WORK to create a new wildlife pond near Wellow Brook is underway, as Midsomer Norton Town Council partners with the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust (BART) and Somer Valley Rediscovered to boost local biodiversity and enhance community green spaces.

Scheduled to begin this autumn, the project will see the construction of a pond approximately one metre deep with gently sloping edges, designed to support a rich variety of aquatic and wetland life.

The pond will be safely enclosed with fencing and a multi-accessible gate to ensure it is welcoming and inclusive for all visitors.

This new habitat will be planted with a diverse mix of native pond and wetland plants, which are vital for supporting aquatic wildlife.

Ponds of this kind provide habitats for a range of insects, including water beetles, dragonflies, and hoverflies. Vegetation along the banks offers food and shelter for wildlife and supports the development of wildflower-rich grassland, an ecosystem that has become less common in recent years.

Tara Bailey, on behalf of Midsomer Norton Town Council, said: “The town council is proud to support this initiative, which not only benefits nature but also creates a peaceful and educational space for residents and visitors to enjoy.”

For more information about BART and their conservation efforts, visit www.bristolavonriverstrust.org