A Community woodland in memory of a much-loved Frome resident is due to be created on Frome’s northwestern edge near Spring Gardens, with work due to start this month.
Moko Sellars, who died aged 39 in 2022 from cancer, was a popular resident of the town and ran her own vegan business.
To keep her memory and love of nature alive, Moko’s family and friends launched a fundraising campaign in 2022, which raised £25,000 for a community woodland to be created in her memory.
A 99-year lease has been granted free of charge to project partners Frome Town Council by the land’s owners, who have chosen to remain anonymous.
Work starts on the two-acre site earlier this month with a visit from James Foster of Wessex Working Horses and shire horses Dime and Flynn, who will prepare the land for seeding using traditional methods.
Guided walks to the site will take place at 1.30pm and 3pm on Wednesday 29th October (booking essential), setting off from the Cheese and Grain and led by the Frome branch of Walkers are Welcome. Visitors can see the work under way, enjoy refreshments, and hear from James about his approach.
Preparation of the site will continue throughout the winter, creating a pathway through the space, with a plan to plant 3,800 native trees and shrubs in spring 2026.
Cllr Mark Dorrington said, “This piece of land will create the largest community woodland in Frome. Many thanks to the generous landowners for granting Frome Town Council a 99-year lease for the land, free of charge, and to Moko’s family and friends for raising the funds to create the space.
“The site is set to become a much-loved destination for all in Frome, a place to recharge among native trees, discovering glades, tranquil riverside picnic spots and play features along paths for younger visitors.”
The community woodland site, and the visits on 29th October, are not currently accessible for people with mobility requirements. However, the design for the finished space takes accessibility needs into account.
Book free tickets for the visits to the ‘community woodland walk-out’ at 1.30pm and 3pm on Wednesday 29th October at bit.ly/woodland-walkout.
Pictured: Moko Sellars
Pictured: Shire horse with James Foster
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