A recent call from Somerset councillor Henry Hobhouse to designate the Somerset Levels as the UK’s newest national landscape has ignited discussions on preservation and protection. The Levels, boasting the largest Ramsar site outside of Norfolk, have been proposed by Hobhouse as a deserving candidate for such a designation. The move aims to safeguard the historic character of the Levels while enhancing the natural environment.
During a meeting with Somerset Council’s climate and place scrutiny committee, Hobhouse emphasized the significance of the Levels and sought clarification on the process for instituting the area as a national landscape. He stressed the need to move forward with this designation, particularly in light of the significant Ramsar site established in 1971, advocating for proactive steps to ensure its protection.
Currently, Somerset is home to four national landscapes, including the Blackdown Hills, Cranborne Chase, the Mendip Hills, and the Quantock Hills, in addition to the Exmoor National Park. The push for the Levels to join these ranks demonstrates a commitment to preserving the environmental and historical integrity of the area.
READ MORE: Frome Nightspot Granted Licence Despite Local Objections
READ MORE: Councillor’s MoD Role Raises Questions About Conflict of Interest
Achieving national landscape status involves a formal proposal to the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) by Natural England. This proposal must meet specific criteria, and if successful, can bring about legal enactments.
The move to designate the Somerset Levels as a national landscape has garnered support from various quarters, with the proposal stimulating conversations around the criteria for such a designation and the need to safeguard the Levels for future generations.