The Mendip area has a high level of naturally occuring lead. It has been mined in this area since the Roman Times.

The Priddy Lead Mine, (formerly the St Cuthberts Lead Works) is adjacent to Underbarrow Farm. It is a tranquil and peaceful area of industrial spoil heaps that have now been heavily colonised by lead tolerant plant species, amphibians, reptiles and insects.

Lead is extremely toxic and has a huge detrimental effect on animal and human health. Two Priddy families have dogs that have been treated for lead poisoning.

Lead appears in concentrated pockets throughout the Mendips. Farmers and horse owners have lost animals to lead poisoning over the years. Land adjacent to Underbarrow Farm has been tested for lead and been found to be over 750 times the average background level, which normally ranges between 30 and 50 parts per million (ppm).

Normally lead poisoning is fatal, treatment when possible, is extremely unpleasant, aggressive and costly.

Building work carried out on ground of such a high concentration of lead will throw up lead polluted dust. This will affect people and animals living in the area.