Welcome

The Friends of the River Frome is a group of people who feel passionately about the state of the Somerset River Frome and its surroundings.

Our activities include

This website will tell you more about the Friends, who we are, what we do, the variety of activities for you and how you can join us.

In short, if you care for the River Frome, then Friends of the River Frome is for you!

Latest News

Two mile river walk
On Thursday 25 February A lady in a wheel chair successfully completed the Mendip Health Walk which included the river paths between Wallbridge and Welshmill. (09/02/10)
The new committee
At the AGM Dorothy-Anne Bryant took over as chair, Sally Greenhalgh took over as secretary and Pete Austin continued as treasurer. Other new committee members are on the officers page of the web-site. (09/02/10)
Extra litter pick
Ducks will be nesting by the time of our major Spring litter pick on 6 March so some of us met on Saturday, 6 February and cleared six sacks of rubbish from below the pedestrian bridge near Wallbridge. (04/02/10)
Wildlife at AGM
Pictures anyway Tony House showed us striking pictures of kestrels, otters and various insects seen near the river or on the Somerset Levels. (04/02/10)
AGM change of venue
The AGM at 7.15pm on Wednesday 3 February will now be held at Wesley Methodist Church. We will be in the Class Room and look forward to Tony House informing us about wildlife and the river. For further information follow this link. (20/01/10)
Congratulations to Simon King on his OBE
Our local sympathiser, Simon King, a presenter with the BBC Natural History Unit, has been awarded an OBE for services to Wildlife Photography and to Conservation. (31/12/09)
Money given for Explanation Boards
We applied for and got a thousand pounds from the Golden Bottle Trust for two explanation boards in Rodden Meadow. The content has been chosen in consultation with the Open Grounds Officer of the Town Council. The design is being developed by a member of River Friends. Oak holders for the display boards are being provided at cost by a well-wisher. (31/10/09)
Britain in Bloom Neigbourhood Awards 2009
Today the Royal Horticultural Society and South West in Bloom have given FRF and Welshmill Allotments their Neighbourhood Award of Merit. In a ceremony organised by Christine Potter of Frome in Bloom, the Mayor, Cllr Damon Hooton made the presentation. For further information follow this link. (22/10/09)
Frome Enhancement Day 10 October
Various groups met on the morning 10 October in brilliant weather. Seventy five volunteers turned out. The areas chosen for a makeover included the Blue House storm water passage, Innox Hill (Welshmill Bridge), Old Market Yard, Ellworthy Court, Rodden Meadow, The Mount, St Johns Road, Stonebridge (Tesco). HopeFrome and Friends of the River Frome were based at the Frome Canoe Club to provide support. Afterwards we gathered for refreshments and a publicity photo. (15/10/09)
Wessex Watermark 2009
Wessex Water's ecologist James Mitchell today presented us with an award of 500 pounds towards our work. For further information follow this link. (24/09/09)
BBC Somerset Radio 'Foreign plant removal'
BBC Somerset has covered our campaign against Himalayam Balsam, the invasive weed. For further information follow this link. (20/08/09)
Race to bash Himalayan Balsam
Volunteers started the attack on HB, then we employed contractors to cut and uproot the weed from the banks of the River Frome from Welshmill to Wallbridge. 1.8 tonnes and more were cut and disposed of. We used Royal Horticultural Society guidance. BBC Radio Somerset reported our efforts. news.bbc.co.uklocalsomersethipeopleandpMendip Times September 2009 issue p7 also has a report.httpwww.worldwidemedia.co.ukmendiptimesmendiptimes.pdf For further information follow this link. (11/08/09)
Frome shop front display
FRF have mounted a display of photographs and commentary in the former estate agent's office at the corner of North Parade and Willow Vale, opposite the Frome Museum. It is designed to explain our work and to encourage people to sign up to give us moral support. Any comments welcome. (07/08/09)
'Grass Roots' Award
FRF has received an award of 930 pounds from the Grass Roots programme of Somerset Community Foundation to continue our work. For further information follow this link. (27/07/09)
Fishing League
On 28 June a fishing competition held the opening match on the River Frome. It was reported on River Meandering on FromeFM. A great time was had by all. For more details of future events contact Ben Lloyd at Tight Lines (01373 455 001). (19/07/09)
River plays important part in Frome Community Plan
Follow the link below to find plans for river enhancement, bridges etc. The subtext is that community groups such as ourselves are the ones who will make it happen (or fail to do so). For further information follow this link. (13/05/09)
AGM 2009
The Deputy Mayor, Damon Hooton, voiced our appreciation of Brian Potter's 15 years of work with Friends of the River Frome and seconded it from his own experience of working with Brian. Christine Potter accepted on Brian's behalf a dish with river inspired design made of glass from Slipps Nursery by a local artist. For further information follow this link. (18/02/09)
Ground clearance and thinning 2009 specification
This specification meets the requirements and stipulations of the Environment Agency, Frome Town Council, Mendip District Council and Somerset County Council. This specification is to be used on the riverbank of the Somerset Frome within the confines of the town of Frome.The object is managing growth to allow the penetration of light and prevent the entanglement of litter.To clear the ground of all wood and brash. To remove lower branches of trees and shrubs to a height of one metre, especially where they overhang the river or are dead. To minimize or avoid work on substantial trees. To remove any unwanted saplings of ash, sycamore, alder etc, especially where there is actual or potential damage to masonry and treat with approved herbicides. To log heavy branches, remove or stack back from the river edge. To chip other wood and remove or dispose back from the river edge. To identify and flag any Japanese Knotweed for later treatment. To stop ivy on trees. (11/02/09)