A stroll through The Shudrick Valley on the eastern fringe of Ilminster in South Somerset.

One day early in August I decided to go for a stroll along the Shudrick Valley on the eastern fringe of Ilminster.  The footpaths through the valley can be rather muddy underfoot but, as there had been a spell of hot dry weather, the going on this occasion was firm.  I had my camera with me as it was a fine day with some clear blue sky to provide a pleasing background.

The view to the east from the footpath along the floor of the Shudrick Valley.

During my afternoon meander I took some photos of the peaceful agrarian landscape, but was not quick enough to snap the resident wildlife.  I came across dragonflies, rabbits and two deer emerged from Pretwood Copse but quickly darted back into the trees when they spotted me.  There were at least three Buzzards circling high over the valley – too high, unfortunately, for the lens I had with me. I encountered several people along the way, some exercising their dogs, others seemingly just enjoying a brisk walk. 

The view east along the Shudrick Valley from just below Pretwood Copse.

However, it seems that future generations may not get the chance to appreciate the bucolic delights of this particular corner of England’s green and pleasant land.  Planning permission for 220 homes* in the valley was refused by South Somerset District Council in May, but the developers CG Fry & Son Ltd and landowner Lord Cameron of The Dillington Estate have lodged an appeal.  There will now be, in due course, a Public Local Inquiry into the subject matter of the appeal. The Inquiry will consequently decide the fate of this beautiful corner of Somerset.

It will be sad, to put it mildly, if the Shudrick Valley disappears under bricks, mortar and tarmac when, only around a mile and a half away on the western outskirts of Ilminster, an area once home to the Horlicks cheese factory remains derelict and awaiting redevelopment.  The factory ceased production in 2001 and the site’s bolted gates and appearance of neglect does not make Station Road the prettiest of the routes into Ilminster.

Be that as it may, if you want to wander through the picturesque landscape of the Shudrick Valley do not delay too long – it may not be as it is today for much longer.

*For those interested the Planning Application Reference is: 14/02474/OUT.