2.1 Follies and Features


This project is intended to conserve and enhance a number of historic sites and structures in the Quantocks. Some have been identified in advance, but there is also a small grant fund to assist landowners who come forward with new proposals during the LPS.
The following work has already been undertaken:
- Dowsborough Hill Fort: 60m of waterlogged footpath have been drained, helping to reinstate the informal footpath around the hillfort, and prevent further erosion of the ramparts of this Scheduled Ancient Monument, arguably the most impressive prehistoric site on the Hills.
- The Castle Mount, Nether Stowey: Grazing is essential to maintain open public access to this historic castle site. However, the fencing had passed the end of its life and scrub encroachment had become a threat. The project has removed the scrub from the site and and replaced the fence, allowing non-commercial grazing to be stepped up. The site has subsequently been removed from the Heritage at Risk register. A new interpretation panel has also been installed at the site.
The following sites have also been identified as being in need of conservation or restoration:
- Hayman’s Pond, Holford: once a traditional farm pond with a stone surround, now it is now little more than a patch of muddy grassland. It will be restored to a working pond with some of the stonework repaired.
- Historic Fingerposts: Somerset, including the Quantock area, has retained many of the distinctive cast iron fingerpost road signs. Several are in need of repair and project funding to help meet the costs of repairs. Parishes will be asked to make a 25% contribution to any costs.
- Third Party Grants: There are several other potential projects that the LPS is aware of, and no doubt more will come forward during the length of the scheme. This project, therefore, includes a third party grant pot to assist owners with small scale repairs to other significant monuments and buildings. The owner will be required to make a significant contribution (minimum 25%). For details of how to apply for for a Third Party Grant, follow the links below:
Grant Scheme Guidelines Grant Terms and Conditions Grant Application Form