Steps to protect countryside paths are being taken with beauty spots suffering under the feet of visitors and the wheels of 4x4 vehicles.

The sites in question are Burrington Ham – popular with coach parties to see the Rock of Ages – and Black Down, the Mendip Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty's (AONB) largest area of open access.

Sarah Jackson, unit manager of the countryside custodian, said: "Black Down and Burrington Ham make up some of the finest landscape in the Mendip Hills AONB. However, their increasing popularity has resulted in some paths growing to over six metres in width and running with water in wet weather.

"This forces walkers and cyclists to use the sides of the paths rather than the centre, so paths are constantly widening. Combined with the damage resulting from illegal off road vehicles, the time has come to take action."

But the key now lies with restoring the site's eroded areas and improving signage and their interpretation.

The Black Down Advisory Group was started last year to look into the problem. Landowner Sir David Wills and conservationists brought back grazing livestock and ponies to improve the area.

Avon and Somerset Police's Pathwatch scheme has also been brought in to stop vehicles illegally driving on site.

The AONB will soon consult with site users and organisations on how to protect the areas and start securing funding.

It welcomes comments from visitors who come by foot, cycle or horse, or are concerned for the management of this unique area.

A consultation questionnaire can be obtained from the above web link or by telephone on 01761 462338.