Nature reserve created along popular walking path

A nature reserve is being created as part of a key walking and cycling route across rural Somerset.

Volunteers working on Hollybrook reserve are fencing off a piece of land next to the Strawberry Line, which runs from Yatton railway station to Shepton Mallet.

The team plans to create a picnic area at the entrance to the nature reserve near Wells, while a lookout area offers a view of the Somerset Levels towards Panborough and Wedmore.

Mick Fletcher, chairman of the Strawberry Line Society, said: "The embankment is full of wildlife – there's at least one badger sett in there, along with rabbits, foxes and plenty of birds, and there's a couple of deer that have taken up residence in the area."

The reserve lies between the existing path and the properties lining the busy A371, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It is accessed via an archway near Erlon Lane which once carried part of the Cheddar Valley railway line.

The project is being supported by charity Greenways and Cycleroutes, which works to develop community-run walking and cycling routes.

Part of the work involves resurfacing a path to the viewpoint area, to allow safer access for those with limited mobility.

"Ideally, we'd like to get a surface here which can be accessed by people with manually operated wheelchairs, pushchairs and Zimmer frames," Mr Fletcher said.

"This is not 'a nice thing to have' – it's part of our fundamental purpose.

"The Strawberry Line is about enabling people to get access to the countryside and improving communication between communities – but up there with them is improving opportunities for nature and increasing biodiversity. It's all tied in together."

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