Rewilding in Action: A Tour of Heal Somerset with Heal Co-Founder Jan Stannard
2026-05-09 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-06-27 09:30 - 12:00, 2026-07-19 09:30 - 12:00 (Europe/London) | Heal Somerset, Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 5HH, United Kingdom
Come along and learn more about nature-led recovery at Heal’s first rewilding site, Heal Somerset.
Heal Somerset began its recovery from its ecologically depleted state at the beginning of 2023 and nature here is already beginning to bounce back. This tour is a unique opportunity to spend time with Heal’s co-founder and acting CEO, Jan Stannard, who will take you around part of our beautiful site on mown paths.
You will learn more around the wider context of rewilding, including the reasons we need it and the benefits it brings to nature, the climate and to our own wellbeing. Jan will talk about the rewilding principles that Heal follows and give you an insight into some of our plans for the land, particularly the interventions we’re considering and our plans for future livestock introductions. The group will also hear about some of the changes we have seen on the site already, including the very welcome appearance of wild-living beavers.
You will also hopefully experience some of the varied wildlife we have on site, but even if the creatures are elusive on the day, we know you will still find the site a beautiful, peaceful and restorative place to be.
Your tour will finish with refreshments in our 17th century farmhouse where conversations about rewilding and Heal can continue.

Evening Wildlife Walk & Supper with Ecologist Rob Frith
2026-07-09 20:00 - 23:00 | Vallis Farm, Egford Hill, Frome, BA11 3JQ, United Kingdom
Join us for an unhurried evening at Vallis Farm, exploring what happens on the land after daylight fades.
We’ll begin at 8pm with supper together in the kitchen garden, sharing a simple, seasonal meal and a glass of wine. As the light starts to change, ecologist Rob Frith will introduce the wildlife we’re likely to encounter and what makes this time of day so important for many species.
At sunset, we’ll head out on a guided walk around the farm, focusing on the creatures that emerge after dark. With Rob’s expertise, we’ll look and listen for bats, moths, amphibians such as newts, and other nocturnal life that often goes unnoticed. The walk will also explore how farming practices and landscape features support wildlife through the night. If conditions are right, we may be lucky enough to spot barn owls hunting over the fields.
The evening will finish around 11pm, offering a chance to slow down, tune in, and see the farm from a very different perspective.
A relaxed and informative event for anyone interested in ecology, wildlife, and the rhythms of the land — no specialist knowledge required, just curiosity.

Sacred Spring Pilgrimage Walk
2026-07-19 10:00 - 15:00 | Selwood, Druley, WithamFriary, BA126RJ, United Kingdom
A Pilgrimage to the remnant of the once great Selwood Forest, source of the headwaters to 5 Rivers.
A greensand ridge that forms the ancient Forest of Selwood features numerous aquifers that feed the headwaters to no less than 5 rivers, flowing North, East, South and West.
Drawing on archaeological research, this will be an exploration of the Great Forest that places it at the heart centre of the Sacred Landscape.
We will walk in the footsteps of the ancestors, and echoing their veneration of Springs and Rivers – a recognition of the sacred power of water, we’ll perform a short blessing at 2 of these Springs, before visiting an Iron Age Hillfort and a Bronze Age Barrow.
What is the difference between a Walk and a Pilgrimage? Primarily, it is about intention: walking the old tracks becomes a spiritual act when walked with intention – by doing so we help to preserve and strengthen those ancient songlines…….the Earth re-awakens to our heartfelt care, and we are healed in return.
Whilst led by an experienced Druid Ceremonialist, this is an inclusive walk, welcoming of all faiths and none. If you wish to step aside and quietly observe the Blessings rather than take part, please feel free to do so…
Min age: 18

