Management Plan 2026-2031

The new Management Plan sets the vision for the Quantock Hills we want to see in thirty years, how we can achieve that and the priorities for the place, nature, climate and people.

The Quantock Hills National Landscape is one of 46 National Landscapes and National Parks in the UK. To help conserve and enhance it now and for the future, it is a legal requirement on Responsible Authorities, such as local councils, to produce a Management Plan, that identifies its special qualities, the challenges and issues faced and the aims and actions needed.

Responding to the climate and nature crisis, the new plan places a greater emphasis on nature recovery and encourages a wider and more diverse range of people enjoying it. It is a plan for the National Landscape Partnership and team, the individual partners, farmers and landowners, communities and businesses.

The plan was drafted during 2025 using a number of evidential sources and input from the Partnership and stakeholders, following the initial public consultations in 2024. The completed draft Management Plan was open for public consultation from November to the end of December 2025. Following the consultation a number of amendments were made to the draft plan which was presented to the Partnership in January 2026 and approved to go forward for adoption.

Next steps

The new Management Plan is currently with Natural England, Historic England and Environment Agency – the Statutory bodies – for formal consideration and once this process is completed will be sent to Somerset Council, for formal consideration and adoption, which is expected to happen by April 2026. The final element is to send a copy along with notification of adoption to the Department Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra).

Supporting evidence and information

The Management Plan is informed by a range of supporting evidence and information which you can see below.

Management Plan 2026-2031

The Management Plan sets the vision for the Quantock Hills we want to see in thirty years, how we can achieve that and the priorities for the place, nature, climate and people.

Quantock Hills National Landscape Climate Risk Assessment

The first stage in the Climate Adaptation Plan, the Risk Assessment identifies the potential impacts based on latest climate change predictions to each of the Special Qualities of the Quantock Hills such as the beech hedgebanks.

Quantock Hills Landscape Character Assessment

Describes the landscape of the Quantock Hills and its hinterland, assessing character and its associated strength. The assessment identifies issues and pressures with suggested priorities for conservation and enhancement.

Quantock Hills User Survey

This survey assessed visitor use, opinions and impacts including the economic impact of users to the Quantock Hills.

Habitat Regulation Assessment

The Habitat Regulations Assessment (HRA) assess policies within the Management Plan to ensure that they will not have any significant likely effects on the Special Areas of Conservation within the Quantock Hills.

Management Plan 2026-2031 Appendices

Appendices have been drawn together into a combined document for ease of use. They include the Protected Landscape Targets and Outcome Framework, evidence bases for carbon and climate and the state of the national landscape report.

Quantock Hills National Landscape Nature Recovery Plan

The Quantock Hills National Landscape Partnership's response to the nature emergency. Adopted in 2024 the Nature Recovery Plan informs the nature section of the Management Plan, though it holds a lot more information and background data.

State of the Quantock Hills National Landscape

A report providing a snapshot of the Quantock Hills in the themes of place, nature, climate and people. The report identifies trends where data is available, allowing stakeholders and the Partnership to consider priorities for action.

Equalities Impact Assessment

The Equalities Impact Assessment (EIA) assesses the objectives and policies within the Management Plan evaluating how these could affect individuals from different equality groups.

Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA)

The Strategic Environmental Assessment (SEA) is a process that assesses whether the objectives and policies will have a negative impact on the SEA objectives.