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Geology
What lies beneath...Sediment from aquatic life laid down in a warm shallow sea 300 million years ago formed the beds of carboniferous limestone we see on Mendip today.
Water percolates down through the joints and bedding planes and forms the caves for which the area is renowned. The absence of water on top of Mendip and its presence along the spring-line dictated the settlement of communities and shapes the life of us all in the AONB.
The local geology results in calcareous grasslands and consequently flower rich meadows - such as Somerset Wildlife Trust Reserve Draycott Sleights - which are abundant in wildlife. Woodlands and heathland add to the diversity of habitat and creatures to be seen.
The mineral wealth has been exploited for construction, building roads and lime for improving farmland. Lead mining was once a major activity. Today abandoned quarries are important for their wildlife whilst the aggregates industry is still a major way of life in the locality.