THE FUTURE of Adderwell Water Meadow in Frome has been secured following the success of a crowdfunding campaign.

Fears that the 3.5-acre stretch along the River Frome could be developed in the future spurred groups into launching crowdfunding efforts, with £37,000 raised in total.

Groups involved included Friends of the River Frome, who collaborated with the town council to save this precious site from development.

Frome Town Council put the money raised into a trust to ensure the meadow will be protected in perpetuity as a haven for the people and wildlife of Frome.

The council said the purchase of the site is a testament to the power of the community and the many hard-working volunteer groups in Frome.

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Water meadows are a haven for wildlife due to their ability to create diverse habitats for many species, and the grass itself is rich in nutrients.

Friends of the River Frome Chairman, Mike Bull, thanked everyone who contributed to the project.

“Without you we wouldn’t be able to save this valuable habitat and open space for the people of Frome,” he said.

“Water meadows are becoming scarcer, but they’re needed more than ever to help with the climate emergency.

“They provide a valuable biodiverse habitat, as well as helping to store water and slow flooding during periods of intense rainfall.

“We’re excited to work with Frome Town Council in the coming months to prepare a management plan for the site.

“We will also be planning an event in the late summer to celebrate and thank everyone for their help in protecting this important site.”

Frome Town councillor Mark Dorrington praised the community involvement in securing the site’s future.

“Frome Town Council were proud to work with Friends of the River Frome to buy and preserve this important land for wildlife and people – and what a fantastic show of support from the community, from Save Open Spaces Frome and the Rotary to help raise the remaining funds,” he said.

“This land has vital benefits for biodiversity and in time will create recreational spaces for picnics, forest schools and the access to nature that we know is so important for mental and physical health.”

To find out more about Friends of the River Frome, visit friendsoftheriverfrome.co.uk