Twilight Beaver Watch
2026-07-23 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-06 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-08-27 20:00 - 22:00, 2026-09-24 20:00 - 22:00 | Heal Somerset, Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 5HH, United Kingdom
This is a rare opportunity to join a small group for a twilight beaver watch and experience the magic of seeing these remarkable animals living wild. You’ll enjoy a peaceful and immersive evening watching wildlife emerge as day turns to night.
Our thriving beaver family has really made themselves at home on site at Heal Somerset, establishing an impressive lodge and building a network of dams. They have been busy transforming the landscape in extraordinary ways and they are creating thriving wetlands that support a wealth of wildlife, improve water quality and increase biodiversity.
Full disclosure: beavers are often seen from the viewing area, so there’s a good chance that you’ll see at least one, but we can’t guarantee it. But even if you don’t, you will learn lots about them as well as witness their hard work whilst spending valuable time in nature.
Each beaver watch will be carefully led by experienced wildlife guide Nick Patel. His respectful approach will minimise disturbance as the beavers’ wellbeing is always the priority. We ask that all attendees follow this approach.
About your workshop leader, Nick Patel:
Nick is a tour guide, conservationist, naturalist and birder and is passionate about helping to protect, create and maintain British wildlife. A lifelong Birdwatcher, and former Nature reserve Warden, Nick has devoted his life to shouting about how amazing our native biodiversity is and just why we should care for it.
Nick says “Having led tours here at Heal Somerset for two years now, I’ve witnessed first-hand the speed at which nature has already made a comeback. I’m super passionate about showing everyone who visits the site the wealth of wildlife bouncing back, including some really beautiful species and fabulous rewilding habitats.”

Frome Walking Festival
2026-08-07 - 2026-08-09
Save the date for Frome’s Walking Festival 2026, 7th – 9th August.
Download the 2026 Walking Festival programme.

Nordic Walking Beginners Workshop
2026-08-07 10:00 - 11:30
Nordic walking is like ordinary walking but using poles. It is a social, whole body workout which builds strength, energy and balance. The basic Nordic walking technique will be taught. Poles will be provided. This will take place on flat ground, in the Frome Health Park. All fitness levels welcome. Please bring a snack, water and any medication needed. No dogs.
Meeting place: Frome Cricket Ground
Walk leader: Geors Richards
Mileage: Various options
How to book: email georsoutdoors@gmail.com or phone 07900 908839
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Plaques walk
2026-08-07 10:30 - 12:30
The trail follows the plaques established by the Frome Society for Local Study to explore the rich heritage of Frome through its buildings and interesting people who occupied them including Thomas Bunn, Clara Grant, Edward Cockey, Alice Seeley and Jenson Button. There may be some hills.
Meeting place: outside Cheese & Grain
Walk leader: Mary Henderson
Mileage: 4 miles
How to book: no need to book
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Frome Heritage Trail
2026-08-07 14:00 - 16:00
The Frome Heritage Trail is a circular walk beginning at Justice Lane and ending at Whittox Lane. The route highlights much of the incredible heritage of Frome – a town that has more listed buildings than anywhere else in Somerset – and follows the series of numbered plaques originally erected to celebrate Frome’s 1300th anniversary in 1985. Led by local historian and author David Lassman. There will be at least two steep climbs over cobbled stones during the walk – Gentle Street and Catherine Hill. Over 14s only (under 18s to be accompanied by adult). All proceeds from this walk go towards Frome Heritage CIC.
Meeting place: Justice Lane
Walk leader: David Lassman
Mileage: approx. 2.5 miles
How to book: email davidlassman@davidlassman.com or phone 07395 607614
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Rodden Riverside and Dippy walk
2026-08-07 14:30 - 16:30
A circular route following the river alongside Rodden Meadow and past Wallbridge Mill, then up The Dippy and across Victoria Park back down into town. Some uphills and some mud or rough surfaces. Dogs welcome.
Meeting place: Outside Frome Library
Walk leader: Tricia Golinski
Mileage: 3.5 miles
How to book: no need to book
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

