FROM wetland areas to a community orchard, a wide range of ideas have come forward for the use of Llanfyllin’s Bodfach Field.
At a special meeting at the Cain Valley Hotel, Councillor Mark Rosser outlined details of the new lease of the Bodfach Field to Llanfyllin Town Council, whose owner, Simon Baynes, expressed a desire for the area to be used for the benefit of the community and said he was happy for schemes such as tree planting on the site
There were mixed feelings about the potential to develop a further wetland area, though it was accepted this would provide positive environmental aspects with minimal maintenance.
A community orchard was suggested by Steven Jones who had been involved in setting up similar schemes elsewhere, working with local residents to produce the fruit, with the schemes typically taking three to four years to come to fruition.
It was felt at the meeting that such a scheme might be appropriate along the perimeter of the field backing onto the houses and it was also felt a woodland area on the other side of the river could be desirable.
At the meeting, Hilary Clarke also suggested a local partnership to grow and sell vegetables, increasing the availability of fresh produce locally, the usefulness of an additional picnic area was also put forward and Maggie Baynes described a project she had been involved with at Llansanffraid Primary School where the children had developed their own community garden.
The overwhelming wish of those at the meeting was to create ‘something for the children’ and it was agreed that Cllr Rosser would meet with headteacher, Carl Mincher, to invite views from young people, though they noted that it was not an appropriate site for a skate park.
Other suggestions made at the meeting included an area where town events could be held, provision of goal posts and an outdoor gym. A follow-up meeting will be arranged in the new year to move the project forward.