A DILAPIDATED mill in Freshford is being transformed into a haven for local wildlife, 21 new homes and a nature reserve for Freshford Primary School children to learn about.

Ecological companies Environ and Simecology are working to rejuvenate Freshford Mill, on the River Frome, to become a learning and environmentally friendly development.

Environmental features include a wildlife lake, native trees, hedges, wildflowers, walkways, boardwalks, viewing platforms and seating to observe a butterfly garden.

“This is fantastic news and to have part of it specifically for the children to further their learning about the environment is excellent,” said Freshford Primary School headteacher Andrew Wishart.

“It is a lovely idea and I plan to see the place where it would be built in the new term. It is a very exciting project.”

Simeon Smith, an ecologist at Simecology, the ecological consultants for Environ on the project, said: “Environ were keen to incorporate green infrastructure into the development and have given us the opportunity to make the site as wildlife- friendly as possible beyond what the normal baseline requirements are for new developments.”

“Environ recognises that green spaces and increased biodiversity has positive effects on the physical and mental well-being of people as well as being beneficial from an environmental point of view.”

Tony Dowse, the head of Environ, said: “We try to achieve a real sense of place within our lifestyle living schemes.”

“We subscribe to the New Urbanism movement, which promotes the design of living spaces that enhance the lives of those living within them and at Freshford a large part of this comes from the opportunity for the residents to enjoy the wildlife and nature which surrounds the site.

“Our commitment to the environment extends to the local cultural environment too, ensuring that our developments are integrated into their local communities.”