Family Nature Walk

Walk, explore and help stop the quarry.

Home to rare orchids, otters, pole cats and bats, Asham Wood is the largest and most diverse of the ancient semi natural woods in the Mendips. It’s a Site of Special Interest and Special area of conservation. It truly is a great place to walk with the family, but it’s under threat!

Hanson have submitted applications to Somerset County Council to reopen and expand the quarry, destroying 40 years of regenerated habitat.

Indra and Liz, of the SHEWQ campaign, are taking us on a walk of the site where they’ll explain the impact of the proposed quarry and point out some interesting and beautiful sights.

We’ll explore the area with some bug hunting and make posters to Councillors on the committee, who are deciding whether the quarry will open, or not!

Frome Families For the Future are backing the campaign to prevent the super quarry as it is a local environmental catastrophe. Besides threatening wildlife, it will produce further CO2, put local water sources at risk and produce more HGV traffic.

Walk with us

We’ll meet at 2pm, on Sunday 16th April, at the entrance to the site ( click here for map ).

Please note that while the route we are taking is a public right of way, the land it crosses is private so we must stick to the designated path.

Location

What3words - ///many.stack.overlaid

There is limited parking on site, there is enough parking for a few cars – please leave this space for families with young children to use.

Parking

There is limited parking on site, the closest is Bulls Green Lane which is directly opposite (limited parking on road and lay-by). Stony Lane is the next option, limited parking and does include walking to site along the main road (grass verge to walk on). Please take caution when walking from Stony Lane to the meeting point as it is a busy road.

Please car share or get a lift if possible. If driving, allow time to park and walk to the meeting point.

Accessibility

The path is paved, offroad buggies would cope fine if there hasn’t been lot’s of rain (big puddles!).

There are no toilets on site.

What to bring

Please wear suitable footwear and bring enough drinking water and snacks as well as suncream to last the duration of the event (2-4pm).

More info about the expansion and petition on the Stop Hanson Expansion at Westdown Quarry website www.shewq.com