In July 2024 we reported on the possible creation of a new nature reserve for Wellington. Transition Town Wellington has been following this with interest. It is exciting that this project is now moving forward.

The Trinity Farm Nature Reserve (TFNR) Wellington, together with  Eastcombe Fields Nature Area near Bishops Lydeard will occupy a total of 27 ha. The TFNR comprises the land between Foxdown Hill and Rockwell Green. The landowner of both sites, Ken Coles has instigated this exciting project. Greenshank Environmental are partnering with Mr Coles and his family to bring it to fruition. They see creating TFNR as a legacy serving the people of Wellington.

​Kim Connor-Streich of Greenshank Environmental is quoted as saying that “This is a genuine long-term boost for Wellington. The Coles family have created something special here – space for wildlife, space for nature recovery and a real asset for the local area.

“What I love about this project is its legacy: these habitats will be protected for decades, giving future generations cleaner rivers, more wildlife and a stronger connection to the natural landscape around them.”

Somerset Council has backed this scheme with long-term conservation covenants. This project will not just meet the Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) requirements, it also makes a move to land stewardship by the community.

TFNR will form part of the Wellington Green Corridor. Eventually it is hoped that this corridor will eventually provide a wildlife links between the Brendon, Quantocks and Blackdown Hills all part of Somerset’s Local Nature Recovery Strategy. TFNR and Eastcombe will include woodland, grassland, hedgerows, lakes and wetlands. Both sites will be designed around, and incorporate, existing ecological features and improve connectivity between wildlife habitats.