Supporting biodiversity

A few thoughts. As many of you know we have Beavers and Otters plus many other creatures and birds living and breeding right in the centre of our “GREAT” town. Would it be a good idea or not to advertise this to draw in visitors—Info, boards etc,?? Plus just upstream of Jenson,s bridge on the carpark side we have large flattish area right by the water which with a few steps down and a hand rail around the bank perimeter could easy b be turned into a great wildlife spotting area for young people??? There’s enough of us volunteers to implement this at low cost. Viewing the recording today (8th May 2026) of my remote camera placed along our river, The female Beaver is heavily pregnant with kits and will shortly give birth, give them a couple of months and like all young creatures including us humans, get fidgety - hungry and want to go out and play, so come August - September time then,s the time to have a quiet walk along our river. “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” Sir David Attenbough.

It would be really beneficial for locals and visitors to be able to use the river without the risk of become ill from sewage. There are such beautiful spots of the river but all too often there is a smell that shows the state of the river. I know we can't put an immediate stop to polluting incidents but can natural barriers be implemented to help liven the river again?

With all the development on the south side of Frome above the river, upstream of the town, it would be appropriate to consider a broader strategy on how to manage, maintain and preserve the river and its floodplain for both biodiversity and public amenity. These are currently greenfield areas that are just beyond the current edge of a rapidly expanding Frome and areas where people currently walk are being progressively lost. The area planted with native trees below the Muriel Jones Allotments (south of Birchill Lane) is a great example of how the area adjacent to the river could be managed to the benefit of people and the environment.

The river banks between the pedestrian bridges is currently quite poor both aesthetically and also ecologically. A partnership between Somerset Wildlife Trust to improve the river banks to plant with appropriate species would be an excellent approach.

Engage with Friends of the River Frome (FoRF) to campaign for improved water quality and less pollution. Consider a wider strategy with partners to improve the river corridor for people and wildlife within the context of a revised and updated Neighbourhood Plan prepared jointly with adjoining Parish Councils. Work with the community to reduce litter along the river corridor . Carefully consider the siting of share boxes which can generate litter and fly tipping along the river corridor.