SOMERSET residents are invited to accompany the Somerset Archaeological and Natural History Society (SANHS) as they visit some of the remaining defences of the Taunton Stop Line.

The walk will take place on April 22, starting at 10am and running until 2pm. The walk will start in the Donyatt area.

A spokesperson from the SANHS said: "After the German invasion of France in June 1940, the threat of a seaborne invasion of the United Kingdom was becoming a distinct possibility.

"It was recognised that a major German force landing in the South-West would seriously threaten shipping in the Western Approaches and the Bristol Channel. It would also provide a base from which Ireland could be attacked.

"After capturing Plymouth, it was thought that the Germans would try to cut off the whole of the southwest peninsula by taking and holding a defensive line from Bridgwater, through Ilminster to Lyme Regis.

"The British military solution was to build a “stop line” in an effort to impede enemy tank movements and to buy time for any available reserves to counterattack.

"The Taunton Stop Line would form a continuous line of anti-tank obstacles between Burnham-on-Sea on the northern coast and Seaton in the south. Evidence of this stop line still exists in parts of the Somerset landscape."

The society is dedicated to preserving sites which hold a historic significance, especially within the county of Somerset.

The group is welcoming to those that have an interest in understanding and protecting the heritage of Somerset.

Those that are interested in joining the walk, please ring the SANHS office on 01823 272429.

Alternatively, you can email office@sanhs.org to book your place.

Everyone is welcome, whether you are a member of the society or not.

If you are able, any donations to the SANHS would be greatly appreciated, as it helps fund their vital work. 

As stated on their website, there are many ways that people can donate. You can either decide to put the donation towards the general fund or a specific project, which can be useful if you have something you are particularly interested in and want to preserve.

To learn more about the walk and other events, please get in contact with SANHS.