Projects
There are some exciting projects on the cards all designed to improve or protect biodiversity in the country park. We are looking at the woodland planting work in the park with a view to save our genetic heritage, and collect seed from our veteran native specimen trees, we also want to plant for future climate resilience and disease resistant species.
The park rangers monitor keystone species which are good indicators of habitat health, this can help us identify issues within our country park and surrounding area/habitats, like a canary in a mine shaft it’s our bell weather to changes in the food web and if our wildlife habitat and surrounding areas are being well managed for wildlife. We are immensely grateful for all the work that the Yeovil and District Natural History Society put into their monitoring efforts 30 years ago, it has given us a great baseline of data.
We do our uppermost to always present a positive outlook on the country park but there are some serious concerns around biodiversity in South Somerset. The reality of the state of nature was really made quite clear in the recent LNRS Local Nature Recovery Strategy. For example, there has been a 98% reduction in wildflower meadows, a 60% decline in fritillary butterflies and only 15% of Somerset waterbodies are in favourable or good ecological condition. It seems we are somewhat lagging behind the rest of Europe on biodiversity and water quality. We will be doing what we can to address this in the country park and linking up with other organisations.
Dodham Brook restoration
This project is a partnership between the Rangers at Yeovil Country Park and the Yeovil Rivers Community Trust. The project aims are to rehabilitate and enhance the Dodham Brook within Yeovil Country Park, the concrete flood alleviation channel between the weir and Newton Road and Ninesprings Lake.
Dodham Brook is an urban stream which is designated by the Environment Agency as a Heavily Modified Water Body (HMWB). This is the only waterbody in Somerset where conditions for fish are classified as bad. The stream should have a high amenity value due to its location within a country park.
The ongoing improvements to the brook have taken the first steps to transform the watercourse from a current neglected and uninviting condition into a high quality urban green space which is attractive to people and wildlife.
Since the improvements to the concrete flood channel were installed, freshwater sponges have recolonised the Dodham and there has even been a sighting on a Freshwater Eel!
We are in the early stages of working with the YCP rangers to make improvements to the Ninesprings Lake. This includes removing a large volume of dogwood whose rampant growth has dominated one bank of the lake and planting this area with common reed and other emergent and marginal plants. The emergent and marginal plants will help to improve water quality through phytoremediation and provide new habitat for water voles .
In 2025 we will also be removing excess sediment from an area of the pond and creating a water vole bund, improving the habitat for the local water vole population.
Our objectives as part of this project are to achieve improved standards for water quality, wildlife and the environment generally in this section of the catchment by implementing actions which will promote the restoration of natural river processes, improve connectivity for fish and other animals, provide diversified habitats and enhance the number and abundance of different animals and plants. When combined it is hoped that these actions will provide improvements for wildlife, people and the town of Yeovil.
You can find out more by visiting the YRCT website below www.yrct.org.uk
Yeovil Community Growing Hub Project
The Ranger Team is excited to be part of an ambitious new project to create a Community Growing Hub at the site of the former ski centre on the southern edge of Yeovil.
Project Vision
This initiative aims to transform the neglected former ski slope into a vibrant, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable space focused on horticulture, education, and wellbeing. Located within the popular Yeovil Country Park, the Growing Hub will serve as a central space for the local community to grow, learn, volunteer, and connect with nature.
Managed by the Town Council’s Countryside Rangers and Estates Team, the site will become a key hub for:
- Community food growing
- Environmental education
- Biodiversity enhancement
- Volunteer opportunities
- Sustainable plant production for civic displays
Key Features
The proposed Community Growing Hub will include:
- A large triple-span polytunnel (recovered from the former Somerset Council Lufton depot)
- Raised planting beds for community use
- A secure storage container for hand tools and equipment
- Composting bays for on-site recycling of green waste
- An open-sided steel-framed barn for storing materials such as hazel wands, timber, planters, and hanging baskets
- A jack-leg welfare unit with toilet, hand-washing facilities, rest area, and kitchenette
- Cycle parking to encourage low-carbon, active travel to the site
Sustainability Focus
Sustainability is at the heart of the Growing Hub. The project will use:
- Solar panels to power small pumps for irrigation
- Rainwater harvesting systems
- Potential water abstraction from Dodham Brook (subject to EA approval)
- Recycled and locally sourced materials — including timber and hazel from the Country Park
The composting system will supply nutrient-rich compost to enhance planting across Yeovil’s open spaces, beds, and borders.
Education & Inclusion
The Growing Hub will support inclusive community access. Educational programmes led by the Parks Engagement Officer will specifically engage hard-to-reach groups, while the Head Gardener will grow plants for town displays, reducing reliance on external suppliers.
The project will also tackle food poverty by providing growing opportunities for individuals and groups from across the town.
Site Background
The proposed site is located next to the Gateway Community Church and Yeovil Country Park, near Addlewell Lane, and alongside a main cycleway that links to Penn Mill Station and Lysander Road. It is bordered by:
- Biodiverse pasture grassland on Summerhouse Hill
- Farm buildings
- A children’s play area
- Existing pedestrian and vehicle access routes
Once home to Yeovil Alpine Village (1987–2007), the ski centre was fully demolished in 2017. While much of the plastic matting and gravel remains under overgrown scrub, the area now suffers from dereliction and occasional anti-social behaviour.
Redevelopment Plans
To bring the Growing Hub to life, the project seeks planning permission for a change of use from its current status to F1 and F2 community horticultural use.
Initial works will include:
- Removing plastic ski slope material and derelict infrastructure
- Terracing the slopes for safe access and cultivation
- Reconnecting existing utilities (water and electricity)
- Installing key infrastructure (tunnel, barn, compost bays, welfare unit)
A Greener Future for Yeovil
This project is a rare opportunity to bring a long-disused site back into productive, inclusive, and environmentally beneficial use. It will:
- Improve local biodiversity
- Support mental and physical wellbeing
- Encourage community pride
- Promote active travel and low-carbon living
- Enhance Yeovil’s green infrastructure
The Ranger Team is currently working to secure planning permission and funding to deliver this project to a high standard. If you would like to learn more or join the project team as volunteer please drop us a line on [email protected]
Completion of the Robin’s Willow Forest School & Learning Space
Over a number of years the rangers and Friends of Yeovil Country Park have been working together to create a safe forest school learning area at the Country Park. Tucked in behind the lake, and including a pond dipping platform, den building area and fire pit circle the site is well used by visiting groups. The Country Park is lucky enough to have received funding from the Prime Foundation to install a tent canopy to provide shelter in case of bad weather during a session. The Foundation have also funded a range of new equipment to enhance visits and learning at the site. The project is being completed throughout October and November 2025 and the funding was secured by the Friends group.
Creation of a Tree Nursery
Early in 2026 the ranger team will be creating a small tree nursery at the top of the memorial arboretum; a protected area where tree whips and seeds can be grown on into larger saplings & trees for planting across the site. Wessex Water have provided funding via the Somerset Community Foundation to build the nursery infrastructure and we look forward to a supply of native trees from local genetic stock being available for planting in the coming years. The funding was secured through an application made by the Friends of the Country Park.