National Character Area 141

Mendip Hills - Key Facts & Data

Landscape and nature conservation designations section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Much of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (15,942 ha) lies within the boundaries of the NCA and comprises 53 per cent of the total NCA area (Natural England, 2011).

Designated nature conservation sites

The NCA includes the following statutory nature conservation designations (Natural England, Special Protection Areas; Special Area of Conservation; Ramsars; National Nature Reserves; Sites of Special Scientific Interest and Local Nature Reserves, 2021):

Please note: (i) Designated areas may overlap (ii) all figures are cut to Mean High Water Line, designations that span coastal/marine areas below this line will not be included.

Condition of designated sites
All designated sites within England are covered by Sites of Scientific Interest (SSSI) units. The condition to these SSSI units within the NCA are as follows (Natural England, Sites of Special Scientific Interest Units, 2021; 2023):



Landscape and nature conservation designations map for NCA141

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Landform, geology and soils section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Elevation

The Mendip Hills lie to the south of Bristol, rising dramatically out of the flat Somerset Levels and Moors landscape to the south and west, ranging from a minimum elevation of 0.8m above sea level to 322m across the NCA (Mendip Hills Countryside Character area description).

Landform and process

The response of the limestone to weathering has resulted in a range of surface features, including gorges, dry valleys, screes and dolines. These are complemented underground by a large number of caves both beneath the plateau and at the base of the southern escarpment. The Devonian and Silurian rocks are generally more resistant to weathering and form some of the highest points on the hills (Mendip Hills Countryside Character area description, Mendip Hills Natural Area Profile).

Bedrock geology

The Mendips are a classic Carboniferous Limestone karst landscape with exposed rocks, dry gorges, sink-holes, areas of sunken ground and cave systems. The Cheddar Gorge is one of the finest limestone gorges in England. The Mendips were subject to folding during the Variscan Orogeny (mountainbuilding episode), forming a system of four periclines with Devonian Old Red Sandstones and Silurian volcanics exposed at the cores. More recent rocks of late Carboniferous, Triassic and Jurassic ages are present here, including the Upper Carboniferous part of the Somerset Coal Measures. Triassic strata include red mudstones of Mercia Mudstone and red conglomerate of the Dolomitic Conglomerate. At the eastern end of the Hills, Jurassic rocks, including limestones of the Inferior Oolite, overlie the older rocks unconformably. In some areas the Carboniferous Limestone and the Dolomitic Conglomerate have been mineralised with lead and zinc ores (Mendip Hills Countryside Character area description, Mendip Hills Natural Area Profile, British Geological Survey maps).

Superficial deposits

There is a small area of alluvium in the west of the Character Area, roughly following the path of the River Lox Yeo (Mendip Hills Countryside Character area description, Mendip Hills Natural Area Profile, British Geological Survey maps).

Designated geological sites

The NCA includes the following geological sites (Natural England, Geological and Mixed Sites of Special Scientific Interest, 2021):

wdt_ID NCA_ID NAME NCAAreaHa Interest type Area (ha) 2021 Percent of NCA (2021) Count
2361NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAIN37,669.6Geological6.80.01
2371NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAIN37,669.6Mixed1,029.52.75
2382NORTHUMBERLAND SANDSTONE HILLS72,694.6Geological45.40.14
2393CHEVIOT FRINGE51,591.3Geological17.10.02
2404CHEVIOTS36,487.9Geological165.00.52
2414CHEVIOTS36,487.9Mixed3,488.99.61
2425BORDER MOORS AND FORESTS127,155.9Geological85.70.18
2435BORDER MOORS AND FORESTS127,155.9Mixed35.80.01
2446SOLWAY BASIN98,350.4Geological7.20.02
2456SOLWAY BASIN98,350.4Mixed5,569.25.74

Soils and Agriculture Classification

This NCA is underlain by limestone and supports characteristically species-rich grasslands and woodlands on thin soils. Soil conditions vary with the nature of the parent materials although in general there is a predominance of deeper, more fertile, loamy soils. These have allowed more intensive agricultural use (Mendip Hills Countryside Character area description).

