Natural Education Works
A community interest company (C.I.C.)
In August 2025, we purchased 22 acres of land in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, in Somerset. We are based above Cheddar Gorge, near Charterhouse and close to Blackmoor Reserve and Ubley Warren, a Somerset Wildlife site. Both are Sights of Special Scientific Interest (S.S.S.I), all adding to the beautiful tapestry of precious land we are caring for. We are surrounded by areas of historic interest. Home to rare flora and even reptiles.
Registered as Agricultural land, we shall continue to have grazing animals and more, in this rich and diverse landscape. We have 5 acres of mixed broadleaf trees, a small valley of pastureland and further scrubland form the remaining 17. Examples of lead mining undertaken by both the Victorians and Romans can be seen all around us. Small craters in the ground run through our woodland, often with Chestnut, Ash and Beech trees growing out of them, giving the land an 'other worldly' feel.
In order to share this, we formed 'NATURAL EDUCATION WORKS C.I.C' (Community Interest Company), in September 2025, to meet the growing need for children to connect with nature. For increased well being and 'screen free' time, they can walk on these ancient lands high on the Mendip Hills in Somerset. Make fire, make camps and absorb the wonder of pure nature, whilst seeing farm animals, some of which may well have been around in the Roman Times.
The land has not been used for some years and we are currently setting out to restore boundaries, dry stone walls, fences, woodland, security and create a new farm. Also, prevent poachers from entering with dogs to go after rabbits, hare and sometimes deer. A strong presence on the land will help us to manifest the visions we have for it, in a safe and enjoyable way for those who visit. We aim to not only enhance the land for humans, but also the long-term habitat for the wildlife around us, whilst carrying out essential clearing to help plant and animal kingdom to flourish.
On our site, upon entering, we are greeting by a Scheduled Monument, an exposed mound of what is thought to be a Bronze age burial tomb. There is also a buried Roman Road, both of which are marked on Ordinance Survey Maps. As well as working with local historians and archaeologists to glean more knowledge of these, we will create earth based art projects for schools, colleges and other youth groups and shall not exclude also working with adults. We will particularly encourage people who would not necessarily have the opportunities to go out into nature and benefit from the high rewards that it has to offer. Often bringing about enhance wellbeing, relaxation and rest from the busy world.
We are a non-profit organisation, applying for funding to create our project. We have two Directors, you can find out more about them here.
