Angela Cox

Yellow-legged Asian hornets (Vespa velutina nigrithorax) cause significant environmental damage and sightings should be reported to the Non-Native Species Secretariat (NNSS) as soon as you can.

• Asian hornets are most active between April and November (peaking in  August/September) and are inactive over the winter.
• If they get established in the UK it is predicted they will have a devastating impact on our insect population and ecosystem.
• A number of sightings have been recorded in the UK since the first was spotted in 2016 and we fear numbers will inevitably increase.
• In Jersey, France and large areas of Western Europe they are stripping the environment bare of insects including managed honeybee colonies.

Asian Hornet warning poster

What can you do?
​Monitor for Asian hornets this Autumn! Check out Somerset’s AHAT Coordinator Lynne Ingram’s useful guide.

• Download the Asian hornet app which has photos to assist with identification and can be used to report any sightings: ​

​​          Asian Hornet Watch app for iPhone 
Asian Hornet Watch app for Android ​

• Or report using an online form.
• If you have connections with local gardening groups, garden centres, wildlife groups and trusts etc, please spread the word.
• The Non Native Species Secretariat provides a series of resources free of charge including posters and identification sheets which you can distribute to others.
• Our suite of ID resources is available to download for use at beekeeper and public events.

If you spot a yellow-legged Asian hornet
Take some photos and/or capture a specimen and send them to the NNSS for identification; if the sighting is positive, the NNSS will trigger further investigations by our bee inspectors.

SBKA’s Asian Hornet Action Team (AHAT) is led by Lynne Ingram. Our AHAT is county-wide comprising of at least one member from each Branch. The full list is below.
​​Lynne can be contacted on ​asianhornet@somersetbeekeepers.org.uk

Somerset Rivers Authority Annual Report 2025-26 PDF

The Somerset Rivers Authority 11^th Annual Report, for 2025-26 has been published. You can read the whole report online at SRA Annual Report 2025-26 – Somerset Rivers Authority.

In the report, you will find details of dozens of SRA-funded activities across Somerset between 1 April 2025 and 31 March 2026, all done to reduce the risks and impacts of flooding.

At the SRA, we fund extra flood-related work so that our partners (and others) can do more for Somerset than they would otherwise be able to.

The last year has been perhaps the most significant year since the SRA was launched in 2015. Last September saw the completion of our major improvements along the River Sowy – King’s Sedgemoor Drain (KSD), where bank-raising means more water can now be discharged faster from the Somerset Levels and Moors. Since then, events have included near-disastrous floods in January, a ministerial visit in February, the May 2026 report of the government’s Climate Change Committee, and June’s announcement from the Government of £50 million extra for Somerset flood resilience.

Some would judge that January was the peak of our endeavours, because the completed KSD work protected Moorland from flooding. Others would say that we are now launched on a period of significant improvement thanks to the £50m additional funding from government. I would say that we will never completely prevent flooding, but we will keep persevering with keeping it under control to the extent that climate change permits. Right now we’re awaiting storm deluges following the summer’s heatwaves; they’ll fall on dry ground so may cause flash flooding.

Local organisations – parishes and local flood groups – will play an increasing role.

Our own Community Flood Action Fund (CFAF) is already helping many communities reduce risk.

Please consider whether this Fund could help your area too.

Because a lot can be achieved through working together on local priorities, as I hope you will see throughout this annual report.

This is my last annual report as I am standing down from Somerset Council next May. I am deeply grateful for the efficient and good-humoured support of the whole SRA team over the past 4 years, and wish my successor well.

Please get in touch with us if you have any comments or questions.

Regards,

Mike

Cllr Mike Stanton, Chair of Somerset Rivers Authority

sra@somerset.gov.uk

Medequip Somerset provides the Community Equipment and Wheelchair Service for Somerset. This service plays an essential role in helping people live independently, with equipment provided at no cost at the point of delivery.

The service works best when equipment is returned once it is no longer needed, so it can be cleaned, recycled and reused by someone else who may be waiting for support. Unfortunately, across Somerset some equipment is not returned, is retained unused, or is offered for sale online, even though it remains the property of the local authority.

