For 150 years, green spaces close to towns have been protected.
Since January 2021, Somerset West and Taunton Council has been attempting to acquire Fox's Field close to Tonedale Mill and the fields between Wellington and the neighboring village of Rockwell Green.
Now that Wellington Town Council has a 150-year lease, the green space can be managed more locally and in accordance with the preferences of the neighborhood.
Councilman Mike Rigby expressed his "delight" for the neighborhood.
Approximately 62.15 acres of green space were purchased using money from the community infrastructure levy.
There is a lot of optimism among Wellington residents, and Mr. Rigby said, "I look forward to watching the community grow over the coming years and supporting Wellington Town Council on this exciting opportunity. ".
The district council's initial plan calls for turning a significant portion of the land into a community farm.
According to the Local Democracy Reporting Services (LDRS), new sports fields will be built immediately to the west of Wellington Sports Center and the current allotments will be expanded.
A community park and conservation area will remain on the site's western edge, close to Rockwell Green Primary School.
To encourage more people to walk and bike to the town center, sports venues, and the Tonedale Mill area, already-existing footpaths will be upgraded.
A forest garden, wildflower meadow, and natural wetlands will eventually be present in Fox's Field, which is reachable from Burchills Hill.
Fox's Field and the nearby Tone Works site were included in two unsuccessful bids to the government's levelling up fund, but additional funding opportunities for the area's regeneration (including a potential third round bid) are currently being looked into.
This is a "significant moment" for the residents of Wellington and the town council, according to Councillor Mark Lithgow, the chairman of the council and the current mayor.
"To ensure that the community has a say in how the land is used, we will work closely with them. It is a chance for the [locals] to improve their quality of life. "He continued.
