Somer Valley Rediscovered

Bat Walk in Wellow Brook Walk
2024-04-26 20:00 - 21:45 (Europe/London) | Wellow Brook Walk, Wellow Brook Walk, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2SD, United Kingdom
Join us at Wellow Brook Walk on Friday 26th April for an evening bat walk.
We will start at 8:15 pm with a brief talk about bat ecology and conservation and then go for a gentle stroll along the river looking and listening out for different bat species. We will use bat detectors to pick up the bat’s echolocations and work out what species we have recorded. We will finish up at 9:45 pm.
Please note: There is some unstable ground and steeper sections so please wear sturdy footwear. Bring a torch!
All under 18s must be accompanied by an adult and we please ask that dogs be left at home
Parking is available a 17-minute walk away at South Road Car Park, but please walk, bus, scoot, or cycle if possible.
Please arrive by 8:00 pm for an 8:15 pm start.
In the event of poor weather, we may need to cancel at short notice, in which case we will reschedule.

An Introduction to Spring Foraging
2024-04-22 10:00 - 12:30 | Swallow Community Cafe, Radstock, BA3 3QG, United Kingdom
Spring Foraging Walk for Beginners
Join us for a fun and educational walk at Waterside Valley, Westfield. This event is perfect for beginners who want to learn more about foraging and edible plants in spring.
During the walk, our expert guide will teach you how to identify different types of plants and share fascinating facts about their unique characteristics. You’ll get the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings of Waterside Valley.
No prior knowledge is required, so whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your understanding of the natural world!
Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Meeting outside Swallow’s Cafe, Radstock, we will be walking along Waterside Valley and into the Haydon Batch woodlands.
This will be an easy-paced walk on slightly uneven, muddy terrain, with sloping hills.
We will return to Swallow’s Cafe at 12:30 pm.

Nordic Walking 6-Week Course
2024-04-12 11:30 - 12:30 | Staddlestones Park, Riverside Gardens, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2PX
This Nordic Walking 6-week course is an introduction providing a foundation for Nordic walking, fitness, and well-being, all tailored to your individual needs. You’ll be learning in a group setting with walk leader Maxine, a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor.
Meeting Staddlestones Park, Riverside Gardens, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2PX
Meet at 11:30 am to sign in and get set up, finishing at 12:30 pm
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes such as walking boots or trainers.
We ask that you leave your canine friends at home for these sessions.
Parking is available on residential roads around the park, but please walk or cycle if you are able.
Booking is free, but please ensure you cancel if you can no longer make the 6-week course to allow other people to attend.

Spring Nature, Craft, Connection
2024-04-11 10:00 - 12:00 | Swallow Community Cafe, Radstock, BA3 3QG, United Kingdom
A free 6-week course for adults of all ages to explore, reignite, and deepen connections to the living world and our relationship with it, and benefit from the support, health, and wellbeing found in this.
The course offers easy practices to engage with nature and to learn more about its plants, animals, and the land around us through natural land skills, crafting / creative activities, mindfulness, sharing inspirations, and wandering in nature. The creative practice will include a variety of nature crafts using materials such as willow, charcoal, wool, and wood.
You will be guided to be aware of the living world around us, and how it can support us. There will be a chance to check in where we will be able to share and hear from each other.
The course allows people to explore and experience nature according to their relationship with it, to learn and enjoy it in ways that naturally suit them best. There is no expectation to engage in these activities, you can see how you feel on the day.
The course dates are:

Thursday 11 Apr 10 am – 12 pm
Thursday 18 Apr 10 am – 12 pm
Thursday 25 Apr 10 am – 12 pm
Thursday 2 May 10 am – 12 pm
Thursday 9 May 10 am – 12 pm
Thursday 16 May 10 am – 12 pm

There is a toilet and café on the site. We will be walking down Waterside Valley to set up camp chairs by the river and explore the surroundings. When cold we will have a fire to warm us and heat water for hot drinks. If the weather is wild we’ll use the church rooms for indoor crafting space.
We will meet at the St Nick’s Church Rooms / SWALLOW Community Café in Radstock at 10:00 am.
If you have any questions please contact EcoWild at +44 781 215 5659