The main grades of agricultural land in the NCA are broken down as follows (as a proportion of total land area) (Natural England, Provisional Agricultural Land Classification, 2019):


Landform, geology and soils map for NCA141

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Key waterbodies and catchments section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Major rivers/canals

The following major rivers/canals (by length) have been identified in this NCA (Natural England, data informing the 2014 National Character Area Profiles, 2010):

wdt_ID REF_CODE NAME_1 Name Length (km) SumOfShape_Length
11NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINRiver Aln7.67,587.2
21NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINRiver Coquet5.55,516.0
31NORTH NORTHUMBERLAND COASTAL PLAINWhiteadder Water2.92,904.9
410NORTH PENNINESBlack Burn11.911,853.4
510NORTH PENNINESCroglin Water10.010,042.3
610NORTH PENNINESCrowdundle Beck4.34,337.4
710NORTH PENNINESDevil's Water20.520,464.6
810NORTH PENNINESHarwood Beck9.79,740.2
910NORTH PENNINESRiver Allen4.94,889.0
1010NORTH PENNINESRiver Derwent15.315,268.4

Please note: other significant rivers (by volume) may also occur. Tidal stretches of rivers are not included, which may include some major rivers.

Water quality

Nitrate Vulnerable Zones (NVZs) are areas designated as being at risk from agricultural nitrate pollution. These can impact surface water (waterbodies and waterways located above ground) and groundwater (water bodies and waterways located below ground).

Waterbodies such as lakes can also be designated as “eutrophic waters” if the enrichment of the waterbody by nitrate pollution causes accelerated growth of algae, impacting the quality of the water and the balance of organisms within it.

The following NVZs are located within the NCA (Environment Agency, Nitrate Vulnerable Zones Designations, 2021):

Water framework directive

River basin management plans cover river basin districts and describe the challenges that threaten the water environment and how these challenges can be managed and funded. The plans include the classification of water quality of surface waters and ground waters.



Click on the Water Framework Directive layers on the below map to view the corresponding river names.

Key waterbodies and catchments map for NCA141

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Trees and woodlands section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Total woodland cover

Ancient woodland is any area that has been wooded continuously since at least 1600 AD. National Forest Inventory (NFI) woodland includes all forests and woodlands (0.5 hectares and over). The total woodland cover within the NCA is as follows (Forestry Commission, National Forest Inventory, 2020; 2023; Natural England, Ancient Woodland, 2021; 2024; this does not consider Natural England’s ‘Ancient Woodland – Revised (England) – Completed Counties’ data as this is being updated in tranches and no full dataset is yet available):

Distribution and size of woodland and trees in the landscape

The plateau and hilltops are largely treeless, except for a few old ash pollards and wind-shaped shelterbelts and conifer plantations. The slopes and valleys surrounding the plateau have a wide range of woodlands forming an attractive mosaic with open land and other land uses (Countryside Quality Counts, Natural England, Countryside Agency, 2003).

Woodland types

A statistical breakdown of the area and type of woodland found across the NCA is detailed below (Forestry Commission, National Forest Inventory, 2020; 2023):

Area and proportion of ancient woodland and planted ancient woodland sites (PAWS) within the NCA (Natural England, Ancient Woodland, 2021; 2024):


Trees and woodlands map for NCA141

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Boundary features and patterns

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated.

Boundary features

The plateau and hilltops are largely treeless, except for a few old ash pollards and wind-shaped shelterbelts and conifer plantations. The slopes and valleys surrounding the plateau have a wide range of woodlands forming an attractive mosaic with open land and other land uses (Countryside Quality Counts, Natural England, Countryside Agency 2003).

Field patterns

The plateau comprises mainly pasture in medium-size fields divided primarily by dry stone walls, with few hedges and trees. Unimproved limestone grassland is found on steep southern slopes. Fields on these slopes are generally smaller and irregular, especially near the base. The eastern part of the area comprises mainly improved pasture for cattle and dairying (Mendip Hills Countryside Character Area description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Agriculture section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

The following tables provide the most recently available statistics from Defra on agriculture within the NCA.

Farm type

The following farm types are located within this NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm size

The following table outlines the sizes of farms within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm ownership

The following table outlines the ownership of farms within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Land use

The following table outlines the types of agricultural land use within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Livestock numbers

The following livestock are farmed within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Farm labour

The following table outlines the types of farm labour within the NCA (Defra, Structure of the agricultural industry in England and the UK at June, 2025):

Please note: (i) Some of the Census data are estimated by Defra so may not present a precise assessment of agriculture within this area (ii) Data refers to commercial holdings only (iii) Data includes land outside of the NCA where it belongs to holdings whose centre point is recorded as being within the NCA.



Note that the below map only shows agri-environment scheme coverage, and not other schemes.

