Hartnells Farm
Monkton Heathfield
Residents Travel Information Guide
Your Guide to Transport Options from Hartnells Farm
Welcome
Welcome to Hartnells Farm
Welcome to the Hartnells Farm Travel Information site. This site is designed to assist in making your move as easy as possible.
It provides information on how to get around using public transport and other environmentally friendly methods to commute to work and school, or explore the area.
The Travel Guide Site
Hartnells Farm is situated within walking distance of local schools,
shops, pubs, cafés, restaurants and public transport links.
The Travel Plan
The Travel Information Pack is one of many measures included in the Travel Plan produced for Hartnells Farm and agreed with Somerset County Council.
The Travel Plan is a document which contains a package of measures to encourage you to try sustainable alternatives to travelling by car.
The Travel Plan can offer real benefits not only to you, but also to the community that surrounds you. It can help to relieve local parking and congestion problems and improve public transport connections across the area.
Walking
Walking is one of the cheapest, easiest and simplest forms of transport, which is boosted by there being a range of shops and services accessible within a short walk from Hartnells Farm.
Walking offers the greatest potential to replace short car and public transport trips, particularly those under a two-kilometre distance. It provides a healthy alternative to the private car and typically forms a component of many journeys made by public transport or by car.
Hartnells Farm provides direct walking links with connections around the site and to the local area. Surrounding Hartnells Farm, it is easy to walk to a range of local facilities with pavements and walking links provided along local roads to ensure you can easily and safely walk around the town and access many local facilities on foot.
You can walk to a number of local facilities within a 30 minute period from Hartnells Farm. To help out, we have summarised the distance and walk times to a number of local facilities below. Bus stops are located in close proximity to Hartnells Farm within an approximately 6 minute walk (450m), with local schools, convenience stores and public houses accessible in Monkton Heathfield within up to 15 minutes’ walk (1.2km).
For more information on walking in Somerset, there is a wealth of information on promoted routes, health and fitness benefits and safety tips on the Travel Somerset website:
Are you not sure how to get from your home to work on foot? You could use Google Maps to plan your journey. The site gives you the route required with the time it may take:
www.google.co.uk/maps
Benefits of Walking
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Walking is a great form of exercise and can reduce the risk of heart disease;
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Walking is a completely environmentally friendly activity; and
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Walking is an important form of sustainable transport which costs nothing and offers a wide range of benefits to you and the community.
Cycling
Monkton Heathfield, Taunton and the surrounding areas are beautiful places to ride your bike with a wide variety of scenery, historic buildings and designated traffic-free routes.
You can cycle to all the facilities in Taunton within around a 20 minute ride and access National Cycle Route 3 which is accessible along the Bridgwater and Taunton Canal towpath. A number of local schools, shops, sports facilities and employment areas are accessible within around 20 minutes from Hartnells Farm. To help out, we have summarised the distance and cycle times to a number of local amenities below.
National Cycle Route 3 routes south-west towards Taunton town centre and north-east via Creech St Michael towards Bridgwater, a perfect route to explore for a leisure ride.
Explore your local community by bike!
We are encouraging families to get more out of life – by getting on
your bike and exploring the local community – either for an outing at the weekend, a trip to the local shops, part of the school run, or a daily commute.
For more information on cycling in Somerset, there is a wealth of detail on promoted routes, health benefits and safety tips at the Travel Somerset website and at Sustrans for the National Cycle Network, visit:
www.travelsomerset.co.uk/cycle
Your Local Bike Shop
Halfords Taunton, 3 Hankridge Way, Taunton, TA1 2LR
Open: 8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm on Saturdays and 10am - 5pm on Sundays.
Tel: 01823 443415
Website: www.halfords.com
ND Cycles & Off Road Motorcycle Spares, 3A Roman Road, Taunton, TA1 2BD
Open: 9am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm on Saturdays.
Tel: 01823 365917
Website: www.ndcycles.co.uk
Benefits of Cycling
Cycling is sociable – it provides a fantastic way to share some time with friends and family;
Cycling is ‘green’ – you can feel good about doing your bit for the environment;
Cycling is quick – for short journeys under 5 miles cycling is usually the fastest way to get around – and you won’t get stuck in traffic;
Cycling is cheap – no bus, train or season tickets required;
Cycling is convenient – it gets you ‘door-to-door’, with a guaranteed arrival time; and
Cycling is fun – and helps you explore your local environment.
A Great Form of Exercise
Completely Environmentally Friendly
And can reduce the risk of heart disease
Costs nothing and benefits both you and the community
Local Facilities
Hartnells Farm is sustainably located within comfortable walking and cycling distances to local schools, shops, amenities and bus stops.
