About the event

Originally launched in the 1990s, Somerset's Private & Community Nature Reserves (PCNR) Network was set up to support owners, land managers and community groups who manage their land  primarily for nature.

Hosted by Somerset Wildlife Trust, this user-led, county-wide network includes landowners, smallholders, and community groups such as local woodland trusts or community orchards. The land includes ponds, streams, lakes, meadows, hedgerows, orchards and woods (many of which are designated as Local Wildlife Sites). What we have in common is that our priority is wildlife conservation.

Unfortunately COVID paused the activities of the group, but we are excited to invite you to our re-launch event. You don't have to be a member to come along, and there will be opportunities to sign up on the day if you wish. The network is currently free to join, although membership of Somerset Wildlife Trust is encouraged.

You can find out more about the PCNR Network on our website: PCNR Network | Somerset Wildlife Trust

What will be happening at the event?

We will start with a welcome talk updating everyone on the PCNR Network, current plans and how to get involved. We will then hear from SWT's Director of Nature Recovery, James Grischeff, on how the PCNR Network is playing an important role in nature's recovery across Somerset and opportunities to build on this for the future.

Over lunch (which is provided), there will be an Open Space session where attendees will have a chance to talk to others managing similar habitats to them and share challenges, successes and arrange site visits if you wish.

After lunch there will be a choice of afternoon activities, including a visit to Chancellor's Farm, for a guided walk from our Central Mendip Reserves Manager, James Ozolins.

Please be aware that Chancellor's farm is approximately 15 minutes away, so we will be encouraging car-sharing from the venue.

Who can come along?

Both current members and those who are interested in joining the Network are welcome to attend the day.

Tickets

We want everyone to be able to come along to the event regardless of their financial situation, so if the £5 minimum cost could prevent you from attending, please contact us directly and we can help.

Conversely, we ask those of you that are able to contribute more, to please do so. Paying for a higher price ticket will contribute towards the actual costs to SWT of running the event and supporting the PCNR Network to relaunch (including venue hire, lunch for attendees and staff time). Whilst we are grateful for the support of the Mendip Hills National Landscape for FIPL funding towards ~ 25% of these costs, the remainder will be met by SWT without additional funding. So please contribute what you can, if you are able.

There are 3 ticket options:

£5 ticket - a minimum contribution towards lunch and venue costs

£10 ticket - helping SWT to cover the actual costs of running the event

£15 ticket - to help SWT cover the actual costs of running the event and/or support the PCNR Network

(Note all income from tickets will go towards SWT costs to support the PCNR Network)

What is the venue like?

The venue has it's own parking area and toilets with disability access. If you have any access requirements, please let us know how we can accomodate these. You can find out more about the venue on the Easton Village Hall Website.