An enthusiastic audience filled Frome Town Hall on Tuesday 20 October for the launch of Frome’s Nature Recovery Plan. The event aimed to bring together residents, experts, and nature enthusiasts to discuss how wildlife can thrive in the local area.
This plan is the result of months of dedicated work, incorporating local wildlife data, insights from Act to Adapt workshops with Somerset Wildlife Trust, and feedback from residents and environmental organisations. The evening also featured a screening of Heal the Land, a documentary by Heal Somerset, illustrating the transformation of a former dairy farm into a rewilded landscape.
Following the film, a panel of local experts shared their insights. The panel included Daniel Hill, Rewilding Ranger at Heal Somerset; Rob Holden, Environment Manager at Frome Town Council; Adam Hunt, Joint Founder of Urquhart & Hunt; Dan Morrell, Founder and CEO of Balance; and Hayley Smith, a producer of Heal the Land.
“"It was fantastic to see such a positive response to the launch of Frome’s Nature Recovery Plan. With tickets fully booked, the event showed just how much local people care about nature and the environment. The discussion demonstrated that there is a real appetite to turn ideas into action, and that’s exactly what this plan is about. By working together, we can make a meaningful difference for wildlife and create a greener, more resilient future for Frome."
The Nature Recovery Plan outlines a shared vision for enhancing habitats, supporting wildlife, and promoting nature's flourishing in Frome. It details various opportunities for the coming years, including habitat creation, community planting projects, citizen science initiatives, and guidance for residents to make their own outdoor spaces more wildlife-friendly. Residents are encouraged to review the plan and look for upcoming involvement opportunities via My Frome at www.myfrome.co.uk.
The launch event received support from the volunteer group Frome Wild Bunch, with donations from the evening contributing to future community nature projects. Those interested in helping local wildlife can join the Wild Bunch by visiting www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wild-bunch. Further information on the rewilding work by Heal Somerset is available at www.healsomerset.org.uk.