This includes wheelchairs, hoists, chair-raisers, wheeled adjustable frames, toilet frames, bed levers, perching stools, pressure mattresses, shower chairs/stools, bath seats/lifts, crutches and commodes

Contact Medequip to request collection on 01823 211699

Or email: somerset@medequip-uk.com

Or you can return the equipment yourself to: Community equipment and wheelchair service, Unit 1, The Monarch Centre, Venture Way, Taunton TA1 8DE  (opening hours: 8.00am – 6.00pm Monday to Friday)

Join your local Village Agent for help and advice – supporting people with dementia

From 10.45am – 1.00pm on Wednesday 21st October at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Church, South Petherton

The popular South Petherton Carnival will be held on Saturday 12 September 2026.

This is the official notification of the road closures which will be in place around the village on the day

SC Road Closure Notice for Carnival 2026

Road Closure Combined Plans (2) – Multi Carnivals South Petherton Frome Castle Cary and Wincanton 2026

💧 Do you have a query about your water bill, how to save water and prevent blockages, or your water and sewerage services?

@wessexwater will be holding a drop-in session at South Petherton Library, 3 St James’s Street, South Petherton TA13 5BS on Thursday 27 August to answer all of your water related questions. This session will run between 10am-12pm

👉 To find out more, visit: https://www.wessexwater.co.uk/community-drop-ins

Notice is hereby given in accordance with Section 87 of the Local Government Act 1972
that a vacancy has occurred on the South Petherton Parish Council.
Unless a request for an election to be held is submitted in writing to the Chief Executive,
Electoral Services, Somerset Council, County Hall, The Crescent, Taunton, Somerset,
TA1 4DY by 31st July 2026 by ten electors for the Parish of South Petherton, the Parish
Council will proceed to fill the vacancy by co-option.

Clare Paul
Clerk to the Council
13th July 2026

Email: clerk@southpethertonparishcouncil.gov.uk
Tel: 01460 241002
Address: Unit One, Frogmary Green Farm, West Street, South Petherton, Somerset TA13 5DJ

As spring brings brighter weather, many people naturally feel more active and optimistic. But illnesses like COVID-19 haven’t gone away, and for some, the risks remain very real.

42% of people in Somerset have already been vaccinated this Spring but the virus spreads easily all year round and can be very dangerous and even life threatening for vulnerable people such as those who are immunosuppressed and those who live in a care home for older adults.

That’s why the NHS in Somerset is encouraging eligible people to book their spring booster when invited and reminding families and representatives with responsibility for care home residents to return consent forms where needed.

To book: Call 119 or visit https://www.nhs.uk/nhs-services/vaccination-and-booking-services/book-covid-19-vaccination/ 

Warmer weather doesn’t lower the risk – News release 120526 FINAL

With the arrival of the summer season, a collaborative community effort, organised and funded by the Parish Council, has brought fresh colour and life to the surroundings of Blake Hall.  Thanks to the dedication of TWiG and several local groups—including the Scouts, students from nearby schools, and residents of Burnworthy House—the flower troughs around the hall have been carefully replanted and revitalised.

This initiative reflects the strong sense of community spirit in the area. Volunteers of all ages contributed their time and energy, from preparing the soil to selecting and arranging a vibrant mix of seasonal flowers. The result is a welcoming and visually uplifting display for residents and visitors alike.

Beyond enhancing the appearance of Blake Hall, the project also provided an opportunity for people to come together, share skills, and take pride in their local environment. As the flowers bloom over the coming months, they will stand as a reminder of what can be achieved through teamwork and community involvement.  Our thanks to all who participated!

The Reach youth team has brought a wonderful burst of colour and community spirit to the village this year, with our young people proudly filling the hanging baskets that brighten our streets. Their enthusiasm, care, and pride in looking after the place they call home is truly inspiring. By taking the lead, they are showing how small acts of kindness and teamwork can make a big difference to the look and feel or our shared spaces. We hope residents will join them by giving the baskets water and attention as they pass, helping to keep them thriving throughout the summer. Together, we can nurture a village we are all proud of, one where everyone plays a part and where our young people know their efforts are valued and appreciated. Thanks to TWiG for their support and collaboration with this project too.