The Lost Pubs of Frome #1 (West)
2026-08-07 18:30 - 20:00
The Lost Pubs of Frome #1 is the first of three different walks taking place across the festival weekend. This walk begins at Whittox Lane and visits more than a dozen sites of lost pubs to the west of the town centre, including those in Trinity and Badcox, as well as Catherine Hill and Catherine Street. Led by David Lassman. There will be at least two steep slopes, one up and one down, with one of them over cobbled stones during the walk – Castle Street and Catherine Hill. Over 14s only (under 18s to be accompanied by adult).
Meeting place: Outside RISE, Whittox Lane
Walk leader: David Lassman
Mileage: approx. 1.5 miles
How to book: email davidlassman@davidlassman.com or phone 07395 607614
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Longbridge Deverill and Southleigh Woods walk
2026-08-08 09:45 - 12:00
A mostly level walk with no stiles on quiet country roads, good footpaths and forest tracks, exploring an area where armies ancient and modern have gathered before going into battle. Toilets, refreshments and free parking courtesy of the George Inn. No dogs.
Meeting place: The George Inn, Longbridge Deverill, BA12 7DG
Walk leader: Michael Weale
Mileage: 4 miles
How to book: no need to book, but you can phone Michael on 01747 860955 if more info is required.
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Horningsham Skyline walk
2026-08-08 10:00 - 12:30
Panoramic views of Longleat and the picturesque village of Horningsham, via roads, fields and woodland tracks. Several fairly steep hills. Leaving at 10am prompt. Parking available in the surrounding lanes. No toilets or refreshments en route until we return to the pub, so bring a drink. Not suitable for dogs, or children under 12.
Meeting place: Outside the Bath Arms, Horningsham.
Walk leader: Amelia Nash
Mileage: 4 miles
How to book: email amelianash65@icloud.com or phone 07519 247080
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Frome's Textile History
2026-08-08 10:30 - 12:30
A walk through Frome’s textile history, walking from Cheese & Grain car park along Willow Vale to Wallbridge and back through Rodden Meadow.
Meeting place: Outside Cheese & Grain
Walk leader: Mary Henderson
Mileage: 2 hours, flat walk
How to book: no need to book
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Frome Dissenters Cemetery walk and talk
2026-08-08 11:00 - 12:00
The cemetery, established in 1851, has become the last resting place for over 6,200 burials, including ashes; including 12 Commonwealth War Graves and over 260 still-borns. A nature trail is being established and the intention is to make the site, whilst continuing to be a working cemetery, a place for relaxing and contemplation, by visitors to family graves or others just seeking a quiet space. No toilet facilities and only well behaved dogs allowed.
Meeting place: Frome Dissenters Cemetery, Vallis Road
Walk leader: James Parsons
Mileage: minimal
How to book: no need to book
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

The canal that never was - Coleford to Upper Vobster
2026-08-08 14:00 - 16:30
The route follows the line of “the canal that never was”, eastwards from Coleford. This area was mined for coal both before and after the canal building era, leaving several layers of history to look out for. You need to be happy walking along footpaths that have steep, rough sections and could be muddy. Unsuitable for dogs, but children who like “exploring walks” would be welcome.
Please note: places on this walk are limited to 12 people. Email or message the walk leader to enquire and book.
Meeting place: outside the former Eagle Inn, Highbury Street, Coleford
Walk leader: Veryan Conn
Mileage: 2.5 miles
How to book: email conncave@live.co.uk or by messaging 07794 678802
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

The Lost Pubs of Frome #2 (Central)
2026-08-08 18:30 - 20:00
The Lost Pubs of Frome #2 is the second of three different walks taking place across the festival weekend. This walk looks at those lost pubs within the proximity of the town centre, starting at Justice Lane and ending at Christchurch Street East. At least twelve different sites will be visited, with many of the buildings that housed the pubs still in existence. Stories surrounding the pubs tonight include Frome’s very own highwayman. Led by David Lassman of Frome Guided Walks. There will be at least one steep climb over cobbled stones during the walk – Gentle Street. Over 14s only (under 18s to be accompanied by adult).
Meeting place: Justice Lane
Walk leader: David Lassman
Mileage: approx. 1.5 miles
How to book: email davidlassman@davidlassman.com or phone 07395 607614
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Great Elm, Buckland Dinham and Orchardleigh
2026-08-09 10:00 - 13:00
A ramblers walk. Bring packed lunch and a drink, also waterproofs and appropriate footwear. There could be mud!
Meeting place: outside Cheese & Grain
Walk leader: Les Stather
Mileage: 9 miles
How to book: no need to book
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Plaques walk
2026-08-09 10:30 - 12:30
The trail follows the plaques established by the Frome Society for Local Study to explore the rich heritage of Frome through its buildings and the interesting people who occupied them including Thomas Bunn, Clara Grant, Edward Cockey, Alice Seeley and Jenson Button. There may be some hills.
Meeting place: Outside Cheese & Grain
Walk leader: Mary Henderson
Mileage: 4 miles
How to book: no need to book
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Reading the rocks
2026-08-09 10:30 - 12:30
A walk exploring the different rocks used in the buildings of Frome, how they are used and identified. Some contain fossils – these will be discussed to determine past environments at the time the rocks were forming. Expect steps and slopes.
Please note: places on this walk are limited to 12 people. Email or leave a message with the walk leader to enquire and book.
Meeting place: outside Cheese & Grain
Walk leader: Simon Carpenter
Mileage: 3 miles
How to book: email simoncarpenter@gmail.com or leave a message on 01373 474086
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

