BBC Somerset

Daniel MumbyLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceThe site near Wells offers wide views over the Somerset LevelsA nature reserve is being created as part of a key walking and cycling route across rural Somerset.Volunteers working on Hollybrook reserve are fencing off a piece of land next to the Strawberry Line, which runs from Yatton railway station to Shepton Mallet.The team plans to create a picnic area at the entrance to the nature reserve near Wells, while a…

BBCGWR is expected to be brought back into public ownership in 2026It is set to be a year of change for train services in the West of England.From Great Western Railway (GWR) returning to public ownership to work beginning on the long-awaited Portishead line - what other developments could be in store?We look at what what you can expect to see in the next 12 months.Public ownership for GWRHeidi Alexander said the Labour government was addressing overcrowding on…

Getty ImagesBleeding radiators can released trapped air and allow heat to circulate properlyEvery winter brings a drop in temperatures and rising concerns about heating costs. With the energy price cap set to increase in January, we have gathered together some practical advice to help you keep warm and cut costs over the colder months.This month, millions of households will see a slight rise in their energy bills, as the energy regulator Ofgem increases the price cap by 0.2%.The…

Getty ImagesFour people were taken to hospital and have since been dischargedA man has been arrested after four people were taken to hospital following an alleged spiking incident at a New Year's Eve event.Avon and Somerset Police said officers were called by paramedics who were treating several people who started feeling unwell at the event on the High Street in Glastonbury.Officers arrested a man at the scene on suspicion of administering a noxious substance and he remains in…

Daniel MumbyLocal Democracy Reporting ServiceGoogleCouncillor Philip Ham described the site as "one of the best fields in Somerset"Plans to build 180 homes on a field described by one councillor as "one of the best" in Somerset have been approved by the council.Persimmon Homes Wessex applied for outline permission to build on the eastern side of the A367 Fosseway South in Midsomer Norton in 2022 but the plans were refused due to "poor access to services" and over-development concerns.The…

Jonathan HolmesWest of EnglandSt Margaret's HospiceThousands of Christmas trees will be collected in the coming weeksAs we start the new year, many of us will be looking to put 2025 behind us and have a fresh start.Part of this can involve de-Christmassing the house and saying goodbye to our trees - especially if they are looking a bit worse for wear. While many councils offer collections, another option involves registering for a charity to pick up and repurpose…

Sarah TurnnidgeWest of England Getty ImagesThe date for this year's Swindon Half Marathon has been announced Here is our daily pick of stories from across local websites in the West of England, and interesting content from social media.Our pick of local website storiesThe date for this year's Swindon Half Marathon has been confirmed, after the race returned to the town in 2025 following a six-year hiatus. The Swindon Advertiser reports the event will take place on 27 September.…

A woman training as a stonemason says it is an "honour" to help build a new nature hide at the headquarters of a foundation set up by King Charles.Jennie Regan, 45, from Paulton in Somerset, was responsible for carving the circular stone block in the centre of the floor of the hide on the 2,000-acre Dumfries House estate in East Ayrshire.She was inspired to take up the stonemason role by her grandfather's job as a bricklayer in Yeovil,…