Haydon Batch is a 7.9 hectare (19.6 acre) piece of land just under one mile from the centre of Radstock and immediately to the west of the village of Haydon. Most of the site comprises of a disused colliery spoil heap that is now covered by rich grassland and maturing woodland.
Haydon Batch was purchased by Radstock Town Council in 2019. In 2021, Radstock Town Council commissioned New Leaf Studio to come up with a masterplan for treatment and improvement of the site.
Somer Valley Rediscovered has been working with Radstock Town Council and other partners to secure funding from the West of England Combined Authority Green Recovery Fund for five key greenspaces in the Radstock, Westfield and Midsomer Norton area, one of which is Haydon Batch.
For Haydon Batch this means that Radstock Town Council will be able to start implementing improvements which have been identified in the masterplan such as removing selected areas of scrub to ensure the grassland remains in good condition, formalising some of the entrances and paths, and creating interpretation boards giving information about the wildlife and heritage of the area. The grant will enable more events and activities to take place on the Batch, such as the very popular bat walk that took place in September. There will also be opportunities for people to get involved through practical conservation volunteer tasks and monitoring wildlife.
Beautifully situated adjacent to open countryside Southfield Recreation Ground is a large open space with a selection of new play equipment, BMX track, skate ramp and adult outdoor gym equipment. Facilities include a car park.
Tom Huyton Park is a destination play park located in the heart of Radstock. It has a good selection of play equipment suitable for a wide range of ages. Facilities include public toilets, buggy friendly, car parking and access to the Greenway cycle track.
Please note the toilets are open from 8am to 7pm daily.