Parks and Open Spaces
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Alcombe Common
Wootton Ridge, near Minehead and within the Exmoor National Park, is a diverse landscape encompassing Wootton Common, Hopcott Common, Alcombe Common, and parts of Grabbist Hill and the Giant's Chair. This unique area features hilltops covered in heathland, scrub, and bracken, with lower slopes adorned by coniferous woodland.
A significant portion of Wootton Ridge, approximately one-third, is Alcombe Common, owned by Minehead Town Council. This area holds particular ecological importance as one of the few places in the UK where the rare heath fritillary butterfly can be observed.
Recognising the area's significance, the Butterfly Conservation Society initiated a collaborative effort in 2023. They brought together all landowners to develop a comprehensive management plan for the entire ridge, aiming to enhance habitat quality through cohesive maintenance across various land parcels. After a thorough consultation period with both landowners, site users and members of the public, a management plan was produced in early 2024.
Much of the common falls within the Dunster Park and Heathlands Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), necessitating Natural England's approval for any maintenance work. To support these conservation efforts, a Higher Tier Stewardship agreement with The Rural Payments Agency provides funding of up to £11,000 annually for Minehead Town Council to conduct maintenance in line with the newly created management plan.
This coordinated effort promotes the conservation and improvement of this critical ecosystem, striking a balance between protecting rare species such as the heath fritillary butterfly, implementing sustainable land management practices, and accommodating the needs of various user groups who enjoy the area.
To learn more about the specific strategies and goals for Wootton Ridge, you can view the full management plan below.
Wootton ridge Management Plan