Nordic Walking Taster
2024-04-05 11:30 - 13:00 | Staddlestones Park, Riverside Gardens, Midsomer Norton, Radstock BA3 2PX
This Nordic Walking Taster is a one-and-a-half-hour introductory session providing a foundation for Nordic walking, fitness, and well-being, all tailored to your individual needs. You’ll be learning in a group setting with walk leader Maxine, a qualified Nordic Walking Instructor.
Meeting Staddlestones Park, Riverside Gardens, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2PX
Meet at 11:30 am to sign in and get set up, finishing 1:00 pm
Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes such as walking boots or trainers.
We ask that you leave your canine friends at home for this session.
Parking is available on residential roads around the park, but please walk or cycle if you are able.
Booking is free, but please ensure you cancel if you can no longer make the session to allow other people to attend.

Spring Family Nature Walk & Music Workshop
2024-04-03 10:30 - 13:00 | Somer Centre, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2UH, United Kingdom
Join Sing-a-ling and the Somer Valley Rediscovered team at Midsomer Norton Town Park for a Family Nature Walk, ending with a music session at the Midsomer Norton Town Park Amphitheatre! This is a fun, educational, and interactive workshop for young children. Only one ticket is required per family.
A Family Walk which is pram/ buggy/ sling/ carrier friendly and suitable for adventurous little legs, takes you through Midsomer Norton Town Park, along the appropriate walking paths. There will be various stops along the way and activities to engage the senses, all based around nature. We will then end the walk at the Amphitheatre for the Sing-a-ling activity and picnic. Please bring blankets/chairs and lunch for the picnic. As a wet weather alternative, we will be inside the Somer Centre for the music session.
We will be meeting outside the Some Centre, which has free parking, plenty of space for prams and toilets with changing facilities. Please bring everything you need for your little ones for the walk, including water and snacks.
The activities are most suited for toddlers and children up to the age of 7, but families with older kids are also very welcome.
This is a completely free event but booking is essential.
Sing-a-ling Workshop Information
Founded in 2012 by early years specialist and musician, Willow Harwood, Sing-a-ling brings young children together to make music in an inspiring and encouraging environment.
The sessions are based on the belief that all children are innate musicians. If early childhood includes good quality musical experiences children will reap the rewards throughout their childhood and beyond.
Each workshop is bursting with creative ideas to encourage children to be musical and partake in group activities, igniting their creative spark and building confidence. Willow uses rhythm, rhyme, repetition, and interactive play to nurture learning.
Workshops typically include a mixture of children’s classics and original Sing-a-ling songs accompanied by guitar and djembe drum. Sensory props, puppets, and parachute play weave their way through the workshop, providing varied and engaging musical experiences.
Please contact phoebe_webster@bathnes.gov.uk if you require further information or have any questions.

Bird Wanders
2024-03-28 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-21 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-14 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-03-07 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-29 13:00 - 15:00, 2024-02-22 13:00 - 15:00 | Waterside Valley, SWALLOW Community Cafe, Radstock, Radstock, Bath and North East Somerset, England, BA3 3QG
A free 6-week course for adults of all ages to learn, explore, and share bird knowledge and benefit from the support, health, and wellbeing found in this.
A 2-hour bird wander in Waterside Valley, sharing what we know and love about the birds that feature in our day-to-day lives.

Birdsong is one of nature’s most beautiful sounds and what better thing to do than pause and listen? These 2-hour bird wanders are about enjoying being in nature and sharing what we know and love about the birds that feature in our day.
We will enjoy the benefits and delight that birds bring us and although we will learn something about their habits, how to tell them apart, and how better to recognise them, you won’t be bombarded with long lists of names or be expected to remember anything. We will instead be spending time in nature enjoying and expanding our relationship with birds, starting, or improving this enjoyment as we delve into the world they inhabit.
We will meet at the St Nick’s Church Rooms / SWALLOW Community Café in Radstock at 13:00 pm.
From 13:00 -15:00, we will be gently exploring Waterside Valley, Westfield, spotting and identifying birds together.
We will then finish the walk back at Swallows Community Cafe, Radstock.

