SOMER VALLEY REDISCOVERED

Beautiful landscape, fascinating heritage, an extensive footpath and cycle-path network – the Somer Valley has it all. In recognition of these facts Bath & North East Somerset Council, Wessex Water and Natural England are working together on an exciting new partnership project entitled Somer Valley Rediscovered.

Somer Valley Rediscovered (SVR) is essentially a people and nature project. The health benefits of getting out and about in your local environment have long been known and SVR aims to better connect communities to local greenspaces tackling both wildlife loss and improving health and wellbeing. Over the last 12 months, we have been working with Radstock Town Council with their plans for a Local Nature Reserve at Haydon Batch and we have co-ordinated the creation of the new Greenspace Map for the Radstock/Midsomer Norton/Westfield area. Along with our partners at Natural England and Wessex Water, we are working to promote ‘green social prescribing’ whereby free outdoor activities are offered via the GP to help with low mood and anxiety. As well as working on projects that are already underway, we are still developing plans for what we would like to see longer term. These could include: • Habitat creation and restoration for wildlife • Better access to greenspaces • Setting up and supporting volunteer groups to manage greenspaces • Promoting local walks and places to visit • Promoting and protecting heritage • Working with the health sector to promote green social prescribing projects We are keen to work in partnership and work alongside existing groups and organisations. Over the last year, we have been in touch with local councillors, organisations and community groups and we are hoping that, once Covid-19 restrictions lift further, we will be able to have more of a presence within the community. In the meantime, please get in touch if you would like to find out more.

Miriam Woolnough, Project Manager, Somer Valley Rediscovered miriam_woolnough@bathnes.gov.uk 01225 477590 www.somervalleyrediscovered.co.uk