From ‘Bitey Horse Field’ to Frome Community Woodland: A Somerset Transformation

Frome, Somerset – A modest parcel of land, recently secured on a 99-year lease by the town council, is undergoing a remarkable transformation from a former pasture known locally as “bitey horse field” into the Frome Community Woodland. This project, crowdfunded in memory of Moko Sellars, a young Japanese-British woman deeply cherished by the community, represents a shift from individual stories embedded in the landscape to a collective future taking root.

A Landscape of Stories

Like much of the British countryside, this small patch of Somerset is rich with local names and histories, often tied to forgotten individuals and events. Names like Snail’s Bottom, Bonnyleigh Hill, and Little Acre Farm speak to a past layered with personal connections to the land. The initiative at Frome aims to add a new chapter to this narrative, one built through community effort and remembrance.

From Pasture to Planting

The field earned its nickname from a spirited stallion, described as having a coat “studded with burdock burrs like a peppered mackerel,” who was known to bite. With the horse’s departure, the town council seized the opportunity to secure the land for a community project. Over the past week, the field has been marked with bamboo sticks, each representing a future tree.

A Community Effort

The planting of the Frome Community Woodland is a collaborative endeavor, involving approximately 600 volunteers. Teams are strategically planting species suited to the land’s varying conditions – pussy willow, black poplar, and alder in wetter areas, and oak, hornbeam, and field maple on higher ground. The vision extends beyond simply planting trees; it’s about creating a space for future generations, with an oval clearing envisioned as a potential play area for children and grandchildren.

A Legacy of Remembrance

The woodland is dedicated to the memory of Moko Sellars, whose impact on the town is deeply felt. The project serves as a living tribute, ensuring her memory endures within the growing landscape. The council has initiated a discussion, inviting the community to decide whether the name “Frome Community Woodland” will ultimately remain, fostering a sense of ownership and collective identity.

Source: The Guardian