Course Dates:

Thursday 22nd February
Thursday 29th February
Thursday 7th March
Thursday 14th March
Thursday 21st March
Thursday 28th March

If you have any questions call Phoebe on 07974045173, or email us at somervalleyrediscovered@bathnes.gov.uk

Spring Nature, Craft, Connection
2024-03-28 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-21 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-14 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-03-07 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-29 10:00 - 12:00, 2024-02-22 10:00 - 12:00 | Waterside Valley, SWALLOW Community Cafe, Radstock, Radstock, Bath and North East Somerset, England, BA3 3QG
A free 6-week course for adults of all ages to explore, reignite and deepen connections to the living world and our relationship with it, and benefit from the support, health and wellbeing found in this.
The course offers easy practices to engage with nature and to learn more of its plants, animals, and the land around us through natural land skills, crafting / creative activities, mindfulness, sharing inspirations and wandering in nature. The creative practice will include a variety of nature crafts using materials such as willow, charcoal, wool and wood.
You will be guided to be aware of the living world around us, and how it can support us. There will be a chance to check in where we will be able to share and hear from each other.
The course allows for people to explore and experience nature according to their own relationship with it, to learn and enjoy it in ways that naturally suit them best. There is no expectation to engage in these activities, you can see how you feel on the day.
There is a toilet and café on the site. We will be walking down Waterside Valley to set up camp chairs by the river and explore the surrounds. When cold we will have a fire to warm us and heat water for hot drinks. If the weather is really wild we’ll use the church rooms for indoor crafting space.
We will meet at the St Nick’s Church Rooms / SWALLOW Community Café in Radstock at 10:00am.
If you have any questions please contact EcoWild on +44 781 215 5659

Natural Fabric Dyeing Workshop
2024-03-23 10:00 - 13:00 | Radstock Trinity Hub, The Methodist Centre, The Street, Radstock, BA3 3PL, Radstock, Bath and North East Somerset, BA3 3PL, United Kingdom
Spend a day learning natural dyeing techniques with Cathy of Plum Stitch and Dye. Throughout the workshop, you will learn about mordanting with tannin and alum, and modifying dyes.
This is a hands-on and relaxed day, and will include the following:

Natural dyeing to produce blue, yellow, and greens, using dyes such as indigo, weld, onion, and other natural plants
Double dip dyeing will be used to get a range of shades

You will take home a selection of hand-dyed natural pieces to use in your sewing, learn the skills to dye at home, and make a few friends as well!
This workshop is suitable for anyone who has an interest in dyeing, from beginners to seasoned crafters.
Wear old clothing, or an apron and please bring gloves and something to take your dyed fabric home in.
Please bring a packed lunch, but tea, coffee, and biscuits will be provided.
This workshop is suitable for adults only. There is wheelchair access into the venue, however small steps up into the kitchen, please call us to discuss access arrangements.
Please book in advance as spaces are limited!

An Introduction to Early Spring Foraging
2024-03-18 10:00 | Swallow Community Cafe, Radstock, BA3 3QG, United Kingdom
Spring Foraging Walk for Beginners
Join us for a fun and educational walk at Waterside Valley, Westfield. This event is perfect for beginners who want to learn more about foraging and edible plants in early spring.
During the walk, our expert guide will teach you how to identify different types of plants and share fascinating facts about their unique characteristics. You’ll get the chance to explore the beautiful surroundings of Waterside Valley.
No prior knowledge is required, so whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your understanding of the natural world!
Booking is essential as spaces are limited. Children are welcome but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Meeting outside Swallow’s Cafe, Radstock, we will be walking along Waterside Valley and into the Haydon Batch woodlands.
This will be an easy-paced walk on slightly uneven, muddy terrain, with sloping hills.
We will return to Swallow’s Cafe at 12:30 pm.

Community Litter Pick in Midsomer Norton
2024-03-15 16:00 - 17:00 | Wellow Brook Walk, Wellow Brook Walk, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2SD, United Kingdom
Community Litter Pick in Midsomer Norton
Come join us to make our town cleaner and greener! The Community Litter Pick in Midsomer Norton is happening at the beautiful Wellow Brook Walk. We’ll be gathering together to tackle litter and rubbish and make our community shine. Grab your gloves and let’s get picking! This in-person event is a great opportunity to meet new people, make a positive impact, and enjoy the fresh air.
If you have your own litter picker please bring it along, we will provide gloves and bin bags.
Meeting at Wellow Brook Walk on Northmead Road, Midsomer Norton.
See you at the Litter Pick!

