Community Consultation Opens on Ideas for a Wildlife Haven in the Heart of Porlock
Residents are invited to view the emerging ideas, ask questions and share feedback at Porlock Community Library in the Old School Centre before any decisions are made, helping the community act to adapt for nature, climate and future generations.
A hidden green space in the centre of Porlock could become a community orchard, wildlife pond and picnic area, but the proposals are currently at consultation stage and no final plans have been determined. The consultation is part of a wider desire to act to adapt by exploring practical, nature-friendly ways to respond to local environmental challenges.
An Emerging Vision for a Much-Loved Village Space
The orchard and picnic area, tucked beside the library, parish facilities and public conveniences, is already full of character. With its fruit trees, heritage features and seasonal wildflowers, the space has all the ingredients to become a welcoming destination for families, residents, visitors, schools and community groups.
Ideas being considered include:
- A thriving wildlife and nature discovery area
- A beautiful community garden and picnic destination
- An outdoor classroom for local schools and groups
- A place for relaxation, learning and family activities
- A visitor attraction celebrating Porlock’s natural heritage
The site already contains a wonderful variety of fruit trees, including apples, pears and plums, alongside mature ornamental shrubs and trees. Seasonal wildflowers, particularly ox-eye daisies, transform the orchard into a colourful meadow during the summer months.
The historic cider press building, vintage farm cart, old plough, picnic benches and seating areas all contribute to the orchard’s character and heritage.
Making the Area Safer, More Accessible and More Enjoyable
Before any scheme could move forward, practical issues would need to be explored carefully to understand how the site could be made safer and easier to enjoy.
Currently, access is difficult due to:
- Steep and uneven slopes throughout the site
- Hazardous entrance points
- A maintenance access gate leading onto a grassy incline
- A set of seven steps between buildings and sheds
- A stepped picnic entrance descending onto a steep grassy slope
Comprehensive inspections and risk assessments will be undertaken to evaluate:
- Fencing and boundary walls
- Existing buildings and structures
- Seating and picnic facilities
- Tree condition and maintenance requirements
- Trip hazards and access routes
- Site levels and potential improvement works
These checks would inform any future improvement options and help ensure that residents’ comments are considered before proposals are developed further.
Considering How the Orchard and Nature Features Could Be Enhanced
The orchard already has strong foundations but requires careful management to unlock its full potential.
Many of the fruit trees are in need of specialist pruning and restoration to improve their health and productivity. Existing shrubs, specimen trees and heritage features will also benefit from conservation and enhancement.
The consultation is intended to explore whether the area could be managed in a way that supports wildlife, celebrates Porlock’s natural heritage and gives people of all ages more opportunities to visit, learn, relax and explore. It also reflects the simple message to act to adapt: taking thoughtful, local steps now to help nature and the community thrive in the future.
A Wildlife Pond: One Idea for Discussion
One idea being explored is the creation of a carefully designed wildlife pond, which could bring new life, colour and discovery to the orchard if it proves suitable and safe.
As Ruth Hyett, Chair of the Exmoor Natural History Society, has observed:
“The biggest difference you can make to an environment is to introduce a pond.”
A carefully designed pond would provide habitats currently missing from the site and attract:
- Dragonflies and damselflies
- Frogs, toads and newts
- Aquatic insects and mini-beasts
- Birds and pollinators
- A wide range of native wildlife
If taken forward, any pond would need to be carefully designed with appropriate depths, managed access points, protective planting and safety considerations at the heart of the project.
Pond Dipping: Discovering a Hidden World
The real magic of the project lies in creating opportunities for people to engage directly with nature. If a pond were developed, pond dipping could become one possible activity, allowing children and families to discover the fascinating world that exists beneath the water’s surface. With simple equipment stored on site, visitors could safely explore and identify:
- Water beetles
- Pond skaters
- Dragonfly larvae
- Freshwater snails
- Amphibians and other aquatic life
This hands-on experience creates lasting memories, sparks curiosity and inspires a deeper appreciation of the natural world.
Residents Invited to Help Shape the Next Steps
This is a community consultation, and local voices will help shape what happens next. Residents are encouraged to share their views, ask questions, suggest ideas and comment on whether the orchard should be developed further.
The orchard would become a hub for:
- Community work days
- Wildlife talks and demonstrations
- Family nature events
- Educational workshops
- Seasonal celebrations
The nearby library could provide information resources on local wildlife, pond life and species identification, helping visitors continue their discoveries beyond the garden itself.
Supporting Education
The project offers exciting opportunities for St Dubricius School and other local groups. A wildlife pond and enhanced orchard would provide an outdoor learning environment where children can:
- Study habitats and ecosystems
- Learn about insects, amphibians and birds
- Explore biodiversity and conservation
- Participate in practical environmental activities
- Develop a lifelong connection with nature
The site would become a valuable extension of the classroom, bringing learning to life through direct experience.
Come and view the artist’s sketches at Porlock Community Library in the Old School Centre, share your thoughts, and help shape what may happen next.
The Old School Centre Orchard Garden, Pond & Picnic Area is being considered as a possible future community space, but any next steps will depend on consultation feedback, practical assessments, safety considerations and future decisions.
If supported and found to be practical, the ideas could help create:
✅ A wildlife-rich natural sanctuary
✅ An outdoor learning centre
✅ A welcoming family destination
✅ A place for relaxation and wellbeing
✅ A lasting community legacy
Your comments will help guide whether and how this possible community project is developed further.
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