Issue 284 – Funding gets river project flowing

A project to make the River Frome a focal point for the town has received support from Wessex Water.

The Friends of the River Frome are transforming the waterway to make it more accessible for local people.
Wessex Water has pledged £500 to support the project in Frome, which aims to create an urban open space unifying both sides of the river and allowing it to be used by residents and visitors.
It is believed volunteers have already spent one thousand hours transforming the river banks in the last year, but the steepness of the banks in some places has meant specialist help is required to plant the native species to improve biodiversity, as well as the riverbank’s aesthetic appearance.
The money provided through the water company’s Watermark environmental grant scheme will fund the specialist work.
John Hyde, of the Friends of the River Frome said, “We are delighted with the support from Wessex Water.
“It will mean we can treat and sow both banks near Frome County Library – an area in full view of hundreds of passers-by. It is a great boost to our volunteers who see their work appreciated.”
The Watermark award scheme provides funds for environmental projects within the Wessex Water area. Now in its sixteenth year it has supported more than 500 environmental initiatives. Organised by The Conservation Foundation, all projects are judged by a panel chaired by its President David Bellamy.
Pictured From left to right: Dorothy Anne Bryant, Secretary FRF, James Mitchell Wessex Water ecologist, Angela Yeoman, patron FRF, Damien Hooton Frome mayor and John Hyde chairman FRF. Picture by David Chedgy