Campaign Launched to Secure Public Access Along River Frome

A new crowdfunding initiative aims to gather £25,000 to transform land adjacent to the River Frome in Somerset into an area for “people and nature.” Achieving this financial target would enable the project. Although the majority of the River Frome’s bank in Frome is already available through a public right of way, the stretch situated between the Old Printworks housing development and The Retreat currently does not have assured public access. In June, Frome Town Council cast a unanimous vote to acquire the land and officially designate the path traversing it as a public footpath. The total expenditure for acquiring the land and establishing enhanced access is estimated at £75,000. Of this sum, £50,000 has already been secured by the town council and the Friends of the River Frome. The ongoing crowdfunding effort seeks to collect the outstanding balance. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) reports that even though the path has not yet been formally recognized as a public right of way, it is frequently utilized by members of the public, such as dog walkers and local anglers. The proposed plans include extending the current boardwalk, which was built by the Acorn Property Group, beneath the railway bridge and onward to The Retreat. The site is also planned to feature a small picnic area along with benches. According to the Friends of the River Frome, maintaining the area as a water meadow would enhance biodiversity and offer flood protection for the town centre. A spokesperson stated: “Since medieval times, meadows adjacent to rivers have been allowed to ‘drown’ in the winter to reduce flooding risks downstream.” They further explained: “Water meadows are a distinctive wetland habitat for wildlife. The well-watered ground has lush growth in the spring.” The spokesperson also added: “Already, we regularly see green woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, kingfishers, dippers, as well as slow-worms, otters and beavers.” Readers can follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X, or submit story ideas via email or WhatsApp at 0800 313 4630. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding their policy on external linking is available.