Following on from British Isles: a Natural History, the BBC commissioned television documentaries about the Seven Natural Wonders of the West Country. The programmes (one for the West of England and one for the South West) explore people's favourite places. Seven Natural Wonders, presented by Amanda Parr, was first shown on BBC ONE West at 10.55pm on Sunday 28 November 2004. The programme includes the picturesque natural beauty of Cheddar Gorge and Caves, Glastonbury Tor, Bath's hot springs and Exmoor. If Spotlight is your regional news programme on BBC ONE, you were able to see a different programme featuring the Seven Natural Wonders of the South West. These programmes, along with ones from other areas of England, were shown on Monday evenings during May and June 2005 on BBC TWO. Here are some of the nominations from readers of this website: Ros Williams
The Somerset Levels What can compare with both the geography and fascinating history of this area? Sharon Bryant
Has to be Glastonbury Tor, So majestic and beatuiful, she invokes pure inspiration in all weathers julie ward
the view from selworthy church porch towards dunkery beacon it is how i would envisage heaven to look especially on a bright clear day. I am from bromsgrove worcs but this view never fails to uplift me, also the church is worthy of everyones support to renovate it, Helen Lawy
The Quantocks - great views and so many different sights to see. A breathe of fresh quiet air. C FORSE
SOMERSET IS A BEAUTIFUL COUNTY and that is why I say so in capital letters where in the world can you get such a change of scenery in such a short distance moorlands hills low level lands and an abundance of beautiful buildings to see robin banks
the tor is beautifull when the sun comes up on my way home from work Ed Loak
Take a walk from Shapwick Heath to Ashcott corner early morning. Its so fantastic. Julie Trott
I would like to nominate Brent Knoll, i was born and grew up in the village of East Brent which lies at the foot of The Knoll, i spent many many hours exploring the area/walking up the Knoll itself and then proceeding to continue doing so with my own children, the view from the top is outstanding and though many newcomers have arrived into the two villages alongside many houses to accomodate them, the Knoll remains untouched, a beautiful piece of landscape. Nick
I would like to nominate Exmoor National Park. why? you will find out when you there. nick caines
I would like to nominate the levels around burnham on sea, not the most attractive of sights normally but on a winters morning with frost on the ground and low lying mist as dawn breaks it is a truly magical sight. JOHN MIDDLETON
CROOK PEAK FOR ITS SUPERB WALKING TERRITORY AND THE WONDERFUL VIEWS John Dixon
I nominate Porlock Vale. From within the vale the views of the surrounding hills rising to North Hill on one side and Dunkery Beacon on the other are a constant reminder of the rugged moor all around. From those hills the view into the vale is one of traditional West Country farming, small fields mainly down to pasture but with some arable, hedgerows and copses all creating a harmonious mosaic of soothing greens and browns. The good fortune which saw two large estates pass directly from landowners with an eye for landscape to the National Trust has ensured that there is no intrusive modern development and that same sensitive environmental management has led to as diverse a flora and fauna as can be found anywhere in Britain. Somerset is a wonderfully diverse county with a rich legacy of unspoiled natural beauty and architectural monuments to both the wealthy and and the humble. Porlock Vale may lack grand buildings but with its farms and fields, its streams and woods, its cottages and coastline it encapsulates all that is best of the more rural aspects of the county. DIANE HOLMES
SOMERSET IS, I THINK, THE MOST BEAUTIFUL OF ENGLANDS COUNTIES.FROM THE COAST TO INLAND, THERE IS ALWAYS SOMETHINK WONDERFULL AND BEAUTIFUL TO SEE. Sandie Treby
I would nominate the right turn just past the racecourse going towards Bath. This road leads down Lansdown into Upper Weston and then Weston Village. At the top the view right across Somerset as far as the eye can see has to be one of the best in England. From the 'tump' a knoll of trees over to the right, the view stretches right across as far as Wales on a clear day. I live in Russia now, but on a dull, overcast wintry day, I have only to think of this view and my family nearby to know that all is well! vic
Without doubt it has got to be Exmoor national park, the feeling of emptyness and rugged beauty is incredible Sue Goodland
Exmoor - Because it is wild rugged and beautiful; with glorious walks for the fit and the notso fit! I would live there if I could afford a house there. john
'Cheddar Gorge' is a natural wonder of the west because it's a giant gash in the landscape with incredible tall steep cliffs carved out over thousands of years during the ice age. Sue McDermott
Little Solsibury Hill. I can see it from my kitchen window. My son Stephen used to clim up it at dawn on summer mornings. I would often climb it with him on long, dusky evenings. When he died I scattered his ashes there. Even the bypass cannot spoil the views and the magical feelings you experience there. Peter Rossiter
