Welcome to Mathon

Nestling in the lea of the Herefordshire slopes of the Malverns lies the peaceful rural hamlet of Mathon, where 150-odd voters represent a healthy mix of indigenous country folk and relative newcomers of all ages who have been captivated by the enviable qualities of proximity to the wonderful open hills with their revered spring water and the surprising range of cultural and retail amenities in the attractive Victorian spa town of Great Malvern.Though the centre of the hamlet comprises little more than the village church of Norman origin and the popular local inn together with a scattering of characterful homes there are local shops and other amenities in the neighbouring villages of Cradley and Colwall and the cities of Worcester and Hereford are within easy travelling distance as well as the historic country towns of Ledbury, Bromyard and Tewkesbury and many less well-known villages of real and often unsuspected delights. And there is no shortage of enjoyable venues for a tasty meal out in congenial company....   Much of Mathon also sits within the Malvern Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) which was designated in 1959 and covers 105 square kms of land lying within Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire. The AONB designation means that the area is of national importance for its distinctive character and natural beauty.  An AONB Partnership exists to provide strategic direction and co-ordination for thearea and to produce and implement an AONB management plan. The management plan provides important guidance to allthose organisations and individuals who manage land in the area and who live, work or have an interest in it. The management plan is also linked to annual action plans for the care of the area.  Part of the parish of Mathon lies within the MalvernHills AONB. The interests of the Parish are represented on the AONB Partnership (Joint Advisory Committee) by Nicky Carless who attends meetings on behalf of theHerefordshire Association of Local Councils. The Parish Council has a legalduty to have regard to the purpose of conserving and enhancing the naturalbeauty of the AONB when exercising or performing any functions which may affectit. The local community also has an opportunity to benefit from grants andother forms of support which are available through the AONB Partnership.  For further information please visit the Malvern Hills AONB website at www.malvernhillsaonb.org.uk or contact the AONB Office on 01684 560616.