Our 10 year plan for the river
From climate change, to farming, to development, the river Frome will face many challenges in the next decade – that's why we a strategy designed to tackle these problems, based around five key aims. Below you'll find our plans, and updates about how we're getting on.
Aim #1
Maintain and improve the ecological quality of the River, its green corridor and tributaries
How we do it
Project | Latest updates | Status |
|---|---|---|
1.1 Develop a natural flood management plan for the River. | ||
1.2. Support habitat restoration with permanent grassland and other permanent
vegetation on poor quality agricultural land throughout the catchment. | ||
1.3. Develop a Rewilding Strategy for the River | 🟠 On hold | |
1.4. Seek protection for existing green spaces within the ‘sensitive’ and floodplain
zone. | ||
1.5. Enhance habitats for wildlife and encourage the protection and reintroduction
of keystone species including beavers and water voles. | 2023 ~ we have an active beaver population and a licence to monitor them from Natural England | 🟢 In progress |
1.6. Control invasive non-native species, including Japanese Knotweed, Himalayan
Balsam and North American Mink. | 2023 ~ we have set several mink traps and humanely kill mink we catch. | 🟢 In progress |
1.7. Publish tree and woody debris management guidance. |
What does success look like?
A linear, nature-rich wide, naturally vegetated buffer zone of native trees, scrub, wetlands, restored permanent grasslands and meadows alongside both main River and its tributaries
Aim #2
Promote landscape improvements which enhance the urban River environment
How we do it
Project | Progress | Status |
|---|---|---|
2.1 Replace Welshmill Weir with a more natural stepped structure to enable fish
movement and enhance visual appearance. | 2023 ~ We've been quoted X million to replace the weir. This project is on hold while we seek advice and funding. | 🟠 On hold |
2.2 Advocate the remodelling of the Market River channel area to provide a more
attractive town centre environment. | ||
2.3 Rewild the Dippy culvert. | ||
2.4 Maximise opportunities for improving the landscape setting of the River in new
urban developments. |
What does success look like?
The River corridor enhanced as a beautiful and accessible asset at the heart of Frome’s townscape.
Aim #3
Prevent and remediate adverse human impacts on the River and its catchment
How we do it
Project | Latest updates | Status |
|---|---|---|
3.1 Ensure that the interests of the River are properly considered in the planning of new developments, by providing advice and comment on any development likely
to affect the River and landscape setting. | ||
3.2 Produce guidance on development control and the River corridor. | ||
3.3 Support work with farmers and landowners to improve management of riverside
land and reduce surface water run-off and pollution. | ||
3.4 Seek to establish constructive channels of communication with landowners,
managers and developers whose activities impact on the River. | ||
3.5 Seek the removal of Combined Sewer Overflows and improvement of Sewage
Treatment Works' effluent. |
What does success look like?
Threats to the River from pollution and poorly-designed development are mitigated and the River’s environmental significance to the health of the town and its people is valued and respected.
Aim #4
Promote public enjoyment and the health benefits of the River by enabling environmentally sensitive access.
How we do it
Project | Latest Updates | Status |
|---|---|---|
4.1 Develop a footpath linking the Town Centre to Rivers Reach. | ||
4.2 Reinstate the historical bridge between Saxonvale and Willow Vale to allow
improved access to Rodden Meadow. | ||
4.3 Create a public right of way between Wallbridge and Adderwell. | ||
4.4 Provide a new bridge at Adderwell as a crossing between Edmund Park, the Caxton Road development and the Station, with access to the River path. | ||
4.5 Seek improvements to the path going south from Adderwell towards Feltham
Meadows. | ||
4.6 Negotiate public access to existing informal path along River in Feltham Meadows
and examine feasibility of a footbridge from St Edmunds. | ||
4.7 Improve paths and access between Feltham Meadow and Blatchbridge. | ||
4.8 Produce signage and public information points along the existing paths. |
What does success look like?
A continuous, natural, pedestrian River Trail between Spring Gardens and Blatchbridge, with information about the history and biology of the River, and supported by landowners.
Aim #5
To nurture interest in and knowledge of the River and ensure its condition is monitored
How we do it
Project | Latest Updates | Status |
|---|---|---|
5.1 Organise an annual river festival event. | ||
5.2 Establish a Citizen Science Programme for young people. | ||
5.3 Establish a River Information point to collect and disseminate information about all
aspects of the river. | ||
5.4 Work with local schools to promote the river as a learning resource and promote awareness of its history and ecology. | ||
5.5 Establish Frome River Watch – a network of volunteers who adopt a specific stretch
of the river and monitor events and the condition of the river and adjacent sites. | ||
5.6 Establish regular river fly and other water quality monitoring by trained volunteers. | ||
5.7 Establish robust systems for reporting incidents of pollution and damage to the
Environment Agency and other authorities. |
What does success look like?
The value and character of the river is well-understood by Frome’s citizens and policy-makers and there is in place a good system for monitoring its ecological health.