A new community woodland site in memory of much-loved Frome resident Moko Sellars, who died in 2022 aged 39 can proceed, thanks to a £25,000 crowdfunder organised by her friends and family for the design and planting of a piece of land adjacent to Spring Gardens. A 99-year lease has been granted free of charge to project partners Frome Town Council by the land’s owners, who have chosen to remain anonymous.
Work starts on the two-acre site in October with a visit from James Foster of Wessex Working Horses and shire horses Dime and Flynn, who will prepare the land for seeding using traditional methods. Guided walks to the site take place at 1.30pm and 3pm on Wednesday 29 October (booking essential), setting off from the Cheese and Grain, led by Frome Walkers are Welcome. Visitors can see the work under way, enjoy refreshments and hear from James about his approach.
Preparation of the site will continue throughout the winter, creating a pathway through the space with a plan to plant 3,800 native trees and shrubs in Spring 2026.
Cllr Mark Dorrington said:
“This piece of land will create the largest community woodland in Frome. Many thanks to the generous landowners for granting FTC a 99-year lease for the land, free of charge, and to Moko’s family and friends for raising the funds to create the space. The site is set to become a much-loved destination for all in Frome, a place to recharge among native trees, discovering glades, tranquil riverside picnic spots and play features along paths for younger visitors.”
The community woodland site, and the visits on 29 October, are not currently accessible for people with mobility requirements. However, the design for the finished space takes accessibility needs into account.
More about Wessex Working Horses is at wessexworkinghorses.co.uk. Book free tickets for the visits to the ‘Community woodland walk out’ at 1.30pm and 3pm on Wednesday 29 October at bit.ly/woodland-walkout.