Schools
The SPACE Sixth Form College
800m / 10 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
West Monkton Church of England Primary School
850m / 11 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
Heathfield Community School
900m / 11 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
Sky College
3.2km / 40 min Walk / 12 min Cycle
Bridgwater & Taunton College Taunton Campus
5.9km / 74 min Walk / 22 min Cycle
Local Amenities
Hartnells Farm Bus Stop
450m / 6 min Walk / 2 min Cycle
West Monkton Cricket Club
550m / 7 min Walk / 2 min Cycle
West Monkton Village Hall
650m / 8 min Walk / 2 min Cycle
The Merry Monk Pub
750m / 9 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
Co-op Food Store
800m / 10 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
Tacchi-Morris Arts Centre
800m / 10 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
The Elm Tree Restaurant
800m / 10 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
Monkton Elm Garden Centre
850m / 11 min Walk / 3 min Cycle
Farriers Green Park
1.2km / 15 min Walk / 5 min Cycle
Aldi Supermarket
2.1km / 26 min Walk / 8 min Cycle
The Crown Medical Centre
2.2km / 28 min Walk / 8 min Cycle
Boots Opticians and Pharmacy
2.2km / 28 min Walk / 8 min Cycle
Creech Medical Centre
2.4km / 30 min Walk / 9 min Cycle
Creech Pharmacy
2.4km / 30 min Walk / 9 min Cycle
Odeon Cinema
2.7km / 34 min Walk / 10 min Cycle
Priorswood Industrial Estate
2.7km / 34 min Walk / 10 min Cycle
Creech St Michael Post Office
2.8km / 35 min Walk / 11 min Walk
Hollywood Bowl
3.0km / 38 min Walk / 11 min Cycle
Sainsbury’s Supermarket
3.3km / 41 min Walk / 12 min Cycle
Hankridge Farm Retail Park
3.4km / 43 min Walk / 13 min Cycle
Taunton Rail Station
4.1km / 51 min Walk / 15 min Cycle
Blackbrook Business Park
4.1km / 51 min Walk / 15 min Cycle
Taunton Dental Access Centre
4.6km / 58 min Walk / 17 min Cycle
Taunton Town Centre
4.9km / 61 min Walk / 18 min Cycle
Longrun Meadow (Parkrun)
5.2km / 65 min Walk / 20 min Cycle
Musgrove Park Hospital
6.1km / 76 min Walk / 23 min Cycle
Public Transport
Why Public Transport?
Public Transport can be quicker, cheaper and more convenient than using your car and provides a significant environmental benefit. Using public transport can remove the stress of finding a car parking space, sitting in traffic and the costs of owning a car. Furthermore, you can travel to your destination while you relax with a newspaper or catch-up on social media.
BUS
Where are my nearest bus stops?
Your nearest bus stops are located on Monkton Heathfield Road, to the south-east of the roundabout providing access to Hartnells Farm. Depending on where you are located within Hartnells Farm, the stops on Monkton Heathfield Road are located within an approximate 6 minute walk (450m). These stops are served by the 12, 21A and 625 services.
To view the latest timetables, visit:
12
The Number 12 provides an hourly circular service, Monday to Saturday, from Taunton Town Centre via Monkton Heathfield.
21A
The 21A offers an hourly service, Monday-Sunday, between Taunton and Burnham-on-Sea via North Petherton, Bridgwater, Huntspill and Highbridge.
625
The 625 provides a college service linking Monkton Heathfield to Bridgwater College. The service departs for Bridgwater College at 07:59 and returns to Monkton Heathfield at 17:15.
TRAIN
Taunton Rail Station is located approximately 4.1km south-west of Hartnells Farm and is accessible within a 15 minute cycle or using the Number 12 bus service.
The station benefits from two services per hour to Bristol Temple Meads, Exeter St Davids, Plymouth and London Paddington, with increased services at peak times. Hourly services are available to Cardiff and Newcastle via Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds and York.
Taunton Rail Station provides cycle parking for 82 bicycles, and also offers car parking for approximately 264 vehicles with accessible spaces, with a daily rate of £6.30. PlusBus is available from the station, allowing you to include a discounted bus ticket for unlimited travel around Taunton with your train ticket.
The station also offers a ticket office and ticket machines, as well as step free access coverage.
To check real time rail journey information from Taunton, visit:
https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/ldbboard/dep/TAU
For station facilities visit:
www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/tau/details.html
For ticketing queries, visit:
Car Sharing
Travelling with other people by car is an easy way to cut your CO2 emissions and save money. By splitting costs with your fellow passengers you will save on fuel and parking fees.
Use your time as a passenger to read or catch up on work, and of course you won’t have to find a parking space.
