Shepton Mallet Town Council wants to hear from lovers of Collett Park, the award-winning Green Flag status park in the heart of town, who are willing to create a Friends' Group.

The park serves many purposes for a wide range of people: from joggers and fitness lovers, dog walkers and duck spotters, to tree and plant enthusiasts, including families and free spirits.

A Friends' Group is being created, bringing together enthusiasts who can get involved in some of the projects of the town council, as well as generate their own ideas to encourage others to use, appreciate and develop the park.

Current projects are related to biodiversity and creating habitats for the wildlife. Consideration is being given to wellbeing, environmental matters, community gardening and the improvement of information boards, signage and the creation of a park map.

Underpinning this will be continuing to work towards maintaining the prestigious Green Flag status, being the only park in the surrounding Mendip district that holds this honour.

The initial meeting will be hosted by the chairman of the town council, Chris Inchley, who has wealth of experience in horticultural matters.

He said: "I'm excited about getting a group together, as while the council manages the park, it's really important to hear from the enthusiasts who use the park on a regular basis."

He will be joined by one of the grounds maintenance managers who is experienced in working with community and volunteer groups.

The town clerk, Charlotte Starkie, said: "I'm looking forward to hearing from the people who use the park, as there are lots of ideas to develop and just not enough people to deliver them currently.

"We will be working initially with local wildlife charities and applying for grants to develop habitats, but also want to create areas for the public, who might want to develop edible beds, create butterfly zones and nectar bars and consider extending the activities that could take place in the park."

This initial meeting will consider if there is an appetite to form a group and consider a way forward.

The meeting will take place on Wednesday March 11 at 6.30pm in the offices of SWEDA in Park Road.

Further details can be found via the red button below. Please let the council know if you can attend so they can anticipate attendance.