Scrub management is taking place throughout January in Midsomer Norton Town Park and Haydon Batch by Somer Valley Reimagined.

Contractors in Midsomer Norton are removing some areas of vegetation on the slopes of the batch, along with a small section along the batch footpaths. In Haydon Batch the contractors are focussing on removing scrub on a south westerly facing slope.

The work in Midsomer Norton is currently taking place, having started on Thursday January 9, and continues into January 10. The work in Haydon Batch takes place next week.

Midsomer Norton Town Park Batch and Haydon Batch are fantastic areas for species-rich grassland.

However, over the years scrub species such as hawthorn, bramble and dogrose have gradually been taking up larger areas of the batches, and if left unchecked would shade out the grassland and reduce the number of plant species found.

This work is being undertaken as grasslands are less common than both scrub and woodland, yet they provide vital habitats for valuable ecosystems that include diverse flowering plants, solitary bee species and butterflies.

The work is carried out over the winter months to avoid disturbing nesting birds and not all the scrub is being removed as it too is an important habitat for wildlife.

Areas of scrub and woodland edges will be left around the grassland areas to serve as forage and refuge for birds, mammals and invertebrates.

This work is funded is funded by Westfield Parish Council, Midsomer Norton Town Council, Radstock Town Council, Bath & North East Somerset Council, West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Natural England and Wessex Water.

Visitors are asked to take care when visiting the sites. Keep dogs on leads and be mindful of contractors and machinery at work.

For more information, contact Somer Valley Rediscovered through the email [email protected] or call 01225 47759