For more information on local car share schemes visit:
Some Safety Tips if Meeting a New Car Share Buddy
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Avoid exchanging your full name or address before you've met someone.
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You're never under obligation to take a lift. If you don't feel comfortable, don't go through with the lift - even if it's been agreed.
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As with any activity that involves meeting new people, it's advisable to meet in a public place the first time. It's always a good idea to let friends and family know your plans too.
Benefits of Car Sharing
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Reduces travel costs;
A commuter who car shares with one person typically saves around £1,000 a year.
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Reduces wear and tear on your own vehicle;
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Helps reduce congestion;
If half of UK motorists car shared one day a week, pollution would be reduced by 10% and traffic jams by 20%
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Reduces stress levels related to driving; and
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Expands social networks.
Electric Vehicles
Electric Vehicles (EVs) are becoming more and more popular. Unlike conventional vehicles which burn petrol or diesel, EVs are powered by batteries just like your smartphone.
The main advantage of EVs is that they produce zero-emissions when you are using them. This means that they provide local environmental benefits including cleaner air and reduced noise in urban areas.
Today’s EVs have the latest cutting-edge technology and can drive over 200 miles on a single charge, with some able to cover over 400 miles on a single charge - that’s the equivalent of Hartnells Farm to Edinburgh!
Did you know?
Every 2 minutes a new EV is registered on UK roads.
Why go electric?
Cheaper to Run
Compared to petrol or diesel, electricity is cheap. Per mile an EV could cost less than a third of what a traditional car costs.
Cheaper to Maintain
Compared to a traditional car, EVs have a lot fewer moving parts, with just three main components - the on-board charger, inverter and motor. This therefore requires far less maintenance and servicing is simpler, all of which saves you money. You'll never need to change the oil again!
Easy Home Charging
With an EV you will never need to go to petrol station again. Simply plug your car in when you get home to charge overnight and it's ready for you in the morning.
Better for the Environment
EVs have no tailpipe emissions, and don't even have an exhaust. Even when accounting for generating the electricity used to charge your car, EVs still produce significantly less greenhouse gas emissions than petrol or diesel cars.
Quiet and Quick
EVs offer a smooth and quiet ride, with a high level of torque instantly available.
For information on electric vehicles, visit:
edfenergy.com/electric-cars/benefits
To find your nearest EV charging point, visit:
Home Deliveries
A wide range of major supermarkets offer home delivery services to Hartnells Farm, so why not save time, money and petrol and have your groceries delivered?
Asda
The nearest Asda superstore is in Taunton and is open 6am-12pm, Monday to Friday. The store is also open 6am-9pm on Saturdays and 10am-4pm on Sundays.
A home delivery service is also available.
Creechbarrow Road, Taunton, TA1 2AN
Morrisons
The nearest Morrisons store is in Taunton and is open 7am-10pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays. A home delivery service is available.
Priory Bridge Road, Taunton TA1 1DX
Morrisons groceries are also available via Amazon for Amazon Prime Members, which can offer same-day delivery on your Morrisons groceries.
Ocado
An online only supermarket offering a wide range of fresh groceries, essentials, toys and more delivered to your door.
Sainsbury's
The nearest Sainsburys superstore is in Taunton and is open 7am-10pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays. A home delivery service is available.
Hankridge Farm, Hankridge Way, Taunton, TA1 2LR
sainsburys.co.uk/shop/gb/groceries
Tesco
The nearest Tesco superstore is in Taunton and is open 6am-12pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays. A home delivery service is available.
Castle Street, Taunton, TA1 4AB
Waitrose
The nearest Waitrose store is in Wellington and is open 8am-8pm, Monday to Saturday and 10am-4pm on Sundays. A home delivery service is available.
34-46 High Street, Wellington, TA21 8RD
Did you know?
Car travel for food shopping account for about 40% of all UK shopping trips by car, or about 5% of all car use in the UK!
Run Commute
If you’ve never heard of run commuting, then it’s exactly what it sounds like. People choose to run to and from work, rather than driving, getting the bus or using other modes.
It’s a trend that is growing in popularity too! In 2018, Strava recorded a 70% increase in run commutes compared to 2017, which itself was up 50% on 2016!
Running really is the perfect way to be more active – it’s free and you can start right outside your door! You can do it as little or as often as you like and, with run commuting you can fit it into your daily routine.
Parkrun organise free, weekly, 5km timed runs around the world. They are open to everyone, free, and are safe and easy to take part in.
These events take place in pleasant parkland surroundings and they encourage people of every ability to take part; from those taking their first steps in running to Olympians.
