Crowdfunding begins to make river path public

Land near the River Frome in Somerset could become a space for "people and nature" if a new crowdfunding campaign to raise £25,000 reaches its goal.

While most of the riverbank in Frome is accessible via a public right of way, the section between the Old Printworks housing development and The Retreat lacks guaranteed public access.

Frome Town Council unanimously voted in June to purchase the land and register the route along it as a public footpath.

It will cost £75,000 to acquire the land and create the improved access – of which £50,000 has already been raised by the town council and Friends of the River Frome. The crowdfunding campaign hopes to raise the remaining amount.

While it is not yet an official public right of way, the route is regularly accessed by members of the public, including dog walkers and local anglers, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS).

Under the proposals, the existing boardwalk constructed by the Acorn Property Group would be extended under the railway bridge up to The Retreat.

A small picnic area and benches would be provided within the site.

The Friends of the River Frome said that preserving the area as a water meadow would boost biodiversity and protect the town centre from flooding.

A spokesperson said: "Since medieval times, meadows adjacent to rivers have been allowed to 'drown' in the winter to reduce flooding risks downstream.

"Water meadows are a distinctive wetland habitat for wildlife. The well-watered ground has lush growth in the spring."

They added: "Already, we regularly see green woodpeckers, sparrow hawks, kingfishers, dippers, as well as slow-worms, otters and beavers."

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