Taunton Deane

What does the Group do and how can I get involved?

As part of Somerset Wildlife Trust, we aim to promote and support wildlife issues in the widest sense, from climate change to food production, bio-diversity on land and ocean through to local wildlife walks and talks.

We are particularly excited about the development of the Taunton Living Landscape. This project will bring together the community to enhance and connect green spaces with the River Tone and it’s tributaries so creating a network of places where wildlife can thrive and people feel alive. The project is particularly important because of the proposed housing and employment developments up to 2028. A bid for funding has recently been submitted to the Heritage and Lottery Fund and we should know the outcome in March next year.

One element of the Living Landscape project is Longrun Meadow. A number of organisations including Friends of Longrun, Somerset Wildlife Trust, Taunton Deane Borough Council and the Environment Agency have come together and are preparing a plan to manage and develop the area. However the present financial climate means that progress here will have to be gradual.

We recently organised an event “Making Space for Nature” which gave people the opportunity to learn more about these initiatives as well as find out what they can do in their own homes and gardens. The event was attended by a number of Taunton Deane residents as well representatives of a number of local environmental and gardening groups.

On 11^th January Derek Briggs gave a very informative and well illustrated talk on the environment and ecology of the Somerset Levels, a wetland area of national and European importance.

Tone Conservation

To support the Taunton Living Landscape Project, we have established a group of volunteers to carry out a range of practical conservation tasks, concentrating initially on Longrun Meadow. Meetings will initially be on the 3rd Wednesday of the month and you can do as much or as little as you wish. First meeting will be on 25th January at the "Willow Cathedral" in Longrun Meadow. Please email me if you would like further details.

Coming Events

We have a number of different events planned over the spring:

Tracking Wildlife, 14th February, 10.30am at Longrun Meadow
Cranes on the Levels, a talk on 13th March, 7.30pm at St George's School, our usual venue
Cranes on the Levels, a follow-up walk on 31st March at 12 noon at Grey Lake RSPB Reserve
Orchard and Wetlands system walk, 15th May, 7pm at Sheppy's Cider
Taunton Wildlife week, 24th - 29th May
Farm walk, 15th June, 6.30pm at Aisholt. Numbers will be limited so booking will be essentail.

Further details in the left hand column, now or shortly

We are always looking to expand our activities and influence within our area and would love to have new recruits on our committee. We met every 2 months to plan events and hatch new ideas to engage with our local area and reach out to more of our 2,000 plus local members and beyond. If you feel that you have a few hours to spare and are enthusiastic about wildlife, we would love to hear from you. If you really want to get your hands dirty as well, then contact the Taunton Midweek Volunteers

What areas does the Group cover?

The Group is based in Taunton but covers the whole of the Taunton Deane District Council area including Wellington, Wiveliscombe and Milverton.

Where does the Group meet?

During the winter months we meet on the second Tuesday of each month at St George’s Primary School, The Mount, Taunton, TA1 3NR. Summer throws up different events so each year is very different.

How can I get in touch for more details?

To contact the Taunton Deane Area Group Chair, Helen Lawy, call 01823 289693 or use the Contact Form below.

All our local events are shown in the left hand column - just click the green links to find out more.