A tour around Trinity
2026-08-09 11:00 - 12:15
trinityBuilt between the latter half of the 17th century and first half of the 18th, it is now a rare – even unique – example of early industrial housing anywhere in the country. This walk will encompass much of its past, from conception and construction during the Stuart and Georgian periods, through to partial demolition in the 1960s and huge campaign to save the remaining buildings from the wrecking ball. There will be one steep climb during the walk – Castle Street. Led by David Lassman. Over 14s only (under 18s to be accompanied by adult).
Meeting place: Outside RISE, Whittox Lane
Walk leader: David Lassman
Mileage: approx 1 mile
How to book: email davidlassman@davidlassman.com or phone 07395 607614
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Frome Heritage Trail
2026-08-09 14:00 - 16:00
The Frome Heritage Trail is a circular walk beginning at Justice Lane and ending at Whittox Lane. The route highlights much of the incredible heritage of Frome – a town that has more listed buildings than anywhere else in Somerset – and follows the series of numbered plaques originally erected to celebrate Frome’s 1300th anniversary in 1985. Led by local historian and author David Lassman. There will be at least two steep climbs over cobbled stones during the walk – Gentle Street and Catherine Hill. Over 14s only (under 18s to be accompanied by adult). All proceeds from this walk go towards Frome Heritage CIC.
Meeting place: Justice Lane
Walk leader: David Lassman
Mileage: approx 2.5 miles
How to book: email davidlassman@davidlassman.com or phone 07395 607614
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Frome Heritage Tree walk
2026-08-09 14:30 - 16:00
Join local author and heritage tree specialist Julian Hight on a walk to see some of Frome’s most majestic trees and hear about their history, legacy and lore. This easy 1.5 mile walk will include Millenium Green and Rodden Meadow.
Meeting place: outside Cheese & Grain
Walk leader: Julian Hight
Mileage: 1.5 miles
How to book: book online here, email julianhight@hotmail.com or phone 07747 397081
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

The Market Place through time
2026-08-09 15:00 - 16:00
A very slow, very short, stroll around Frome Market Place with storyteller and guide Lisa Kenwright or Frome Guided Walks, offered in association with The Good Heart. The centre of Frome today is not just the product of accidental tides of history but of deliberate planning for an imagined future. Join us to discover how the Market Place may have looked in the past and the decisions, and decision-makers, who created what we see today. On pavement with dropped kerbs at the two side-road crossings, but be aware that the area around the Boyle Cross has a steep slope. All welcome and suitable for any to hear but aimed at the understanding of age 11+.
Meeting place: Boyle Cross, Market Place
Walk leader: Lisa Kenwright
Mileage: 300m
How to book: book online here or phone 07815 718638
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

The Lost Pubs of Frome #3 (South)
2026-08-09 18:30 - 20:00
The Lost Pubs of Frome #3 is the third and final walk taking place across the festival weekend. This walk will visit the sites of more than a dozen lost pubs in Keyford and the Butts and participants will hear various stories surrounding them, including the connection with an infamous Victorian murder. The route will mostly be flat, but there will be some relatively steep gradients during the walk. Led by David Lassman. Over 14s only (under 18s to be accompanied by adult).
Meeting place: Outside Frome Fire Station, Keyford
Walk leader: David Lassman
Mileage: approx 1.5 miles
How to book: email davidlassman@davidlassman.com or phone 07395 607614
This walk is part of Frome Walking Festival 2026.

Wet, Wet, Wet: Beaver and Human Wetlands of Heal Somerset
2026-09-09 14:00 - 16:00 | Heal Somerset, Lower West Barn Farm, Bindon Lane, Frome, Somerset, BA11 5HH, United Kingdom
Discover how humans and beavers are joining forces to restore vibrant wetland ecosystems at Heal Somerset. On this guided walk and talk with rewilding ranger Daniel Hill, you will experience first-hand these developing wetlands and learn how dams, ponds, scrapes and more can shape water movement, biodiversity, and habitat recovery. Together you will explore how beaver activity and human intervention can complement each other to create healthier habitats, cleaner water, and climate-resilient ecosystems.
About Daniel Hill
As the Rewilding Ranger at Heal Somerset, Dan manages the site’s monitoring and land management programs. You can find him surveying for signs of beavers, co-ordinating volunteer work parties, or working with partners to deliver the hydrological restoration plan, amongst a huge variety of other tasks. Dan’s passion for nature was sparked as a child growing up on an organic small holding in rural south Wales watching red kites soar above. His love of rewilding developed through volunteering with the RSPB on the Somerset Levels after completing a degree in Mathematical Sciences.
