A sold-out audience gathered at Frome Town Hall on Tuesday 20 October for the launch of Frome’s Nature Recovery Plan, an inspiring and hopeful evening that brought together residents, experts and nature enthusiasts to explore how wildlife can thrive locally.
The event marked the culmination of months of work to develop the plan, which has been shaped by local wildlife data, Act to Adapt workshops with Somerset Wildlife Trust and feedback from residents, community groups and environmental organisations. It also featured a screening of Heal the Land, a documentary showcasing the work of Heal Somerset, where a former intensive dairy farm is being transformed into a thriving landscape for nature and people through rewilding.
Following the screening, attendees heard from a panel of local experts including 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.
The panel discussion prompted thoughtful questions from the audience on biodiversity loss, rewilding, sustainable land management and the role local people can play in restoring nature. The evening highlighted the enthusiasm that exists across the community to take action and support wildlife recovery both in public spaces and at home.
Cllr Sara Butler said: “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 sets out a shared vision for improving habitats, supporting wildlife and helping nature flourish in Frome. It identifies a range of opportunities over the coming years, from habitat creation and community planting projects to citizen science initiatives and helping residents make their own outdoor spaces more wildlife friendly. Residents are encouraged to read the Nature Recovery Plan and look out for upcoming opportunities to get involved via My Frome at www.myfrome.co.uk
The launch event was supported by volunteer group Frome Wild Bunch, with donations from the evening helping to support future community nature projects. If you’d like to get involved in helping wildlife thrive locally by joining the Wild Bunch visit www.frometowncouncil.gov.uk/wild-bunch
To find out more about the inspiring rewilding work taking place at Heal Somerset, visit www.healsomerset.org.uk
