Frome's 'Bitey Horse Field' Transformed into Community Woodland
In a heartening environmental initiative, a small patch of land in Frome, Somerset, once infamously dubbed "bitey horse field" due to a troublesome stallion, is being reborn as a vibrant community woodland. The town council has secured a 99-year lease on this banana-shaped paddock, launching a project that will see hundreds of volunteers plant trees to create a lasting green space for future generations.
A Storied Landscape Gets a New Chapter
This area of Somerset, like much of Britain, is rich with local history and folklore, where every feature has been named and remembered by past residents. The field's previous moniker stemmed from a priapic stallion that once roamed here, known for its aggressive behavior, including biting incidents. However, with the horse now gone, the council has seized the opportunity to rewrite this narrative, transforming the site into something positive and enduring.
Over the past week, the field has been prepared with a forest of bamboo sticks, marking the spots where new trees will take root. This effort is part of a crowdfunded project established in memory of Moko Sellars, a young Japanese-British woman who was deeply cherished by the Frome community. Her legacy is now being honored through this green initiative, which aims to foster a sense of unity and environmental stewardship.
Volunteers Plant for the Future
On a recent planting day, volunteers descended on the site, tasked with pairing each bamboo stick with a live tree whip. Teams were assigned different sections based on the land's topography. For instance, in the riverside end prone to flooding, species like pussy willow, black poplar, and alder were planted, as they thrive in wet conditions. On higher ground, volunteers introduced oak, hornbeam, and field maple, ensuring biodiversity and resilience.
The project, dubbed Frome Community Woodland, involves around 600 participants from the local area, embodying a true community-driven effort. An oval clearing has been designated for schoolchildren to plant trees, with the vision that their grandchildren might one day play there. This long-term perspective highlights the project's focus on creating a wooded sanctuary where people can hide, lose, and find themselves amidst nature.
Community-Led Naming and Legacy
While the council has provisionally named the site Frome Community Woodland, the final decision on its name will be left to the community, reflecting the participatory spirit of the project. This initiative not only addresses environmental goals but also strengthens social bonds, turning a once problematic field into a symbol of hope and collective action.
As the saplings grow, this new woodland promises to become a cherished part of Frome's landscape, offering a peaceful retreat and a testament to the power of community collaboration in shaping a greener, more sustainable future.
