Conservation

Trees are important to us to absorb pollution, improve the air we breathe and provide an invaluable habitat for wildlife.

Hedgerows are a traditional part of our landscape and provide havens for many species of wildlife. It is predicted that up to 30 per cent of the estimated 1.8 million hedge trees are over 100 years old and could possibly disappear during the next three decades, which is why we protect them.

Churchyard monuments are the most common type of listed structure at risk from deterioration. To help preserve them, a new grant scheme is being launched in Somerset to help with the cost of essential conservation work.

A conservation area is an area of special architectural or historic interest. Its character is made up of many elements, all of which go toward making a place unique and distinctive.

Listed buildings are structures of special architectural or historic interest, ranging from great houses to churches and barns. There are approximately 347,000 individual listed buildings in the UK, 5,647 of which are located in South Somerset. We ensure all listed buildings in our district are preserved.

We are required by central government to make provision for the protection of the historic environment in our policies, which includes protecting parks and gardens.