FOLLOWING a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised more than £37,000, the sale of Adderwell Water Meadow along the River Frome has been completed — meaning 3.5 acres of vital green space now belongs to the people of Frome.

The land has been bought by Frome Town Council and put into a trust, which ensures the meadow will be protected in perpetuity as a haven for the people and wildlife of Frome.

The sale follows years of campaigning from grassroots groups and local charity Friends of the River Frome, who collaborated with Frome Town Council to save this precious site from development. The purchase is a testament to the power of the community and the many hard-working volunteer groups in Frome.

Chairman of Friends of the River Frome, Mike Bull, said: “Friends of the River Frome would like to thank everyone who contributed to this project – without you we wouldn’t be able to save this valuable habitat and open space for the people of Frome. Water Meadows are becoming scarcer but they’re needed more than ever to help with the climate emergency.”

Frome town councillor Mark Dorrington also shared his delight in the achievement.

He said: "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!”

Now the sale is complete the meadow will be managed jointly by Friends of the River Frome and Frome Town Council who are developing plans to make sure the site is at its best.

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