The Friends of Silver Street Nature Reserve were pleased to welcome Denise James from “In Bloom” last Monday to assess the Reserve for the ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ category.

Although Midsomer Norton did not enter this year, we believe this award is important in the continuing life of the Nature Reserve, to show the community how much work our volunteers do, and it is always good to be recognised.

We showed Denise around the woods and meadow, and she was impressed with the site and work that has been carried out during the past year. This work includes a new noticeboard for the meeting point, a litter bin for the woods, pathway repairs, another seat for the meadow, all of the seats have been newly painted, and the footpaths cut back and swept regularly, as well as the events we organise for the community.

We have entered ‘It’s Your Neighbourhood’ for seven years now, and for the last four have been awarded ‘Outstanding’, so we hope to continue with that this year – we will have to wait and see! Do come along and enjoy a walk in the Nature Reserve, the coolness of the woods and sunny meadow teeming with wildlife, birds and insects.

Lucy Edwards