The Save Open Spaces Frome campaign came together to enjoy a picnic and walk around the boundary of the fields recently saved by the local community. Just over 140 people attended the event to celebrate purchasing the land. The crowdfunding campaign came about to retain the fields as an open space for all of the community to enjoy. Spurred into action last June when it was discovered the fields were up for auction, the landowners agreed to delay the sale to give the town a chance to raise enough money to buy the fields and preserve the valued open space from development. The campaign won the backing of Frome Town Council, we pledged £35,000 and the town Mayor, Cllr Peter Macfadyen was the first purchase a share of the land!
SOS Frome is now working with Somerset Wildlife Trust to safeguard the different ecosystems within the fields. Anna Francis, who led the campaign alongside Ruth Knagg said: “The Wildlife Trust visited the site and were impressed at how many species of beautiful meadow flowers we already have – the local kestrel even made an appearance! The Wildlife Trust will be working with us to develop a plan to increase bio-diversity, and make the meadow an even more special place for the local community.”
SOS Frome will be holding a public meeting to discuss plans towards the end of May and the Somerset Wildlife Trust are planning a cream tea and wildlife workshop in the fields over the summer. For more information see: www.sosfrome.org or call 01373 475574.
