Despite poor weather, Friends of Broadway Allotments & Community Garden Association (BA&CGA) held a litter pick on the former allotment to raise awareness of the site owned by Mendip District Council but neglected for 25 years.
The group say, “It is a little pocket of green amongst housing and is home to lots of wildlife, including badgers, slowworms, hedgehogs and foxes,with visits from foraging bats. The site has been described as the last green undeveloped space in Frome.
“A group of dedicated people formed Broadway Allotments & Community Garden Association to stop development, preserve and enhance wildlife and to create a communal space for residents to grow and enjoy, with the help of Frome Town Council.
John Clarke, chair of BA&CGA said, “We are hoping Mendip District Council will agree to transfer the land under a lease arrangement to be managed by ourselves and Frome Town Council for the benefit of the wildlife, the community and establish an asset for the town.”
“A preliminary ecology assessment carried out by a local ecology company identified the importance of the site in providing an environment and habitat for wildlife.
Ally Nelson, secretary of BA&CGA and a local resident said, “We are aiming to create an active green space, where people of all ages can come and enjoy the natural environment, learn to appreciate wildlife and grow food.
“With the help of an ecologist company and landscape designer and horticulturist, Polly Coupland, a plan has been created for the site which not only protects wildlife but creates much-needed community allotments, an orchard and wild flower meadow. We hope our vision becomes a reality.”
BA&CGA can be contacted through their Facebook page “Friends of Broadway Allotments and Community Garden Association” also through their website www.broadway allotments.com and on Instagram@broadwayallotments
