PEOPLE are being invited to have their say on a draft plan which will decide how Quantock Hills beauty spots will be managed over the next five years.

The plan identifies the challenges and issues facing the Quantocks and the aims and actions needed in the future to protect and develop the area.

A spokesperson for the Quantock Hills National Landscape Partnership said that as part of caring for the area, there was a statutory duty to prepare a management plan and to review it at least every five years.

They said: “The plan is an important document because it describes the special qualities of the landscape and provides a framework for working across organisations to support its protection, enhancement and enjoyment in line with an agreed vision.

“The National Landscape Partnership commenced a review in 2024 and since that time we have engaged in ongoing consultation with residents, farmers, other businesses owners, elected councillors, parish councils, other stakeholders, and visitors to discover what they think the important issues are.

“These conversations have helped us draw up a draft management plan for 2026 to 2031 and we would now like to hear the public’s views.

“Following a six-week consultation, amendments will be made and then taken to Somerset Council.

“Quantock Hills communities and pride of place are strong and the involvement of local people and volunteers is extensive in managing change and protecting the area and its distinctive beautiful character and its diversity.”

Partnership chairman Hugh Warmington said: “This is an important moment for the communities of the Quantock Hills and those who love visiting here.

“The draft plan sets the priorities for this very special landscape and how it responds to change.

“Much consultation has been done in the last year but this is the first chance to see the draft plan in its entirety and to comment on it.”

The 83-page document also sets out a ‘Quantock Hills vision’ which describes how it would like to see the landscape in 30 years’ time.

This would include conserving the countryside and wildlife, sustaining levels of tourism without damaging the environment, protecting local communities, encouraging sustainable farming and forestry, and maintaining high-quality footpaths and access.

The draft plan identifies four guiding principles which should be followed during the next five years:

* The distinctive character and special qualities of the Quantock Hills need to be understood and valued if natural beauty is to be conserved, enhanced, and restored

* The area’s historic environment and rich cultural heritage should be conserved, enhanced, and celebrated

* Any development and infrastructure affecting the Quantocks landscape must be of the highest quality, sensitive to landscape setting and historic character, conserving and enhancing wildlife and other special qualities

* Economic activity should sustain a thriving local economy that makes prudent use of the resources and contribute to conserving and enhancing natural beauty

The consultation process will be open until December 31.

The draft plan can be seen on the partnership’s website, and paper copies can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or calling 01823 451884.