DISCOVER CHEDDAR
Along with the Cheddar Visitor Information Centre, Discover Cheddar is operated as a community project by Cheddar Community Partnership CIC, a not for profit company run solely by volunteers.
Discover Cheddar presents Cheddar and the Mendip Hills to people who are interested in a broad range of activities and promotes Cheddar as the destination from which to explore and enjoy the Cheddar Valley, the Mendip Hills and the surrounding area.
Discover Cheddar is aligned with the Cheddar Vision Group’s strategies and objectives. Comprising Cheddar Parish Council, Somerset Council, the Mendip Hills National Landscape Team, the National Trust, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Cheddar Chamber of Commerce and Longleat Enterprises (Cheddar Caves) among others, the Cheddar Vision Group is a strategy group aiming to grow the visitor economy to benefit local businesses, create jobs and benefit the broader community, while also being conscious of the need to look after the natural environment. Objectives include developing more sustainable employment, encouraging inward investment and stimulating entrepreneurialism amongst local people.
CHEDDAR COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP CIC
Following a research programme funded by the National Lottery’s Big Lottery grant scheme in 2016, Cheddar Community Partnership was formed as a not-for-profit Community Interest Company (CIC) with the objective of incubating local community projects and being a vehicle that existing projects could use to obtain sustainable funding without the need to form their own constitution and governance.
Cheddar Community Partnership (CCP) is overseen on a day to day basis by the volunteer Directors listed below, along with a brief description of their business backgrounds.
- John Pimblott – Business management and quality assurance.
- Simon Childs – Photography, marketing and general management.
- Mel Clinton – Planning, regeneration and partnerships.
- Richard Miller – Operational management, business planning and recruitment.
- Dr Stephen Kite – Retired Hertfordshire GP, mental health lead.
During 2017, with support from Mind and the Somerset Clinical Commissioning Group, the CCP established The Space supporting the mental health of children and young people. In April 2020, The Space became an independent charity.
In 2021 CCP facilitated the establishment of Cheddar Visitor Information Centre, taking over the former National Trust shop in Cheddar Gorge.
Subsequently CCP has kick-started a number of local initiatives, and helped source funds on behalf of other existing projects. These include Wild Cheddar (promoting wildlife gardening and improving public spaces for wildlife, and Sing2Breathe (helping people with breathing conditions through singing).
As of mid-2025 the CCP has been managing Cheddar Hydro, a community hydroelectric project that is currently running a feasibility study regarding hydroelectric generation in Cheddar Gorge.
The feasibility study is funded under the Community Energy Fund by the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero, and supported by the Southwest Net Zero Hub.
Our Core Values
Responsible enjoyment of the natural environment.
The conservation of the earth’s resources and the protection of wildlife habitats.
Access for all – facilities and support for people of all abilities.