Going but not quite gone…
Some years ago, Jo and I went to an event at Halsway Manor at which, as I discovered later, she decided that we would join Friends of Quantock, of which I had never heard. However, I then found out that …
Searching for emeralds on the Quantocks
If you walk on the hills in May and June you may see a flash of emerald green as a Green Hairstreak butterfly passes by. These are quite small at 27-34mm and usually you see them flying quite low and …
The Little Red Tractor
Friends of the Quantocks is an active partner in the Quantock Landscape Partnership Scheme – the National Landscape’s five-year programme of work. Some of our financial contribution has gone towards the purchase of an alpine tractor, a special piece of …
Quantock Poetry Trail
Before I joined the Friends of the Quantocks, I spent most of my time working with artists and creatives. One of those creatives is Ralph Hoyte – Bristol-based poet, writer and digital wizzard – who I first met whilst developing …
Quantocks Wildlife Watch Update
It’s been two years since we set up the Quantocks Wildlife Watch on iNaturalist and so far just under 12,500 observations have been made and over 2,000 species recorded by just under 600 people. The idea of the project is …
Basking at Bicknoller
Some mornings ago I spent a quiet hour in Bicknoller Quarry, much of it sitting on a rock in the sun and just listening and looking. I heard stock dove and wood pigeon, song thrush, blackbird and blackcap, robins, a …
Missing Hedges in the Quantocks National Landscape
For wildlife habitats, as migration corridors, for biodiversity, preventing soil erosion, providing carbon sinks, and as part of the heritage of our landscape it seems everybody loves a good hedge. Local MP and Environment Minister Rebecca Pow recently said: “Hedgerows …
Stephen Moss & Britain’s Favourite Birds
Is yours on the list? Join us at Crowcombe hall on Saturday 6th July to find out. LAST FEW TICKETS available here!!! Somerset author, naturalist and co-creator of BBC’s Springwatch, Stephen Moss is coming to the Quantocks to share his …
Quantock Coast Wildlife Walk with Nigel Phillips – 25th May
Join nature writer and wildlife expert Nigel Phillips for a 3-mile walk along the stunning Quantock Coast and through ancient woodland ~ on Saturday 25th May. This walk will take you on a journey through the diverse habitats of the area, where …
A Talk with Anna Jones – the Divide – Saturday 11th May, 2pm at Crowcombe Village Hall
A Talk by Anna Jones, author of Divide – the relationship crisis between town and country, with Hugh Warmington, chair of the Quantock Hills National Landscape Joint Advisory Committee. No matter who we are and what our connection is to …