Mendip Society's voice

22nd May 2007

•Mendip Society members on the hills.

The Mendip Society is now in its 43rd year and boasts more than 800 members.

Its aims are the conservation and enhancement of the beauty and character of Mendip and its surroundings.

Responsible waste disposal, green tourism and transport are also issues on which the society has a voice.

Membership of the society includes free admission to a walks and talks programme, a newsletter three times a year, plus the chance to help with the Slader’s Leigh conservation project - which is the society’s meadow near Winscombe.

The meadow is home to more than 130 kinds of flora and fauna, including the imaginatively titled Devil’s-Bit Scabious, Betony, Common Spotted Orchid and Tormentil.

The members also have a voice on planning decisions and issues affecting the countryside.
They can make use of a small library of specialist books and take the opportunity to learn skills such as dry-stone walling and scything.

Existing member Gareth Jones said: “It’s a great way to unwind and there are not many better views than those you will discover when walking across the hills.”
The society’s website contains a wealth of information about forthcoming events and has photographs of some of the views which can be experienced by becoming a member.

Annual membership is priced at £12 for a single adult, £9 for a retired person and £17 for a family.  The website, www.mendipsociety.org.uk, contains information about the society, about Mendip, links to other sites, details of countryside bus services and other access information, photographs, AGM meeting papers, the events programme and recent newsletters. For more details call Pat Farrant on 01934 742141.

THE FACTS:
• Name of club: Mendip Society.
• Founded: 1965.
• Membership: More than 800.
• Who the club caters for: Those who enjoy the countryside.
• Meeting place and time: The Mendip Hills.
• Chairman: Simon Whitmore.
• Number to contact for more details: 01749 850537.