The Exchange #13 Water, Biodiversity and Design

On Monday, July 14, 2025, NTB hosted The Exchange #13: Design for Water Quality at Heal Somerset in Frome.

We were joined by Gregor Neeve from Thompson Environmental Consultants, who led two key sessions during the workshop. In the morning, he shared the latest water quality regulations and practical approaches designers can apply to homes and neighbourhoods to support healthier waterways. In the afternoon, he introduced the growing potential of nature markets and how new funding opportunities are emerging to support riparian corridors and landscape-scale restoration.

We also heard from Gemma Annan of Frome Families For The Future, who shared how their group is empowering local communities to build agency and stewardship in support of a healthier River Frome.

To end the day, Dan from Heal Somerset and Alex from Providence Ecological took us on a guided walk through the breathtaking rewilding landscape at Heal. We followed the course of the land to the source of the River Frome, learning about their bold and visionary approach to restoring the site’s natural ecology.

Thanks to everyone who joined us!

The agenda on the day was:

9.45 – 10.00 | Arrivals, Tea and Coffee

10.00 – 10.10 | Intros and NTB updates

10.10- 11.00 | Water Quality: Regulation & Design Approaches | Gregor Neeve

11.00 – 11.15|  | Tea Break

11.15- 11.30 | Frome Families For The Future River Vision Project | Gemma Annan

11.30 – 12.15 | Tour of Heal Somerset to source of River Frome | Heal Somerset

12.15 – 13.15 | Lunch

13:15 – 14:00 | Nature Markets for Riparian Corridors | Gregor Neave

14:00 | Workshop end.