Frome Town Council and Frome Beaver Watch are inviting nature enthusiasts to a relaxed and thought-provoking evening at 7pm on Friday 19th September at the Merlin Theatre, with a screening of ‘Balancing the Scales’ – a short, engaging documentary that looks at what happens when beavers are brought back to our landscapes.
The film explores how these fascinating animals interact with people, land and water, and how we might find a way for nature and communities to thrive together. Beavers build dams, slow down water and create amazing wetland habitats – but not everyone agrees on where and how they should be reintroduced. Balancing the Scales looks at all sides of the story.
After the film, we’ll be hosting a friendly panel chat with a brilliant mix of local voices, nature lovers and rewilding experts:
Sophie Ricardo – Frome local and founder of Frome Beaver Watch, who’ll give the lowdown on what’s happening in our area
Cllr Sara Butler – Frome Town Councillor, reflecting on how nature fits into the Council’s plans for a greener, more resilient town
Derek Niemann – Guardian Country Diaries writer and conservation author, Derek brings a deep historical and cultural perspective on nature in the UK
Nick Patel – Nature guide and host of the Wilder Skies podcast, bringing a rewilding perspective and deep passion for wildlife
Charly Le Marchant– From Pocket full of Acorns, Frome-based environmental filmmaker passionate about bringing back woodlands and restoring balance in nature
Martin Blain – Representing the Frome & District Angling Association, offering a vital perspective from the local fishing community on river health, water flow and working with nature
This event is part of Frome Town Council’s ongoing work to support biodiversity, respond to the climate emergency and involve the community in shaping the town’s future.
Cllr Sara Butler said, “This event isn’t just about beavers – it’s about how we live with nature and what we want our rivers, fields and towns to look like in the future. Come along to learn more about how we can work with wildlife – not against it – to create a healthier, more balanced future.”
The film is around 20 minutes long and will be followed by a panel discussion and plenty of time for questions and chat. We’d love to see you there – whether you’re passionate about wildlife, concerned about flooding, or just curious about what beavers might mean for Frome’s rivers.
Tickets for the screening are just £5 per person and can be booked via The Merlin Theatre at www.bit.ly/balancingthescalesscreening
