Challenge 4: Increase Quality of Life

Increase people’s quality of life through the use of Somerset’s environment, nature and heritage.

Current measures of success

• Improve the health of the natural environment in Somerset.

Key facts 

• Somerset has very varied and rich wildlife. Many rare plants, butterflies and insects have been recorded in Somerset.

• Many species of plant and animal life will struggle to survive with the predicted changing temperatures and increased rainfall.

• There are many areas of outstanding natural beauty, national nature reserves and sites of special scientific interest on our doorstep to enjoy. 

• We have coastal and landscape sites that awe and inspire, Cheddar Gorge, Exmoor’s autumn colours, the views across the Severn from Brean and the Quantocks, as well as the views across the Levels from Glastonbury Tor.

• The county has several long distance footpaths – sections of the South West Coastal Path, Coleridge Way and Two Moors Path and the whole of the Parrett Way are within the county.

What we will do

1. Improve and maintain the quality of our natural landscape and heritage.  We will ensure that we use these sustainably.

2. Manage the precarious balance between the needs of economic and housing growth and impact it has on the quality of our natural environment and heritage.

What will we do first?

• We will preserve and foster the county’s rich wildlife.

Back to Sustainable Community Strategy Aim 2 Living Sustainably