;A Walk around the Avon Wildlife Trust Reserve at Folly Farm. A lengthy uphill stretch at start, climbing on path through woodland, which can be muddy after rain. Steep rough descent. (walking poles useful). therefore graded Hard. &nbsp; Sorry but NO dogs will be allowed on this walk.

Folly Farm - Avon Wildlife Trust visit

A short, level walk around the South side of Bladgon Lake with Nigel Milborne, looking for summer waders.&nbsp;Bring a drink &amp; a snack, and please dress to suit the weather forecast on the day. &nbsp;&pound;7 per head to cover the cost of a Bristol Water Day Permit PLEASE NOTE: THIS IS A MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

A walk around the South side of Blagdon Lake with Nigel Milborne

Nick Hawkes describes himself as &ldquo;Semi-retired&rdquo;. &nbsp;However, a career in geology worldwide makes the chance to walk around the Mineries with him an un-missable opportunity. We will be walking on Uneven Terrain, so stout footwear is required. Please also be aware that the car park at Stockhill now has a charging machine in place, so car share if you can and bring a card to make payment.&nbsp;

Priddy Mineries Geo Walk

<h5 fr-original-style='box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); margin: 0px; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "PT Sans", "PT Sans Fallback"; color: rgb(71, 71, 71); font-weight: 700; direction: ltr; font-style: normal; text-decoration-line: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: initial; font-size: 20px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal;' id="isPasted" style='box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); margin: 0px; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "PT Sans", "PT Sans Fallback"; color: rgb(71, 71, 71); font-weight: 700; direction: ltr; font-style: normal; text-decoration-line: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: initial; font-size: 20px; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal;'><span fr-original-style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 16px !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; display: initial; font-weight: normal;" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 16px !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; display: initial; font-weight: normal;"><span fr-original-style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 16px !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; display: initial; font-weight: normal;" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 16px !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; display: initial; font-weight: normal;">A walk of around six miles in total (3+ hours duration). with some uphill sections and potentially rough, wet ground to cover.&nbsp;</h5><h5 fr-original-style='box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); margin: 0px; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "PT Sans", "PT Sans Fallback"; color: rgb(71, 71, 71); font-weight: 700; direction: ltr; font-style: normal; text-decoration-line: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: initial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal;' style='box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); margin: 0px; -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 20px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; font-family: "PT Sans", "PT Sans Fallback"; color: rgb(71, 71, 71); font-weight: 700; direction: ltr; font-style: normal; text-decoration-line: inherit; text-decoration-thickness: initial; text-decoration-style: initial; text-decoration-color: initial; line-height: initial; font-variant-ligatures: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: 2; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; widows: 2; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; white-space: normal;'><span fr-original-style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 16px !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal; display: initial;" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 16px !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal; display: initial;"><span fr-original-style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 16px !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal; display: initial;" style="box-sizing: border-box; border: 0px solid rgb(51, 51, 51); -webkit-font-smoothing: antialiased; font-size: 16px !important; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: transparent; text-decoration: none; font-weight: normal; display: initial;">Suitable clothing and footwear essential &ndash; &nbsp;Ending at St Hugh&rsquo;s Church where teas and a welcome toilet facility will be available. (Small donation appreciated). Please Note: this event is limited to 20 places.</h5>

Somerset V Hitler - The Walk 2026

Join us for a talk by Sarah Mead on the story and stewardship of the Yeo Valley Organic Garden, plus her role in marketing Yeo Valley Organics.&nbsp; This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the guiding hands behind the Yeo Valley organisation. &nbsp;A talk of around 45-50 minutes, followed by a Q&amp;A session. &nbsp; The evening then wraps up with a coffee and mince pie social, wrapping up our programme of activities for 2026.

The Mendip Society

The Mendip Society

Events

Events

Folly Farm - Avon Wildlife Trust visit

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A walk around the South side of Blagdon Lake with Nigel Milborne

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Priddy Mineries Geo Walk

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Somerset V Hitler - The Walk 2026

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A talk by Sarah Mead. "Yeo Valley Organic Garden".

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