A RAFT of improvements have begun at Staddlestones Riverside Park in Midsomer Norton as part of a project that aims to connect residents to their sustainable green spaces.

The project will feature earthworks and landscaping, alongside new picnic benches, seating boulders, a boules court and new footpaths.

Children at Norton Hill Primary School have created designs which will be incorporated into a new metal artwork entrance to the park.

Nature restoration features including tree planting and hedge laying will be carried out during the next phase of works during winter, together with new play equipment.

The works are expected to last ten weeks and follow extensive public consultation in the summer of 2023, which received more than 300 comments and community support.

The Staddlestones Riverside Park scheme is part of the Somer Valley Rediscovered partnership project being led by Bath & North East Somerset Council and grant funded by the West of England Combined Authority and other partners.

Waterside Valley in Westfield has also seen recent improvements to benefit the community and wildlife with the addition of an 800m crushed stone path connecting Radstock with the Waterford Park estate in Westfield year-round, replacing a previously waterlogged grass path.

New benches and picnic tables have also been installed, with further improvements including interpretation boards planned for the coming months. The work has been delivered in partnership with Westfield Parish Council, which purchased the 13 hectare site in July 2021.

Some entrances and areas of Staddlestones Riverside Park will be temporarily closed during the works to ensure public safety. Clear signage will be in place to guide visitors around the site.

Councillor Sarah Warren, deputy leader and cabinet member for sustainable Bath & North East Someset, said: “The improvements to both of these sites are a fantastic example of how we can work in partnership to invest in a better future for our green spaces, for both people and nature.

“The increased accessibility at Waterside Valley will make it a place where more people can enjoy the views and the sense of calm that this special site offers.

“Useful feedback from local people about the Staddlestones Riverside Park designs has really helped shape plans which are now becoming a reality and I’m excited to see the transformation begin.”

Westfield Parish Council said: “When Westfield Parish Council purchased Waterside Valley in 2021, our vision was to safeguard it as a natural haven for both people and wildlife.

“These latest improvements mark an important step towards that goal, providing a path that can be enjoyed year-round as well as new places for families and friends to gather.

“We are proud to see the valley becoming an even more valuable community asset, and look forward to adding interpretation boards that will help everyone discover more about its rich environment."

The Somer Valley Rediscovered greenspace project is funded by the the West of England’s Green Recovery Fund with match funding from Bath & North East Somerset Council, Westfield Parish Council, Midsomer Norton Town Council, Radstock Town Council, Natural England and Wessex Water.