Limply Stoke Valley from Brassknocker Hill,with the Aqueduct, Avon & Kennett Canal over the River Avon and Railway. (Better with Steam Trains) john middleton
crook peak due to the superb views in every direction Paul Keen
Undoubtedly the East Poldens from Collard Hill or Hatch Hill for their magnificent views across the levels to the Quantocks and beyond as well as the abundant flora and fauna. Or Lollover Hill for it's views of four hills, the Quantocks, the Mendips, the Poldens and the Blackdown hills. As Jan Smuts said when he visited Compton Dundon Church on 19th June 1949 "As an old man I am glad to have had again this glimpse of Paradise" barbara house
mells valley near frome Philip Brewin
I would like to suggest Southlake Moor. Located on the banks of the River Parrett and at the heart of the Somerset Levels and Moors, Southlake is surrounded by medieval walls, with Burrow Mump offering fantastic views across the whole area. Southlake has a long and fascinating history and represents some of the best wetland habitat on the Levels. It also illustrates the intimate links between traditional farming practices, landscape and wildlife. An important feature is the ancient practice of deliberately flooding the moor during winter, which provides valuable habitat for waterbirds. Although abandoned in recent years, plans are now being developed to reintroduce winter flooding to Southlake for the benefit of wildlife and farming. John Sommer
I would like to suggest the Mendip Hills Area Of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). Here you have it all. Both the Ebbor and Cheddar Gorges' are in the area, as well as Burrington Combe providing some stunning rock faces and sheer drops. Both Blagdon and Chew Valley lakes are in the area providing specular wildlife reserves. You have the hilltop summits such as Beacon Batch providing stunning views for miles in all directions. You have mystery and history in the form of the Roman remains on the hills, countless ancient tumuli, carins, forts, the Priddy Nine Barrows and Priddy Circles. There are plenty of cycle and walking routes to enjoy and there is a mixture of terrain; forest, marsh, pasture and moorland. Its a truly facinating and beautiful area. sue hill
I have travelled the road from Milverton to Wiveliscombe many times in the 16 years I have lived in the area but the view as you pass the turning for Croford, drive up the hill and round the bend is magnificent. No matter what the weather, the season or the time of day. It is the essence of Somerset. Chris Thompson
I would like to suggest Cheddar Gorge, particularly when viewed from the top of Jacob Ladder (Tower) what a sight and scene. Now turnaround, taking in the 360 degree views of Somerset and in the distance Wales! After, a descent into the Gorge, explore the caves. The cavemen may have long gone but we all can imagine their lives in the natural wonder and ongoing fascination of Cheddar Gorge. Martin Bristow
I would like to suggest the somerset levels as they are steeped in mystery and legend and are largely unspoiled.Views across the levels from surrounding areas of high ground are stunning and never cease to fascinate me. sam musgrove
I would like to suggest the somerset levels as they have loads of hitsory that hardly no one knows about. Mike Allison
I would like to suggest Brent Knoll because I spent my childhood in Edithmead and every morning when I woke up I could see the Knoll. On the many occasions that I climbed to the top I would imagine that I could see the entire world from the summit. It is a place of wonderment, beauty and mythical proportions. It will always remain the centre of my universe and I welcome the opportunities to revisit anytime that I return to England from Canada. alistair gordon
the somersetlevels why/ cause they are one of the region's best kept secrets and retain that air of mystery cause you don't know what you'll find in the next field bar one cause you can't see it cause its so flat great views of the Levels ? yes from the Mendips and the Brendon Hills then you get a true picture of an almost ancient landscape and field pattern Dave Tosh
I nominate Goblin Combe, near Bristol and the airport. It's such an unusual feature, being a vertical sided, deeply wooded valley on the northern edge of the Mendips. It has it's own ecology, some fantastic fungi and it's character changes depending on the weather and time of day. It's also reasonably accessible to all. The transition from the depth of the bottom of the combe to the open top with wide views of the surrounding countryside is truly stunning. Dave Sylvie Browne
I nominate Cheddar Gorge - its where I live and there's nowhere like it! Just gazing on this wondrous awesome scenerary gives me a real feel good factor! Alison Millett
I nominate BURROW MUMP at Burrowbridge Somerset. I find it to be an unspoilt, spiritual place with far reaching views accross the area and besides my ancestors come from there. Sheila Budd
I nominate Exmoor National Park. The timeless beauty of the scenery is magical and special.Once on Exmoor:- You will see.... no traffic - only wildlife no superstores - only trees You will hear.... no shouting - only birdsong no car horns - only streams You will enjoy it very much and feel glad to be there. | 