Agriculture map for NCA141

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Key habitats and species section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Habitat distribution/coverage

Mixed deciduous woodland, with species particularly associated with limestone, is found along the southern scarp slope and is of international importance. Lowland meadow tends to be found on the central plateau, while Lowland calcareous grassland is characteristic of the southern scarp. Small areas of heath are also found on the higher parts of the plateau. Caves and areas of exposed limestone are of considerable importance; the former an essential habitat supporting the internationally important numbers of bats to be found in the area (Mendips Natural Area Profile).

Key Habitats

The NCA contains the following areas of key main habitats, as mapped by the national Priority Habitat Inventory (Natural England, Priority Habitats Inventory, 2021; 2024; Natural England, Wood Pasture and Parkland, 2020). Note: lakes and ponds were not included in 2021 data:






Key habitats and species map for NCA141

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Settlement and development patterns section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Settlement patterns

Villages are concentrated at the foot of the plateau slopes. Elsewhere, settlement is scattered. Major transport routes such as the M5 and A38 cut through the area (Mendip Hills Countryside Character Area description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Main settlements

The main settlements within the Mendips NCA are: Wells; Shepton Mallet and Cheddar (Mendip Hills Countryside Character Area description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Local vernacular and building materials

Buildings are constructed of red conglomerate, grey limestone and pale grey Doulting Stone. Most older Mendip buildings are modest cottages in rough, exposed stone with almost no detailing of windows and doorways. Stone is the predominant building material with pantile roofs. Limestone, red conglomerate and honey-coloured oolite are favoured to the east of area. White Lias is found around Stone Easton and Chilcompton (Mendip Hills Countryside Character Area description, Countryside Quality Counts, 2003).

Settlement and development patterns map for NCA141

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Key historic sites and features section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Origin of historic features

Abundance of evidence for prehistoric settlement. The plateau has an outstanding assemblage of bronze- and iron-age features such as burial mounds and hill forts. There are many industrial archaeological sites, reflecting the past lead, coal and cloth industries. The landscape is marked by continuous mining activity – lead from pre-Roman times until early 20th century; zinc from mid-16th to mid 19th centuries; and coal until the 1970s. There are numerous churches with fine towers dating mostly from 15th and 16th centuries. Quarrying is a prominent characteristic of this landscape with visible remains of ancient quarries and large scale quarrying continuing to present day. Nearly 2 per cent of the area is actively or has been recently worked for stone (Countryside Quality Counts; Draft Historic Profile, Countryside Character Area description).

Designated historic assets

The NCA includes the following designated historic assets (Historic England, National Heritage List for England, 2021; 2024):

Listed buildings

The NCA includes the following listed buildings (Historic England, National Heritage List for England, 2021; 2024):

Heritage at Risk Register

The NCA includes the following designated historic assets listed within the Heritage at Risk Register (Historic England, Heritage at Risk Register, 2021; 2023):



Key historic sites and features map for NCA141

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Recreation and access section contains a map

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated. The maps contain live frequently updated datasets.

Public access

The following areas of public access for recreation are located within this NCA (Natural England, 2021; National Trust, 2021):


Please note: Public access areas may overlap.
The following linear routes or public access for recreation are located within this NCA (Natural England, 2021; Sustrans; 2021):

Recreation and access map for NCA141

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Experiential qualities

Note that numbers and figures in the body of the text are based on the 2014 profiles, unless otherwise stated.

Tranquillity

Based on the CPRE map of tranquillity (2006) much of the area is relatively tranquil. Weston-super-Mare and the M5 affect tranquillity to the west of the area, as does the most active area of quarrying, the A39 and the A367 to the east.

A breakdown of tranquillity values for this NCA are detailed in the table below (CPRE, Tranquillity Map, 2006):

Dark skies

Light pollution is a generic term referring to artificial light that shines where it is neither wanted nor needed, and can impact on people’s experience of the countryside within the NCAs. CPRE host an interactive map, depicting the light pollution and dark skies within the NCA.

Intrusion

The 2007 Intrusion Map (CPRE) shows the extent to which rural landscapes are ‘intruded on’ from urban development, noise (primarily traffic noise), and other sources of visual and auditory intrusion. This shows that while the western tip of the NCA is entirely disturbed or urban, there are large patches of undisturbed areas throughout the remainder, with few major roads and a couple of small settlements.

A breakdown of intrusion values for this NCA is detailed in the table below (CPRE, Intrusion Map, 2007):

Notable trends from the 1960s to 2007 are a loss of undisturbed land and an increase of that classed as urban.