Spring Wellbeing Walk
2024-03-07 12:30 - 13:30 | Midsomer Norton Town Park, Midsomer Norton Town Park, BA3 2UH, United Kingdom
Spring Wellbeing Walk
Join us for a refreshing Spring Wellbeing Walk at Midsomer Norton Town Park, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton. This in-person event is the perfect opportunity to soak up the beauty of nature and boost your wellbeing.
We will be meeting at the entrance to the park on Gullock’s Tyning where we will do a walk along the river and up onto the Batch to take in the views and do some grounding activities. We will then loop back round to the park entrance where we will end our walk.
There is a gentle incline during this walk, with gravel and grass footpaths, the walk will be around 2km in length at a leisurely pace.
Please do contact us if you have any questions.

Winter Tree Identification Walk
2024-02-24 10:30 - 12:30 | Event Calendar/ Single Events Template
Winter Tree Identification Walk for Beginners
Join us for a fun and educational walk in Staddlestones Park, Midsomer Norton. This event is perfect for beginners who want to learn more about trees.
Join Steve England on a morning journey of discovery;

Learn to identify a number of common native trees without their leaves
Share folk lore and history about trees
Learn how you can help look after your local green spaces

Bring binoculars, a notepad, camera, and a hot drink in a flask!
No prior knowledge is required, so whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature!
Meeting at Staddlestones Park, Riverside Gardens Road, Midsomer Norton, England, BA3 2PX
What3Words: isolating.rope.outsmart
This will be an easy paced walk on level ground and tarmacked footpaths.

Family Insect Collage Workshop
2024-02-13 13:30 - 15:00 | Radstock Trinity Hub, The Methodist Centre, The Street, Radstock, BA3 3PL, Radstock, Bath and North East Somerset, BA3 3PL, United Kingdom
Are you ready for an adventure combining the marvels of the natural world and art? We invite you to a natural exploration and collage workshop!
Gather for an inspiring collage workshop. Under the guidance of the artist Marian Hill, we will unleash our imaginations and transform our observations of insects into stunning works of art. Using a variety of materials, we’ll create vibrant collages that capture the beauty of the invertebrate world.
This nature collage workshop is perfect for nature enthusiasts, art lovers, and anyone seeking a memorable time filled with creativity and inspiring discoveries. Come and join us!
It’s easy to collage insects from bits of old discarded magazines and photographs; just cut fragments of paper into shapes with scissors and stick them down with glue.
Collage is a simple technique to master and fun for children of any age to try.
Marian Hill studied illustration at Kingston University. As an illustrator, she has seen her work published on book covers and a series of postage stamps.
This workshop is suitable for families, little ones may benefit from a helping hand and must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Please book one ticket per family.
Taking place at Radstock Methodist Centre, Radstock.
Free parking is available in Church Street Car Park, but please bus, walk, or cycle if possible.

Great Big Bird Walk!
2024-01-27 10:30 - 12:30 | Wellow Brook Walk, Wellow Brook Walk, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2SD, United Kingdom
Bird Identification Walk for Beginners
Join us for a fun and educational walk in Wellow Brook Walk, Midsomer Norton. This event is perfect for beginners who want to learn more about birds and wildlife.
Join Steve England on a morning journey of discovery, exploring the wooded cycle path, the Wellow brook and grasslands of Wellow Brook Walk, to see how many brilliant birds we can see, hear and identify. Learn about their behaviour such as why particular birds favour woodlands, grasslands or water, learn how to identify birds by their song, silhouettes and flight patterns, and find out some fun bird facts, where they nest and what they eat.
Bring binoculars, a notepad, camera, and a hot drink in a flask!
No prior knowledge is required, so whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a curious explorer, or simply looking for a unique experience, this event is for you. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to connect with nature and deepen your understanding of birdlife!
Meeting outside the entrance to Wellow Brook Walk on Northmead Road, Midsomer Norton, England, BA3 2SQ, we will be walking along the Wellow brook and onto Norton Radstock Greenway cycle path.
What3Words: allows.driving.genius
This will be an easy paced walk on gravel and tarmacked footpaths.

