Generous visitors to the Mendip Activity Centre in Churchill have donated £7,500 to the Mendip Hills Fund that gives grants to help local projects.

The team at the Activity Centre appreciate the spectacular landscape of the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) that they are based in and want to help protect the area. The optional donation allows every visitor to contribute to the Mendip Hills Fund.

The Mendip Hills Fund distributes grants to projects that benefit the environment, community and economy of the area.

Due to the pandemic over the last year the fund has received very little income as events and tourism providers were cancelled or closed.

The fund raises all its income from businesses and events that bring people into the area. In 2019 £12,000 was awarded to projects such as forest schools, creating a wildlife area by a village hall and money for a local environment group to buy surveying equipment.

Jim Hardcastle, manager of the Mendip Hills AONB, said: "We're delighted that the team at Mendip Activity Centre have been able to adapt their site and the activities during the pandemic to keep such a successful business going.

"Their guests have kept them going as well putting the fund back on a firm footing so that grants can be offered this autumn.

"We love that people come to the area for adventure and fun. Now they know that they are contributing to the protection of this nationally important area as well."

Dave Eddins, owner of Mendip Activity Centre said: "The outdoor industry really suffered in 2020 due to repeated lockdowns and restrictions.

"My team was able to rise to the challenge and set about opening a pop-up campsite to take advantage of the staycation boom.

"The mix of camping in an area of outstanding natural beauty with on-site activities proved so popular we were able to make our biggest ever contribution to the Mendip Hills Fund.

"The generosity of our guests will help ensure the Mendip Hills can be protected and enhanced for future generations to enjoy. We are very proud to support the Mendip Hills Fund and the AONB."