Author: Simon Keyes

Frome Town Council unanimously adopted the new River Strategy at its meeting on 24 June. It can now be a material consideration in planning decisions.

The FoRF Committee is now appointing champions to take make sure we prioritise and take forward the 31 projects proposed in the Strategy.

The new landowner of the riverside meadows between Wallbridge and Adderwell has blocked access to the much-loved walk and caused considerable damage by leveling the water-meadow with a bulldozer.

FoRF is part of a new group Save Wallbridge Adderwell Path (SWAP) which aims to ensure access to the footpath is retained. SWAP is supported by over 1500 individuals who have signed a petition and many local organisations, including CPRE and Frome Town Council.

If you’ve walked this path the past, especially in the 1990’s, we’d like to hear from you. Completing an Evidence Form would be most helpful

Our new vision:

“As Frome grows, its River should be conserved as a clean, healthy, nature-rich, free-
flowing river system which provides a natural habitat for a diversity of life and an
accessible green corridor which connects people to nature.”

Our Aims

1. To maintain and improve the ecological quality of the River, its green corridor and
   tributaries.
2. To promote landscape improvements which enhance the urban River environment.
3. To prevent and remediate adverse human impacts on the River and its catchment.
4. To promote public enjoyment and health benefits by enabling environmentally
   sensitive access.
5. To nurture interest in and knowledge of the River and ensure its condition is
   monitored.

Thank you to everyone who made comments on the draft. Sue Everett and I have now revised the document and the final version will be presented to Frome Town Council on Wednesday 20 May for endorsement and incorporation into their plans.

The FoRF Committee will be now looking at how to take forward each of the five strands and looking for volunteers to help in each category.

Information from the monitoring station at Frome Rodden is available here

The draft new River Strategy 2020-30 is being launched at the Annual Meeting this evening. Town Hall 7.30pm

We’re going to consult with all key partners before presenting a final version to Frome Town Council. We welcome comments from anyone with an interest in the river. Click on the picture to download a copy.

Our Annual Meeting will be held on Monday 17 February at 19:30 at Frome Town Hall.

There’ll be lots to interest anyone concerned with the Somerset River Frome. We’ll be launching our new River Strategy as well as presenting a feasibility study into a possible new pedestrian bridge at Adderwell.