Winter Nature, Craft, Connection
2024-01-04 10:00 - 12:00 | Waterside Valley, SWALLOW Community Cafe, Radstock, Radstock, Bath and North East Somerset, England, BA3 3QG
A free 6-week course for adults of all ages to explore, reignite and deepen connections to the living world and our relationship with it, and benefit from the support, health and wellbeing found in this. A free soup lunch is provided at the end of the session.
The course offers easy practices to engage with nature and to learn more of its plants, animals, and the land around us through natural land skills, crafting / creative activities, mindfulness, sharing inspirations and wandering in nature. The creative practice will include a variety of nature crafts using materials such as willow, charcoal, wool and wood.
You will be guided to be aware of the living world around us, and how it can support us. There will be a chance to check in where we will be able to share and hear from each other.
The course allows for people to explore and experience nature according to their own relationship with it, to learn and enjoy it in ways that naturally suit them best. There is no expectation to engage in these activities, you can see how you feel on the day.
There is a toilet and cafe on the site. We will be walking down Waterside Valley to set up camp chairs by the river and explore the surrounds. When cold we will have a fire to warm us and heat water for hot drinks. If the weather is really wild we’ll use the church rooms for indoor crafting space.
We will meet at the St Nick’s Church Rooms / SWALLOW Community Cafe in Radstock at 10:00am. There will be soup lunch provided after the session ends at 12:00pm.
If you have any questions please contact EcoWild on +44 781 215 5659

Winter Family Nature Walk
2023-12-19 10:00 - 11:30 | Midsomer Norton Town Park, Midsomer Norton Town Park, BA3 2UH, United Kingdom
A Family Walk which is pram/ buggy/ sling/ carrier friendly and suitable for adventurous little legs, takes you through Midsomer Norton along the appropriate walking paths through the Town Park and up to the cycle path, please note there is one quite steep hill here, which we will climb slowly and carefully. There will be various stops along the way and activities to engage the senses, and a winter search and find activity sheet, all based around the nature. We will go as far as Silver Street Nature Reserve before heading back to the Dragonfly Leisure Centre.
Dragonfly Leisure and South Road Carpark have free parking, plenty of space for prams and toilets with changing facilities. Please bring everything you need for your little ones for the walk, including water and snacks.
The activities are most suited for toddlers and children up to the age of 7 but families with older kids are also very welcome.
This is a completely free event but booking is essential. One ticket required per family, we will email you prior to the event to confirm how many in your group.
Wear a festive hat or jumper if you like!

Winter Family Nature Walk
Tuesday 19th December 2023
Time: 10:00 – 11:30
Walk Leader: Phoebe Webster, Project Officer, Somer Valley Rediscovered
Walk Support: Emma Carlisle, Volunteer Coordinator, Somer Valley Rediscovered
9:45 – Meeting outside the Dragonfly Leisure Centre, Gullock Tyning, Midsomer Norton, BA3 2UH
10:00 – 11:15 – Family nature activity walk 1.8 miles
If you have any questions please email us at somervalleyrediscovered@bathnes.gov.uk

LivingWild Foraged Wreath Workshop
2023-12-11 13:00 - 15:30 | Radstock Trinity Hub, The Methodist Centre, The Street, Radstock, BA3 3PL, Radstock, Bath and North East Somerset, BA3 3PL, United Kingdom
LivingWild Foraged Wreath Workshop
Join us for an exciting hands-on experience at the LivingWild Foraged Wreath Workshop! Discover the beauty of nature as we gather together at The Methodist Centre, The Street, Radstock, BA3 3PL. Immerse yourself in the art of creating stunning wreaths using foraged materials. Our expert instructor, Leah, will guide you through the process, learn how to weave a willow hoop before adding your freshly foraged foliage and creating a natural Winter wreath which you can hang on your door with pride.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned wreath-maker, this workshop is perfect for everyone. Don’t miss this opportunity to unleash your creativity and connect with nature.
Come and get festive, snacking on mince pies and sipping on mulled wine or warm spiced apple as we go! You will be provided with Willow to make the wreath base and a selection of materials to decorate your wreath as well as foraging for your own additional natural materials, a sustainable approach to the festive season.
Booking is essetial as this session is limited to 8 participants, this is an adults only event.
Please contact the Somer Valley Rediscovered team if you have any questions.
