The Villages and Hamlets of Neroche Parish today

The name Neroche comes from the ancient Forest of Neroche which in former times covered a large area to the south of Taunton, including that now administered by Neroche Parish Council, the local government body for the area where our villages and hamlets lie. However here is no village named Neroche.

The Neroche villages are in a beautiful, tranquil rural setting, made up of predominantly farmland and forests, between the escarpment of the Blackdown Hills to the south, and Taunton to the north. It is spread over 10 square miles of Somerset countryside. Its varied landscapes continually change throughout the seasons.

There are 220 dwellings with a mixture of architectural styles, many lying in open countryside outside the villages and hamlets. There are two Anglican churches, St Michael's serving Orchard Portman and St Peter’s serving Staple Fitzpaine. There is a nursery, a primary school, a village hall, a pub, a special hospital, a racecourse, a polo ground and many equine facilities. These are spread throughout the area; the community does not have a single geographical focal point.

The area is bisected from North to South by the main Taunton to Chard road running through Staple Fitzpaine, together with a number of feeder roads servicing the villages and outlying areas.

There is wide range of local businesses besides those involved in farming, forestry or equine pursuits. Some work from home, others from converted farm buildings or purpose built premises. These are listed on the Business page.

The area administered by Neroche Parish Council is made up of four civic parishes namely Bickenhall, Curland, Orchard Portman with Thurlbear, and Staple Fitzpaine.