[3] For many years in the 18th and 19th centuries Great Elm was the site of water powered mills owned by James Fussell IV.

Conservation matters (including trees and listed buildings) and environmental issues are also the responsibility of the council.

It is also part of the Frome and East Somerset county constituency represented in the House of Commons of the Parliament of the United Kingdom.

Vallis Vale is a biological and geological Site of Special Scientific Interest which includes an ancient woodland and exposes some of Britain's most classic rock outcrops, exhibiting several of the most easily demonstrated examples of angular unconformity available.

The parish is crossed by a Mendip Rail railway line which carries aggregate trains from Whatley Quarry.