The Somerset PEDLs contain large areas of both the Avon Greenbelt and the Mendip Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).
- The Greenbelt covers 202 square kilometres (sq km) including 5.8 sq km covered by the Chew Valley reservoir.
- (The AONB overlaps with the Greenbelt by 22 sq km)
- The AONB covers an additional area of 99 sq km in addition to the Greenbelt
- 90% of the Chew Valley is within either the Greenbelt or the AONB
So a total of 301 sq km of Avon Greenbelt and Mendip Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty are licensed for unconventional gas exploration and development – 45% of the total licensed area in Somerset.
Note that Balcombe in Sussex is also in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Avon Greenbelt and Mendip Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty
Click image to enlarge
Frack Free Chew Valley, Somerset 