Back in April, the Somerset Art Works team of Beccy, Kaylee and artist Luan MacDonald, joined Jon Barrett and his dog Chase for a walk on the Quantock Hills. This was a chance for us to get to know each other better, to explore the landscape for inspiration and to plan the Quantock Nature Calling project.

Jon is Community Engagement & Volunteer Officer at Quantock Hills National Landscape, have a listen to Jon talking about the hills and why we are embarking on this project together.

Starting at Lydeard Hill, we followed the paths along to Will’s Neck, stopping along the way to explore the heathland and looking down to the wooded combes below. Here, we are looking at the whortleberries that grow on the upland heath.

Approaching the trig-point on Will’s Neck – the highest point of the Quantock Hills at 1,266 feet – we took in far-reaching views to Exmoor, the Bristol Channel, Brecon Beacons and Mendip Hills.

As we passed a group of ponies we were guided by a kestrel hovering high above us. The Quantocks are valuable habitat to a variety of bird species, including Dartford Warblers, Whinchats, Stonechats, Meadow Pipits, Skylarks, Linnets, Wheatears and Ravens. In the summer months, Nightjars can also be heard – one of the species we will be looking at in our creative workshops with Luan.

Our walk together shared knowledge and grew ideas for the Quantock Nature Calling project. Running May – October 2025, we will be offering a series of nature-inspired creative workshops developed for AfriQuan groups and communities. find out more