Somerset :
Enjoy Somerset by checking out its various industries
One of the more popular counties in South West England is the county of Somerset. This place is typically rural characterized by its rolling terrain and mostly industrial lands. The county borders the counties of Bristol and Gloucesteshire, the Wiltshire, the Dorset and the Devon.
Thanks to its rolling hills and plains and its large expanse of land that includes the Somerset Levels, agriculture has been one of the major businesses in the county. Somerset is known for its wool and cheeses, as farming of cattle and sheep is popular in the area. Cultivation of willow for used in basketry is still popular as well. Somerset is known for its strong cider as well, thanks to a number of apple orchards in the area. Towns of Taunton and Shepton Mallet are the ones primarily known for their cider. Basketry by means of willow is still practiced, and residents of Somerset still celebrate their products and the art at the Willows and Wetlands Visitor Center. Somerset is also known in food protection. In fact Gerber Products Company that is based in Bridwater is considered as the largest producer of fruit juices in Europe. Sunny Delight and the ‘Ocean Spray’ are the top brands of Gerber. Milk-based industries are also present in this county, like Ilchester Cheese Company and the Yeo Valley Organic.
Much of what the visitors and guest can see in the area are the works of nature and geology. For example, caves and rivers are popular in the area. If the visitor will look at the north eastern part of the county, then view of moderately high limestone hills will greet them. These hills are known in the area as the Mendip Hills. These hills are known for their beauty, and these hills are designated in 1972 as an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. The extensive network of rivers, gorges and caves are the spots that make Somerset popular. Perhaps the most popular cave in the area is the Wookey Hole. The gorges in Somerset include the Cheddar Gorge and the Ebbor Gorge. Show caves are present in Somerset and these caves can be accessed by visitors.
Beyond their agriculture and the wonders of nature, Somerset also depends greatly in tourism. In fact based on a study in 2001, it was found out that the area’s tourism industry support around 23,000 people. The coastal towns that form part of the Exmoor National Park, the West Somerset Railway and a museum for the Fleet Air Arm at the RNAS Yeovilton are considered as popular. The RNAS or the Royal Naval Air Station in Yeovilton is considered as one of Britain’s two active Fleet Air Arm Bases. This is also home to the Royal Navy’s Lynx helicopters. Glastonbury of Somerset is one place that treasures its mythical and religious links. It is believed that Jesus of Nazareth has visited the place. Joseph of Arimathea also visited the place. The town of Glastonbury also lends its name to the annual open air rock festival that is often held in Pilton.
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