Billionaire Chris Rokos Secures Approval for Major Restoration of Historic Stables Thursday, September 18, 2025 restoration heritage estate stables rokos georgian conservation listed renovation architecture Billionaire Chris Rokos has received planning permission to undertake significant restoration work on the Old Stables at his Savernake Forest estate near Marlborough. These stables, constructed in the 1820s, are Grade II … Read More
Longleat Mourns Beloved Red Panda Lionel Wednesday, September 17, 2025 longleat redpanda lionel conservation breeding international wildlife endangered keeper cubs Longleat has announced with great sadness the passing of Lionel, one of their cherished red pandas and a firm favourite among visitors. At just eight years old, Lionel’s loss is deeply felt by the Longleat family and all who … Read More
Historic Birnbeck Pier Restoration Saved by Last-Minute Funding Boost Wednesday, September 17, 2025 birnbeck pier restoration weston-super-mare heritage nationallottery northsomerset regeneration funding conservation The restoration of Weston-super-Mare’s historic Birnbeck Pier has been saved at the “eleventh hour” thanks to a crucial £5.5 million funding injection. The announcement came moments before councillors were … Read More
Record-Breaking Summer Drives Urgent Plans for New Somerset Reservoir Tuesday, September 16, 2025 somerset drought cheddar water reservoir climate environment consultation infrastructure conservation Somerset is grappling with the hottest summer on record, a situation that has significantly lowered water levels in local reservoirs and intensified concerns about future water security. The Met Office has announced that the … Read More
Crucial Conservation Work Leads to Temporary Access Restrictions at Iron Age Worlebury Camp Hillfort Tuesday, September 16, 2025 worlebury woods conservation archaeology hillfort access preservation heritage northsomerset wildlife From Monday 22 to Friday 26 September, several Public Rights of Way through Weston Woods will be temporarily closed as North Somerset Council carries out essential conservation work at Worlebury Camp Hillfort. This Iron Age … Read More
Sarah Beeny Faces Order to Demolish 'Mini Downton Abbey' Extension on Somerset Estate Monday, September 15, 2025 sarahbeeny somerset mansion planning demolition bats conservation property tvpresenter home Sarah Beeny, well-known television presenter and property expert, has been instructed to demolish a large extension on her Somerset estate, which has drawn comparisons to a “mini Downton Abbey.” The extension was … Read More