Forest Of Selwood

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Contact information, map and directions, contact form, opening hours, services, ratings, photos, videos and announcements from Forest Of Selwood, Environmental conservation organisation, Bruton.

23/10/2026

Come for a spooky walk on Halloween and hear about the Phantoms of Postlebury and the Selwood shadow - if you dare!

14/10/2026

Keith Ball led a lovely group of FoS volunteers on a bat walk along Longham Meadows. The evening started damp & unpromising, as we started at the Seymour Arms, but by the time we reached the Forest of Selwood's Longham Meadow, there were bats about, even before the rain stopped.

At the middle pond we had a superb view of several Daubenton's Bats (Myotis daubentonii). These are known as water bats as they have the habit of flying low over open water, even picking up insects from the surface with their feet, which leaves small ripples in the water. Our bat detectors also picked up Soprano Pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pygmaeus) flying above the pond. As we left the pond there were Common Pipistrelles (Pipistrellus pipistrellus) and possibly a Noctule, (Nyctalus noctula).

We then moved on to the churchyard where there were several bats flying around including both species of Pipistrelle and at least one Long Eared Bat, almost certainly Brown Long Eared (Plecotus auritus). Finally, again there was a possible trace of a Noctule Bat.

Overall a total of four definite species were spotted with a probable fifth, which is a good number for a bat walk so late in the season.

We will be repeating this in Spring

Video courtesy of Bird

28/09/2026

Come and join Keith Ball on a bat walk at Longham Meadows on Tuesday 6th October at 645. We will meet outside the Seymour Arms in Witham Friary and have a talk about bats with an opportunity to get a drink. We will then walk to the meadows and along the footpath returning along the path by the river. We have a couple of spare bat detectors but if you have one then please bring it along. Wear sturdy footwear and warm clothes and a head torch if you have one.

The ground is very uneven in places.

We may also see and hear barn owls.
For futher information please email -
[email protected]

17/09/2026

🐭 Dormouse Recovery Project Success! 🌳

We're delighted to announce that our Forest of Selwood Dormouse Project has been awarded funding through Natural England's Species Recovery Programme, securing the next phase of our work until March 2029.

We're one of 130 conservation projects across the country to receive support through the programme — representing a huge government investment in wildlife recovery.

The project began two years ago in response to the dramatic decline of dormice across the UK, largely down to habitat loss and fragmentation. Our early work focused on surveys, talks and workshops, and building a new dormouse network here in Selwood.

This new grant lets us build on that foundation. Over the coming years we'll be expanding our surveys, assessing habitat and connectivity, working with more landowners and volunteers, delivering training and workshops, and carrying out practical habitat management — all to help dormice, and so many other species, thrive in a healthy, connected landscape.

Activities begin this September, and we're thrilled to welcome Dr Sarah Hobbs as Project Manager and Lucy Stockton as Volunteer Coordinator, who'll be working closely with our ecologists, volunteers and landowners to bring this next phase to life.

Thank you to everyone who's supported the project so far — here's to what's next for Selwood's dormice!

Please get in touch to find out about volunteering opportunities 💚

17/09/2026

Come and get involved in helping nature at the beautiful Longham Meadows, Witham

02/08/2026

We hope some of you can join us this Friday at Longham Meadows between 10:30 and 2:30pm for the final volunteer day in the current programme.

A skittle team from Brewham has very kindly offered to make some benches and a table for our volunteer area. This will be the 'D' shaped area by the river, hopefully it will become something of a hub for volunteers and anyone working in the meadows. We need some volunteers on Friday to help clear the area using scythes, bill hooks and choppers! I will also have a brushcutter for any stubborn areas. It would be fantastic if you could join us! As always we will have refreshments and cake, but please bring a packed lunch if you are staying for the whole session. Don't forget plenty of water, sunscreen and a hat as it is still going to be warm.

Nearest postcode BA11 5HE
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26/05/2026

Conservation volunteer day!

Come and join us on Sunday 31st May at Long Ham Meadows, Witham Friary. 10:30 am to 2:30 pm – come for as long as you like

We will be reseeding bare area with seed from a local meadow as well as continuing with Himalayan Balsam pulling; There will be an opportunity to help with riverfly monitoring as well

In return we offer fun, laughter, a sense of community and cake!

All welcome. Nearest postcode BA11 5HE

20/05/2026

We are seeking a Coordinator for our Community Meadow Restoration project…

The project aims to catalyse the restoration of up to 25 acres of wildflower meadow and engage at least 75 local people in hands-on restoration and monitoring activities. It aims to inspire individuals and organisations to undertake their own meadow restoration on public and private land, and in gardens.

Working together in nature, participants will develop a sense of agency in addressing the ecological crisis, build community connections, and combat the social isolation, depression and anxiety that can arise from environmental concerns.

Role Overview

This is a new and varied role, central to making the project a success. The Coordinator will work alongside experienced trustees and community partners to engage volunteers, run practical events, manage project administration and help document and share the project's impact. The post holder will be a community-facing, organised and enthusiastic individual with a genuine interest in nature and people.

https://environmentjob.co.uk/jobs/110306-community-meadow-restoration-coodinator

08/12/2025

We are planning a restoration project for and surrounding area

We want to run events on how to restore and create new meadows, and help get involved in practical , including seed collection and planting

The vision is for the town to be ringed by -rich , bringing into people's everyday lives

Please answer complete the via the link below to help shape this project…

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RNPDFCV

Address

Bruton

Website

https://forestofselwood.org/

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