Longrun Meadows

Longrun Meadow is Taunton's new green space offering 65 acres of 'rural' landscape just a short walk from the town centre. Opened to the public on 28 August 2010, it is becoming the space of choice for all who enjoy the countryside and outdoor activities.

The story so far...

from flood to fun

Following a study, commissioned by the Environment Agency which demonstrated the necessity for flood protection for Taunton's regeneration sites, South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA), granted funding to purchase pasture between the rear of Somerset College and The Castle School and the River Tone.

Work to construct the flood ponds started in summer 2008 and the defenses were functioning before the winter’s bad weather closed in. In March 2009 local landscape architects, Swan Paul were appointed to transform the space into a countryside park.

Badgers, deer, giant hog weed and archaeology challenged the team, but wth solutions in place a planning application to landscape the remaining acerage received Taunton Deane Borough Council’s approval in January 2010 and landscaping and civil engineering works began as the weather improved.