Chard and Blackdowns

Includes the Blackdown Hills, a key natural asset. The town of Chard is the 2nd largest in south Somerset. There are 19 parishes in this Local Community Network

Chard and Blackdowns LCN map

Chard and Blackdowns local community networks area map

About the Chard area

The Chard and Blackdowns LCN area is situated near to the Devon and Dorset borders, characterised by significant landscape value and areas designated for conservation, providing unique challenges and opportunities for local communities and the economy. The main settlement is the historic market town of Chard; the birthplace of powered flight and geographically the highest town in Somerset.

Beautiful countryside and scenery distinguish this remarkable area, making it an attractive destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Activities including walking, fishing and bird watching can be enjoyed at Chard Reservoir, a Local Nature reserve, whilst the Blackdown Hills is a National Landscape (formerly known as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty), supporting an extensive range of wildlife and several Sites of Special Scientific Interest.

The profile for Chard and Blackdowns LCN can be found here: Chard and Blackdowns – Somerset Intelligence

Yearly report

Next Local Community Network meeting

20 January 2025

View agenda and notes

Future meetings

View the full list of upcoming Local Community Network Meetings.

Contact information

Chard and Blackdowns Link Officer: Beth Poole

If you would like to contact the Avalon and Poldens LCN or the link officer, please email chardandblackdownslcn@somerset.gov.uk 

Chair: Councillor Keith Read – West Hatch Parish Council

Vice-chair: Councillor Sarah Wakefield – Somerset Council

Network Members

Core members

  • Avon and Somerset Constabulary
  • Chamber of Commerce
  • Citizens Advice
  • Community Council for Somerset
  • Department of Work and Pensions
  • Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue
  • Education
  • NHS
  • Society of Local Council Clerks
  • Somerset Activity Sports Partnership
  • Somerset Association of Local Councils
  • Somerset Local Nature Partnership
  • Somerset Rivers Authority
  • Spark Somerset

Council members

  • Connor Payne
  • Jason Baker
  • Jenny Kenton
  • Martin Wale
  • Ross Henley
  • Sarah Wakefield

Parish and Town Councils

  • Buckland St. Mary
  • Chard Town
  • Churchstanton
  • Combe St. Nicholas
  • Corfe
  • Hatch Beauchamp
  • Neroche Grouped:
    • Bickenhall
    • Curland
    • Orchard Portman
    • Thurlbear
    • Stable Fitzpaine
  • Otterford
  • Pitminster
  • Ruishton and Thornfalcon
  • Stoke St. Mary
  • Tatworth and Forton
  • Wambrook
  • West Hatch
  • Whitestaunton

Electoral divisions

  • Blackdown and Neroche
  • Chard North
  • Chard South