A prominent high point of the east Mendip Hills, Beacon Hill draws the eye. But it bears closer inspection too. A Roman road runs through it. The land is scattered with Bronze Age tumuli and scarred by quarrying activities spanning thousands of years. Deer graze beneath majestic beech trees, silhouetted against far reaching views across the Somerset levels and the bluebells are well known as one of the best shows in the district. It is a special place.
The Beacon Hill Society was formed in 1993 when the Forestry Commission put the 42 acres of Beacon Wood, near Shepton Mallet, up for sale. Local people from a wide range of diverse interests came together to see what they could do to safeguard their continued enjoyment of a popular area.
The Society successfully persuaded Mendip District Council to provide a grant to purchase the site, thereby recognising its value. To ensure the wood was kept in safe hands into the future, the Woodland Trust, a charity organisation with vast experience in woodland management, was chosen to be the new owners.