Longrun Meadow Parkrun starts every Saturday at 9am at Longrun Meadow, Taunton, TA1 5AU, approximately 5.2km to the south of Hartnells Farm. For more information see:
www.parkrun.org.uk/longrunmeadow/
Tips for Run Commuting
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Prepare the night before;
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Plan your route;
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Build up gradually to the full commute-hw about getting public transport half way and running the rest?;
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Buy a good backpack to carry everything;
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Invest in a good coat, reflective clothing and a light for the winter- be safe, be seen!;
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Pack light to save weight;
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If it is safe to do so listen to some music or a podcast to help the miles fly by;
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Figure out your shower situation at work beforehand; and
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Find a goal to train for, or a running buddy to help you stay motivated.
Home Working
Reducing the need to travel to work or during working hours can save time and money whilst benefitting the environment.
If you work from home just once a fortnight you are reducing your
commute by 10%, which saves you both time and money.
Studies have shown that people who work from home generate lower carbon emissions, reduce air pollution, use less petrol / diesel, use less paper, use less plastic and have a better work life balance, so why not give it a go? You may even find you are more productive as you’re not being interrupted.
Remote and flexible working allows you to balance your work and
home life commitments and leave you feeling great!
The Flexible Working Regulations 2014 give any employee with at least 26 weeks’ service the right to request flexible working arrangements from their employer. This may include reducing your hours to work part-time, changing your start and finish time, having flexibility with your start and finish time (sometimes known as ‘flexitime’), doing your hours over fewer days (‘compressed hours’), working from home or elsewhere (‘remote working’) or sharing your job with someone else.
For more information on requesting flexible working, visit:
Sustainable Travel Events
You can get involved with sustainable travel events, which promote the opportunity to try out alternative and more sustainable modes of travel to your workplace or education centre.
For more information and how to stay up to date and sign up to events, please visit the wesbites below.
World Car Free Day
22nd September, Annually
www.livingstreets.org.uk/about-us/our-work-in-action/world-car-free-day
Road Safety Week
19th November - 26th November 2023
www.brake.org.uk/road-safety-week
Commute Smart Week
November 2023 (Dates TBA)
www.workwiseuk.org/commute-smart-week
Walk to School Week
May 2024
National Walking Month
May 2024
www.livingstreets.org.uk/get-involved/campaign-with-us/national-walking-month
Bike Week
June 2024
National Clean Air Day
15th June 2024
National Cycle to Work Day
4th August 2024
Useful Info
The Travel Plan Coordinator is available to provide you with assistance in relation to the way you travel and offer further information about sustainable transport methods available to you. You can contact the Travel Plan Coordinator using the following details or the below contact form:
The Travel Plan Coordinator
Tetra Tech
90 Victoria Street
Bristol
BS1 6DP
Telephone: 0117 925 4393
Email: TravelPlanCoordinator@tetratech.com
For information on walking visit:
For information on cycling visit:
www.travelsomerset.co.uk/cycle
Your local bicycle shops are:
Halfords Taunton, 3 Hankridge Way, Taunton, TA1 2LR
Open: 8am - 8pm, Monday to Friday, 8am - 6pm on Saturdays and 10am - 5pm on Sundays.
Tel: 01823 443415
Website: www.halfords.com
ND Cycles & Off Road Motorcycle Spares, 3A Roman Road, Taunton, TA1 2BD
Open: 9am - 5:30pm, Monday to Friday, 9am - 4pm on Saturdays.
Tel: 01823 365917
Website: www.ndcycles.co.uk
For bus timetables visit:
For rail station live times:
https://ojp.nationalrail.co.uk/service/ldbboard/dep/TAU
For station facilities, visit:
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations/TAU/details.html
For ticketing queries, visit:
For information about car sharing. visit:
To find your nearest EV charging point, visit:
Green Travel Voucher
As part of the Travel Plan, Persimmon Homes are offering every household a free Green Travel Voucher.
This voucher allows you to claim a free First Bus Season Ticket for the Somerset area or 50% of your expenditure on items associated with sustainable transport.
One bed - £100 reimbursement / 3 month bus ticket
Two bed - £150 reimbursement / 4 month bus ticket
Three bed - £200 reimbursement / 6 month bus ticket
Four or more - £250 reimbursement / 7 month bus ticket
If you have not received a Green Travel Voucher, please contact the Travel Plan Coordinator using the details above.
Contact
For Personal Travel Planning, or any Travel Plan queries, please contact Tetra Tech.
Contact Form
The Travel Plan Coordinator is available to provide you with assistance in relation to the way you travel and offer further information about sustainable transport methods available to you. You can contact the Travel Plan Coordinator for any inquiries or questions, please use the following form: