1. No category

AGENDA ITEM NO: 1
CABINET - 10 JUNE 2010
PUBLIC FORUM BUSINESS
A.
QUESTIONS NOT RELATING TO AGENDA ITEMS
None received.
B.
PUBLIC FORUM REPRESENTATIONS NOT RELATING TO AGENDA ITEMS
B.1 David Redgewell: subject: transport issues
B.2 Martin Jones & Dick North: subject: funding for adult learning courses
C.
QUESTIONS RELATING TO AGENDA ITEMS - ANSWERS WILL BE
AVAILABLE AT THE MEETING
Re: item 5 - Residential Futures
C.5.1 Cllr Chris Windows
Re: item 8 - Pilot scheme - recycling for all (education and enforcement)
C.8.1 Peter Goodwin
D.
PUBLIC FORUM REPRESENTATIONS RELATING TO AGENDA ITEMS
Re: item 5 - Residential Futures
D.5.1 Cllr Helen Holland
D.5.2. Rowena Hayward & Liz Bebbington
D.5.3 Cllr Geoff Gollop
D.5.4 Cllr Chris Windows
D.5.5 Jenny Smith
Re: item 9 - Grove Wood - proposed local nature reserve
D.9.1 Cllr Steve Comer & Cllr Muriel Cole
D.9.2 Cherry Froude
D.9.3 Hibron Runde
D.9.4 John Moore
D.9.5 Kate Kigwana
D.9.6 Andrew Skuse
D.9.7 Sue Lucas
D.9.8 Andrew & Susan Harris
D.9.9 Christine Williams
D.9.10 Jonathan Seagrave
D.9.11 Laura Thain
D.9.12 Sandra & Keith Ingham
D.9.13 Kate Brooks & Mark Neath
D.9.14 Havi Carel
D.9.15 Mrs Summerhayes
D.9.16 Geoff Perrett
D.9.17 Nicola Ferris
D.9.18 Sallianne Donnelly
D.9.19 Sarah Howes
D.9.20 John Brian & Marie Palmer
D.9.21 Julian & Pat Holloway
D.9.22
D.9.23
D.9.24
D.9.25
D.9.26
D.9.27
D.9.28
D.9.29
D.9.30
D.9.31
D.9.32
D.9.33
D.9.34
D.9.35
D.9.36
D.9.37
D.9.38
D.9.39
D.9.40
D.9.41
D.9.42
D.9.43
D.9.44
D.9.45
D.9.46
D.9.47
D.9.48
D.9.49
D.9.50
D.9.51
D.9.52
D.9.53
D.9.54
D.9.55
D.9.56
D.9.57
D.9.58
D.9.59
D.9.60
D.9.61
D.9.62
D.9.63
D.9.64
D.9.65
D.9.66
D.9.67
D.9.68
D.9.69
D.9.70
D.9.71
D.9.72
D.9.73
Andrew Hill
Melanie Fraser
Hilary Jones
Sandra & Ken Morgan
Helene Gibson
Bob Clark
Martyn Whitelock
Kevin Mulvenna
Sandy Thomas
Martin Longhurst
Rosey Mushens
Sue Drake
Olivia Kennard
Abigail Emery
Fiona Gleed
Richard Pring & Hilary Stewart
Steve Micklewright
Dan James
Richard Irwin
Andy Harrison
J D Hills
Barbara New
David Parke
Susan Acton-Campbell
Jill and Tony Minchin
Sarah Barker
Jane Barker
Richard Minchin
Sonia Climie
Rhoda Gordon Amine
Cllrs Lesley Alexander & James Stevenson
Bob Woodward
Mark Logan
Lucy Fieldhouse
Viv Robertson
Jenny Knight
Rachel Symons
Maureen Brennan and Andy Horne
Jon Symons
P. Clark
Ann Hughes Devereaux
Claire Spencer
David Molesworth
Patrick Thornhill
Lyn Townsend
Angie Torbett
John Mair
Hazel Collard
Dr Katy Ling
Christine Justin
Kerry McCarthy MP
Ilse Hambrook
D.9.74
D.9.75
D.9.76
D.9.77
D.9.78
D.9.79
D.9.80
Mr & Mrs D Hawkins
Terry Forse
Carol Davies
Rhiannon Davies
Natalie James
Alan Dawes
Andrew Chester
Re: item 10 - Closure of Stockwood Green Primary School
D.10.1 Cllr Jay Jethwa
STATEMENT B 2
BRISTOL CITY COUNCIL CABINET MEETING
THURSDAY 10TH JUNE 2010
COLLEGES OF FURTHER EDUCATION, REDUCTION IN FUNDING FOR
GOVERNMENT AIDED ADULT COURSES
Background to Report
1. This matter was raised by the joint trade unions of Bristol City Council during
March of this year, at both the full Council meeting and the Joint Employee Relations
Board (JERB). There were also presentations at the full Council by Community and
Voluntary Groups seeking assistance from the City Council for funding to ensure the
adult learning courses continue. At both meetings, there was both sympathy and
support from all political parties for support of the Colleges wherever possible.
2. In Bristol, the City of Bristol College is likely to be faced with a reduction in its
budget for the autumn approaching £5.5 million. This will clearly decimate the adult
learning courses, which has proved so far, to be extremely worthwhile and beneficial
not just fore the minority communities, but for any adult with literacy and numeracy
difficulties who are seeking employment and need the basic skills to complete just an
application form.
3. Equally, there are a number of jobs held by trade union members at the City of
Bristol College, whose posts are now at severe risk of redundancy if funding is not
identified shortly.
4. The Trade Unions were advised at the JERB, that a select committee of the City
Council would be meeting during April, who would be considering a report on the
situation, the outcome of which would lead to a report being taken to the full cabinet
at its next meeting. The TU Side understands that the select committee did not meet as
planned, because primarily of the local/ national elections where members would
likely to be unavailable.
5. Clearly, for the City of Bristol College to continue providing quality adult
education programmes, it needs financial assistance for it to pursue its programmes,
together with a retention of the current workforce.. The joint TU’s of Bristol City
Council are fully supportive of any financial assistance which the City Council can
provide the college.
6. The joint trade unions believe that there are funds held in reserve by the City
Council, which have not been allocated to any specific project, together with budget
provisions set aside for the 2010 /2011 financial year, which may not be used. The
joint TU’s believe that some of these reserves could be given as a grant to the City of
Bristol College, in order that they can continue providing quality adult education
programmes for the citizens of Bristol.
7. The members of the City Council’s full cabinet are asked therefore, to consider the
situation now faced by the City of Bristol College due to the cutback in its adult
learning funding, and give consideration to providing financial support to the College
to enable the Adult Learning Courses to continue.
8. Given below is a copy of the trade union side report to the JERB meeting of the 31st
March 2010:Report of Joint Trade Union Side Secretary
Colleges of Further Education (Adult Learning)
Background to Report
1.0 It has been recently announced from a survey conducted by the
Association of Colleges, that the Government intends to cut the annual budget
for adult learning courses nationally by £200 million from September 2010.
This will impact on both service users and jobs.
1.1 The City of Bristol College, which has seven campus sites spread around
the city, will see around £5.5 million cutback in its expenditure from the
autumn term.
1.2 Many of the jobs affected at the City of Bristol College, were former
employees of the City Council who were TUPE’d across to the college
under re-organisation in 2008.
Views of the Trade Union Side
1.3 The cuts being planned will have a devastating effect on both service users
and for employees.
1.4 For service users, coming at a time when many are looking for retraining
to aide their chances of securing employment during the recession. If the
cuts are imposed, these courses are likely to be cancelled.
1.5 For employees at the College, the future looks bleak. If no commitment for
financial support is given before the end of the summer term, then it is
probable that notices of redundancy will be issued to them in July 2010.
The trade union side predict that as many as 100 jobs will be axed if the
funding is not found.
1.6 Whilst it is recognised that the City Council itself is making cuts through
both efficiency savings and the Transforming Bristol Project, at the same
time the City Council is known to be fully supportive of adult learning
courses. The trade union side believe that the best chance of retaining the
adult learning courses at the City of Bristol College, will be for the City
Council to assist with financial investment. The trade union side recognise
that if financial investment were to be granted, it will require the decision
of the Cabinet for approval.
Recommendation
1.7 That the City Council recognises that the proposed reduction in the budget
to the City of Bristol College for Adult Learning Courses is of interest to
the City Council, and that a report for consideration for financial
investment be taken to the full Cabinet as a matter of urgency.
Joint Authors of Report:-
Martin Jones (UNISON)
Joint Trade Union Side Secretary
Dick North (NUT)
Joint Trade Union Side Chairperson
QUESTION C.5.1
Questions from Councillor Chris Windows to Councillor Jon Rogers, Executive Member for
Health & Care, at the Cabinet Meeting, Thursday, 10th June 2010
ITEM 5 RESIDENTIAL FUTURES
1.
Will the Executive Member confirm whether or not the Cabinet commitment to offer
current residents of EPHs run by the Authority a place in successor Council care homes
still stands?
2.
On the issue of bed management, I assume that “the majority of residents opted to
move into the independent sector” because of they were not prepared or in a position to
wait for bed blockages to clear. Can the Executive Member advise me whether any followup review or survey of the care these people are receiving has taken place?
3.
If so, what is the satisfaction level amongst those who rely on private or
independent service providers?
4.
I understand from this report that due to a fall in the property market, the Residential
Futures Project is no longer self-financing. What would be the effect or impact on the
projected £10.1 million shortfall if the number of proposed resources centres were to be
halved?
5.
Can the Executive Member tell me the extent to which Agency staff are used to
cover 'in-house' provision?
6.
Can he confirm whether or not the anticipated increase in cost of temporary/external
agency staff (to be brought about by the Agency Worker Regulations 2010) will mean that
the Council's own residential care workers will become a more cost-effective option?
QUESTION C.8.1
Public Forum Questions for Cllr Gary Hopkins, Cabinet, 10th
June 2010.
[Given your concerns that too much potentially recyclable
material is still being sent to be landfill with the residual
household waste (as acknowledged in Agenda Item 8)
reassurance is sought that those wastes put out for recycling
don't themselves end up in landfill.]
Q1. a) Do the council's contracts with recycling companies (eg
Recresco and Sita) allow materials collected for recycling to be
diverted into landfill?
b) If so, under what circumstances might this occur?
Q2. Is there any reporting requirement or audit trail to show
what actually happens to waste collected for recycling ?
Q3. Are you confident that while you have been responsible for
Bristol's household waste disposal, the 'recycling' stream has
consistently been recycled (ie not landfilled or incinerated) ?
Q4. Are you aware of any export of raw recyclables from
Bristol's household waste stream to countries outside Europe
for processing?
Q5. Do you have any plans to improve performance in this
area, - for instance by writing in penalty clauses in recycling
contracts to ensure that recyclates really are recycled?
STATEMENT D.5.1
Statement from Cllr Helen Holland on behalf of the Labour Group re Residential
Futures
The report you have before you is both incomplete and worrying.
The last time Cabinet discussed Residential Futures, the report was called in partly on the
grounds that information had been deliberately withheld from Scrutiny. The panel agreed
with the callers-in that the (then) Executive Member had abused the system to
prevent Scrutiny from playing their rightful role.
The Forward Plan shows this report as having been twice delayed from coming to you for
decision, firstly in November last year, and secondly in February this year.
Scrutiny has, as I understand it, asked for progress reports on this issue but has not been
allowed them. The announcement was then made that the Cabinet report would be "kicked
into the long grass" and be taken beyond the election period, so once again Scrutiny was
denied the chance to discuss.
On the face of it, your report tonight could make anyone wonder what the delay was about.
To delay by seven months a decision not to make a decision is an example of the worst kind
of LibDem dither that we became so used to under former administrations. Your further
delay, of an indeterminate length, increases uncertainty for many staff and residents, and
residents' families whilst yet more costly studies are undertaken.
What is more, whilst you dither and delay, residents are left in outdated homes, which the
Council has acknowledged do not meet modern day (or inspection) standards, and have not
received any investment on the assumption that they were closing, staff are left uncertain of
their futures, and Scrutiny remains in the dark.
The report is also lacking in crucial detail about the costs of NOT progressing with the plans
to refurbish homes for dementia care. How much, for example, will it cost for Hollybrook, in
my ward, to lie empty whilst you do nothing. It is an indictment on this administration that
plans sold to local people on the back of the promise to refurbish to an improved standard,
and seek to re-train and re-employ staff in good quality local jobs, has been completely
reneged upon.
Finally, the other issue hidden in this report is your decision to overturn the promise made
to residents that they could stay in the Council's care if that was what they wanted to do. By
your own admission in the report this has not been taken up by many residents, but for
those who want to have this reassurance, it is an important element of any change process.
This report is damaging, it delays progress towards modernising homes and commitments
made to the most vulnerable people in the city, obfuscates on detail, and leaves staff and
residents in the dark about what the future holds for them. It should be withdrawn for an
informed discussion with Scrutiny, and with those that your non-decision most affects.
Helen Holland
9th June 2010
South Western Region
8th June 2010
STATEMENT D.5.2
GMB Submission to Bristol City Council Cabinet Meeting –
10th June 2010
The GMB wish to make the following submission relating to the
Residential Futures Agenda Item:
We consider the current twist in the Residential Futures debacle to
be extraordinary!
First the GMB stated back in 2008 the Council could not
‘guarantee’ no compulsory redundancy to care workers affected by
the proposed residential futures initiative. It took the Council until
2010 and a dispute raised by the GMB around the unfairness of
the managing change process for the council to agree at an HR
committee the council was unlawfully giving these workers this
promise. Why did senior officers – the Head of Legal Services and
the Head of HR not inform the council before 2010?
The council is now demonstrating yet again their inability to
undertake a proper review of these services.
Financial
There is no financial information – what is contained are figures
but no breakdown as to how this £10.1m has been arrived at – in
the culture of openness and transparency it is unacceptable these
figures are not in the open forum for all stakeholders to see exactly
how the Council has got it so wrong.
After all the Lib Dem/Tory coalition is now promoting all public
expenditure over £500 should be publicly available for scrutiny so
why is this council not following it’s own government’s instruction?
Consultation
The GMB consider this to be especially true in the week the
coalition government (Tory and Lib Dem) announced a public
consultation as to where cuts to public sector services should take
place – why can’t Bristol actually be open and honest when it
comes to their own decision making process?
A report was ‘in progress’ well before the May election but the
employees who will be affected by this review had to wait until
after the election to be informed the initiative will be put on hold.
Why was this report sent to scrutiny less than one day before the
Cabinet meet on the 10th to decide to go ahead with the
recommendation – if you recall this was done last time and an
apology and assurances given this would not occur again – clearly
the Council use the hollow promises as they did with the ‘no
voluntary redundancy’ promise! Lesson learnt – we don’t think so!
Recommendation Implications
The GMB find it very difficult to comprehend why the Council has
(apparently) suddenly come up with the issues around the national
dementia strategy and transforming social care – these are not
something which has just crept upon the Council but have been in
process for some considerable time.
The changes to employment law affecting agency workers should
not again have come as a surprise and as the largest employer in
the City should not have a significant impact. The GMB were
under the impression (from the senior leadership group) all agency
staff would be stopped as part of the cost cutting process – surely
this council who promotes itself as ‘an employer of choice’ would
not support workers being treated less favourably than their
colleagues they work alongside?
It would appear the promise by the Council to ‘provide a place in a
council home for all residents whose present home is planned to
close ……..’ had not been fully thought through or costed.
Why was the council not informed of this before they made the
promise? The GMB at the time stated this was again a hollow
promise – so why didn’t officers advise the council it would have
severe cost implications – although we have not seen the actual
financial information relating to this so again we will have to accept
what is stated rather than have a proper financial breakdown. The
GMB is not suggesting the information is inaccurate however it
does beg the question why are these figures not backed up by
proper financial information.
Closure of Hollybrook
This clearly was something which did not happen overnight so we
must ask the Council why the closure of Hollybrook was
undertaken with undue haste? Staff were having meetings with
management and were being told they would be given sufficient
notice. Yet suddenly staff were informed they would be moving
within five days – meetings were having to be held with their union
at evenings and weekend. Staff appeals against suitability of their
offer was being held after they had been moved. The GMB
consider this was in breach of the Council’s own managing change
policy.
Hollybrook was one of the better kept residential homes and yet it
now lies empty and is costing the council money to secure it.
Exactly how much is it costing and why was it closed when it was
obvious there would not be sufficient money to proceed with the
programme?
Impact upon Staff and Residents
The human cost in all of this to both the residents (nine Hollybrook
residents died during this period) whilst we are not stating this was
directly attributed to the closure it has to be taken in the wider
context and national research shows many older people cannot
cope with change and each of these closures results in these older
people having to move from their home and the people they
consider as part of their extended family.
The impact on staff is considerable and yet no-one appears to be
concerned about this – why? After all there is a duty of care by the
employer. It was not until the GMB dispute that a risk assessment
was undertaken on Hollybrook staff – this should have been
undertaken at the very outset and updated throughout the whole
process – not something as an ‘add on’!
Everyone states how much they value the staff who work in
residential care if that is the case why are they playing ‘see saw’
with their emotions and livelihoods?
Pre and post Hollybrook closure four staff suffered severe
depression over a significant period of time.
How many more of these workers (majority are part time, women
on low pay) going to have to continue to deliver an extremely good
service to residents whilst coping with the uncertainty of their
future – especially now as there does not appear to be any money
to refurbish these homes.
The promised training for Hollybrook staff did not take place until
very late in the closure stage and resulted in staff having to go for
interviews without being able to seek support and assistance prior
to their interview. In 2008 the council placed a high priority on
training for staff prior to home closure – why was this not fulfilled
and why does the department not appear to have a budget in order
to fulfil the council’s access to training pledge?
Cost – public money spent
The GMB would like a financial breakdown of all money spent
through the start of the residential futures initiative covering the
whole period (2003-2010). We now understand an external
consultant will be commissioned to undertake a review of the
residential futures review!
(That is in addition to the appointment of an external interim
director of Health and Adult Care). The GMB understand the
consultant will only be looking at the flawed information collated
and will then make recommendations in early 2011. Is this value
for public money? At least undertake a proper review and
consider a much wider range of options rather than just the narrow
options previously put forward.
Until a full breakdown of the cost of this review is available in the
public forum we can only assume more money has been spent on
the ‘administration’ of this review rather than on front line service
delivery. The GMB hope their assumption is incorrect but unless
we see the evidence to disprove this assertion, we have little faith
in this whole process.
Quite frankly if there is to be a review then it should be undertaken
independent from the original review in order to relook at the whole
provision rather than what appears to be a ‘make do and mend’
approach. There are better methods of in-house provision without
having to put everything out to the private sector.
Before the council pays another external consultant’s fees we
would remind the cabinet that when they were looking at the
refurbishment of Rockwell one option was to leave it alone and
continue to provide dementia care – why can’t the council continue
to provide the care within the public sector without any further
closures?
Given the tone of the report relating to lack of resources, the only
conclusion coming from this about turn by the Council is mass
residential closure with little to no provision in the public sector and
all moved out to the private sector.
This will leave the council open to market forces from the private
sector and potential residents dependant upon their savings or
family financial support to ‘top up’ the fees required in the private
sector as costs increase.
The GMB urge the cabinet not to make this mistake.
The GMB call upon cabinet to give staff and residents some
confidence their service will remain for the next five years without
change in order for some stability to be re-established. Failure to
do so will result in the continuing fear and uncertainty many staff
and residents are experiencing and have experienced over the last
8-10 years.
Rowena Hayward
Organisation Officer
Liz Bebbington
Branch Secretary
Bristol Office: 4 Hide Market, Waterloo Street, Bristol, BS2 0BH
Telephone: (0117) 9554470
Fax: (0117) 9554409
STATEMENT D.5.3
Agenda Item 5 Residential Futures
Public Forum Statement by Councillor Geoff Gollop to the Cabinet Meeting of Thursday,
10th June 2010
AGENDA ITEM 5 RESIDENTIAL FUTURES
I believe that this report is flawed and that Cabinet should not take a
decision on the basis of the report as presented.
The report highlights the interest costs of pursuing the proposed Residential Futures
Programme as previously adopted by Cabinet but there is no information
explaining what these additional revenue costs will be for both this
year and future years of failing to take the decision.
Executive Members cannot therefore make an informed decision of the
potential financial effects of the decision that is before them.
COUNCILLOR GEOFF GOLLOP
STATEMENT D.5.4
Public Forum Statement by Councillor Chris Windows to the Cabinet Meeting of Thursday,
10th June 2010
ITEM 5 RESIDENTIAL FUTURES
I am not surprised that the Residential Futures Programme is before Cabinet today with a
recommendation to put the whole process on-hold. I sympathise with the position in which
the new Executive Member finds himself, but I am greatly saddened that some my worst
fears for this project appear to have come to pass.
Around twelve months ago, the Health & Adult Community Care Scrutiny Commission, of
which I was a member, was advised of various preferred options regarding Residential
Futures.
At this presentation - given by the then Cabinet Member for Care & Neighbourhoods - we
were told of the decision to reject Bengough House as a dementia home, and instead
proceed with a refurbishment of Rockwell.
I was one of the Opposition Councillors who questioned the wisdom and viability of such a
move - on the basis that we believed Rockwell to be in a very poor state of repair.
Unfortunately, these reservations were arbitrarily dismissed at the time, but it now appears
that our concerns have been shown to be well founded.
In the light of this, perhaps it is not to much to ask that, in future, more weight will be given
to the informed arguments of Scrutiny Members.
COUNCILLOR CHRIS WINDOWS
STATEMENT D.5.5
Statement to cabinet concerning Residential Futures
Ever since reports were withheld from Scrutiny about Residential
Futures last time there has been a great deal of suspicion about
what the Lib Dem administration has in mind for the care of the
city’s old people.
It is understandable that if the policy-makers are not open, honest,
straightforward and let people know in good time what plans are
changing – that there will be a great deal of suspicion.
Once again there has been little interest from the Executive in
charge to enlist any support or ask for any solutions that
councillors of all parties on Scrutiny might offer. Scrutiny can be a
positive process, and I would have thought the Lib Dems would
have had more respect for this part of the democratic process.
My growing fear is that there is no appetite from this Lib Dem
administration to continue with council run homes for older people.
My concern is that this “put everything on hold” and review the
situation plan is the first step towards outsourcing all care of the
elderly to outside agencies.
There are problems with this strategy which other councils have
adopted – where after some years the private sector simply
increase their charges for the care of the elderly because they no
longer have to compete with a public sector provider offering care
at a more economic rate. In short it is a false economy. Councils
privatising all their elderly care ultimately pay more for the care of
those elderly people they are responsible for when they are placed
in private sector care homes.
I would like reassurance that the new Cabinet Member for Health
and Care has no intention of privatising the service.
Cllr Jenny Smith
Southmead ward.
THE FUTURE OF GROVE WOOD
STATEMENT D.9.1
Statement for Cabinet Meeting - 10th June 2010
We are unable to be at this Cabinet Meeting, but wanted to submit this statement to ask
the Cabinet to approve the recommendation as set out in agenda item 9.
Grove Wood is an important site in a prominent location in the Stapleton and Frome Valley
Conservation Area. It borders the listed buildings of the Glenside complex, currently
occupied by the University of the West of England, and the River Frome, and sits opposite
Snuff Mills.
Grove Wood is located in Frome Vale Ward at its boundary with Eastville Ward which we
represent on the Council. For generations residents of Stapleton and Fishponds have used
the wood for walking and recreation. It contains two established footpaths, one which
mostly runs along the River Frome, and a higher path which overlooks it. The importance
of the trees and the wildlife which inhabits the wood is detailed in the officer's report.
It is often said that 'you don't know what you've got 'til its gone', and as the report makes
clear, a change of ownership of the wood, and the felling of many trees on the land led to
concerns that its essential character could be lost. This led to the formation of the Snuff
Mills Action Group who campaigned to get the City Council to put a Tree Preservation
Order (TPO) on the wood, and have done much more valuable work since to help enhance
the area.
Useful though the TPO is, its use is limited in the preservation of Grove Wood for the
future. To achieve this the best solution would appear to be to establish the area as a
nature reserve. There is precedent for this in Eastville Ward, with the establishment of of
the Royate Hill nature reserve (near Greenbank Cemetery) in the 1990s, following a
compulsory purchase order made by the former Avon Couny Council.
This recommendations in the report provide for establishing a nature reserve either with or
without the support of the current landowner. As such we believe they offer a clear way
forward in preserving the unique character of Grove Wood for future generations and we
hope they will have the full support of the Cabinet.
Muriel Cole & Steve Comer
Liberal Democrat Councillors for Eastville Ward
STATEMENT D.9.2
Dear Sir or Madam
Firstly may I say how pleased I am that the council is continuing to
take a keen interest in the Grove Wood site and appears to be doing what
it can to prevent further decline in it's amenity value to local
residents and the wider community.
I am also highly delighted to hear that you are holding this meeting to
discuss the possibility of making it a Local Nature Reserve. As someone
who lives locally I can confirm that I see plenty of people visiting
Grove Wood at all times of the year, some simply out for a leisurely
walk with family / friends, some walking their dogs, some participating
in sports training, mountain biking, fishing and even horse riding
(occasionally), it's amenity value is highly significant to the local area.
In my opinion people love this site because of it's raw natural beauty,
it is a little oasis that takes you to another place, away from the
hustle and bustle of our busy city lives. I personally have seen herons,
kingfishers and many other familiar birds and insects, dragon flies,
foxes, badgers, and through the sterling efforts of the local action
group we also know that there are otters and rare plant species in the
woods. Grove Wood is very much part of Snuff Mills and personally I
doubt that people outside the area probably don't even realise it's not.
I urge you please to designate this beautiful ancient woodland a Local
Nature Reserve for us all to appreciate and enjoy forever.
Many thanks for the opportunity to have my say.
Cherry Froude
STATEMENT D.9.3
Save Grove woods, Snuff Mills, Bristol
For the attention of The Bristol City Council Cabinet.
I am writing to you in the hope that a decision is made to save Grove woods from the
possibility of development and that the woods be kept as it has always been a natural
beauty area.
I am sure you will receive many mails and letters supporting Save Grove woods, Snuff
Mills, Bristol and will be given many good positive reasons to keep the woods as they are
so rather than make a long repetitive list and to keep this mail short I am just writing to
show my support.
There are many people who like myself were born and grew up in the Stapleton area
where we played in Snuff Mills and the surrounding for many years and they were often
used for nature walks by Begbrook School and the local cubs and scout group, 197th 1st
Stapleton.
Even though many of us have maybe moved from the area to other parts of the UK or live
and work much further away as myself, Snuff Mills and Grove woods still have many fond
memories.
On return visits to Bristol I always try and make time to visit the area where the Snuff Mills
Action Group have done fantastic work restoring the gardens and undertaken other
important issues to save the woods, all voluntary, without this group the area will be
lost........and once it's gone...it's gone ! I have taken my children there and showed them
around as I know many others take their children and grandchildren.
Yours sincerely
Hilbron Runde.
STATEMENT D.9.4
I have heard that Cabinet is discussing the future of Grove Wood next Thursday.
I regularly walk my dog through Grove wood and until recent years believed it to be a part
of Vassals park. The current owner seems to have a disregard for this wood - I suspect he
is attempting to make it appear more like waste ground in the hope that in the long term
the council is more favourable to his plans for development. This would explain why he
leaves his container and fencing around, despite requests to remove these.
The woods are a beautiful local resource well used by dog walkers, ramblers, joggers and
nature lovers.
I support the woods being declared a nature reserve, or whatever it takes to protect it in its
current state.
Thanks
John Moore
STATEMENT D.9.5
Grove Wood,Stapleton, Bristol
June 6 2010 8am
" I have just walked from the carpark at Snuff Mills with my two dogs. When I reached the
river I saw a heron walking down the path in front of me. I stopped and was joined by a
family pushing their baby in a pram. We watched the heron and it watched us. We waited
quietly until eventually the heron flew over to the Grove Wood side of the river. We
watched it for some time as it fished. Then the two older children of the family told me
about all the times they had seen kingfishers along this same patch of river. Local children
like these are going to be the custodians of Grove Wood in the future.
Unless it is designated a Local Nature Reserve soon Grove Wood will be lost not only to
the children of today but to those in the future. It is a duty for us all to preserve this
beautiful valley."
Kate Kigwana
STATEMENT D.9.6
Dear Committee members
I am writing to urge you to pass the plan to make Grove Wood in Stapleton a Local Nature
Reserve (LNR).
I am a resident who lives in close proximity to the wood and have seen and experienced
first hand the damage caused by the present owner, not only to the trees and wildlife but to
the whole look of the area. Many trees were felled without permission and have not been
replaced and a lot of unnecessary Heras fencing and a large metal shipping container still
mar the entrance to the footpaths. I understand the failure to obey a court order to remove
this is currently going to court for the second time. Delaying and pushing the limit of the
law is the way this owner operates.
The council made wise decisions to place a tree preservation order (TPO) on the wood
and to remove permitted development rights for the land but I feel these are not enough to
ensure no further damage is done. For example the TPO has already been broken twice.
The owner has no regard for the local residents - in fact he seems to go out of his way to
aggravate us at every opportunity - and his actions over the last 2.5 years have shown
total disregard for the rare and endangered plants and animals that live on his land. It is
obvious to me now that the only way to rescue the wood and it's flora and fauna is to make
it a LNR as soon as possible.
Yours sincerely
Andrew Skuse
STATEMENT D.9.7
I understand that the Cabinet will be discussing this week the possible designation of
Grove Wood, Stapleton, a Local Nature Reserve. Designation would be a truly wonderful
and far-sighted action to secure the future of this special area.
As a local resident I gain huge daily benefit from walking along the Frome between
Frenchay Bridge and Snuff Mills, and the Grove Wood area is particularly rich in natural
beauty and wildlife. I personally regularly enjoy kingfishers, heron, mallard, moorhens,
numerous song birds, tawny owls, bats, buzzard, and cormorant, and see evidence of
otters.
Many of these have their nests/roosts in Grove Wood which is the quiet and relatively
undisturbed side of the river (as most people, like me, walk on the other side of the river).
The trees and vegetation in Grove Wood are also truly beautiful throughout the year.
I do hope most sincerely that the Cabinet will do its best to keep this special area safe for
the benefit of both wildlife and the many hundreds of people who visit and enjoy it.
Sue Lucas
STATEMENT D.9.8
We write to endorse the feelings of the majority of local residents that Grove Wood should
be purchased by the Council and declared a Local Nature Reserve. Many thousands of
Bristolians have enjoyed walking in this tranquil area for many years.
The current owner is clearly hell bent on developing the site despite his protests to the
contrary. His "Cabin" is an absolute eyesore and should be removed immediately.
Development would spell disaster for the well documented fauna and flora and ruin one of
the few remaining natural areas within the city. It makes absolute sense to take this land
into public ownership to prevent its loss as an amenity.
Andrew & Susan Harris
STATEMENT D.9.9
Dear Bristol Cabinet
I would like to express my full support for the proposal that Grove Wood be made a Local
Nature Reserve and therefore sensitively managed for present and future generations of
Bristolians. Unfortunately the present owner has demonstrated on several occasions that
he has little regard for this wood and the plant and animal life it contains.
I am aware that Grove Wood is designated "ancient woodland" and is situated in the
Stapleton Conservation area. It has rare species of plant life and is home to protected
species like bats and badgers. I have enjoyed seeing muntjac deer, owls and kingfishers
there too. Its fifteen acres provide a peaceful and beautiful haven and contrasts with the
landscape of Snuff Mills, the council owned park on the opposite bank. I live locally and
have walked through the wood for many years since I was a child.
I have twice lobbied the Council to purchase the site. It first came to auction in February
2000 when it was sold to Mr Olpin and I again contacted Council officers in November
2007 when it was to be auctioned on 3rd December 2007 (not auctioned in November as
referred to in the report.) I was very disappointed that BCC did not purchase the wood on
either occasion.
I am a local resident and member of Snuff Mills Action Group and can confirm that Grove
Wood has been and is well used by hundreds of local people for their recreation. I was
delighted that a Tree Preservation order was eventually confirmed to protect the whole
wood, after the owner felled trees without permission and lit fires with scant regard to wild
life.
I would like the opportunity to address the cabinet personally and look forward to attending
the meeting on 10th June.
Yours sincerely
(Mrs) Christine Williams
STATEMENT D.9.10
I am writing as a regular visitor to Snuff Mills to ask that you move to
declare the Grove woods a nature reserve and consider CPO the land to
protect it indefinitely from development .
There is huge potential for research and education and this is surely time
to take the long view and resolve the issue around this land
Jonathan Seagrave
STATEMENT D.9.11
Dear Bristol City Council Cabinet
I strongly support the proposal to compulsory purchase and designate
Grove Woods, Bristol as a Local Nature Reserve.
The woodland and river corridor here provide an important refuge for
wildlife within the city and are a great place for the local community
to gain access to quality green space. By designating the site as a LNR
it would ensure the woodland is managed to optimise its ecological value
and protect the site for future generations.
There are many protected species present, including kingfisher, bats and
otters. I myself have seen kingfishers and bats here and have often
walked my dogs with my family through the woods since I was a small
child and I know my father used to also play in the woods and river
through Snuff Mills and Grove Woods as a child.
It is this early connection with nature that has helped create my love
of wildlife since I was a small child and has resulted in me pursueing a
career in nature conservation. This is one of the reasons why I believe
Grove Woods is such an important site as it provides the opportunity for
city children to engage with nature on their doorstep rather than see it
as an abstract thing that they travel to zoos and safari parks to see.
Bristol is known as a very green city and is the proud host of Bioblitz,
the BBC Natural History unit and the Festival of Nature. I think that
to risk allowing anything detrimental to happen to this site would not
reflect well on the city's green eco-friendly credentials and BCC should
use the opportunity to purchase Grove Woods in this the International
Year of Biodiversity and manage it as a flagship wildlife site for the
local community in the east of the city.
Kind regards
Laura Thain
STATEMENT D.9.12
Re: Cabinet Discussion re. Grove Wood, Stapleton, Bristol on 10,6,2010
We are writing to register our support for Grove Wood, Stapleton, Bristol to be designated
as a Local Nature Reserve and to be compulsorily purchased by Bristol City Council so
that the residents of Bristol will not lose this wonderful natural amenity.
This is such a beautiful site of ancient woodland within the boundaries of the City of Bristol
and is home to an abundance of wildlife. It is a peaceful environment where many local
residents like to walk and catch glimpses of the animals and birds they would not normally
see. This is an outstanding area for educating children and adults about nature
conservation and to make them realise how precious green corridors are in a big city.
We walk the valley most days of the week and there is always something of interest to
see, whether it be baby ducklings in Spring, the kingfisher going about its business, the
grey wagtails flitting around or just the difference in how the trees look in each season of
the year.
Grove Wood should be protected and we feel the Council should seize the opportunity to
make this happen. The present owner has tried his best to ruin this natural environment
and has no respect for flora and fauna as a catalogue of well documented actions and
complaints testify. This owner has to be relieved of this land to protect it for the future of
Bristol and its residents.
Sandra and Keith Ingham
STATEMENT D.9.13
I am writing to you at the Council to say that Grove Wood should be
purchased by the council as an important educational resource for local
schools, a green community space, a potential agricultural space identified by the Council's own 'Peak Oil' report (The Green Capital
Momentum Group and Bristol City Council) as vital for a positive future- and
as an historically significant Local Nature Reserve. The reasons for this
are set out below:
Educational resource:
My family has now for 4 generations used this wood as a place to play,
relax, enjoy wildlife and as part of our walk to school (Begbrook) and work
(UWE campuses) from Fishponds. We have often seen wildlife there including
otters, herons, kingfishers and on one lucky occasion, a deer.
I know that Begbrook Primary is a keen supporter of the woods and use Snuff
Mills and Grove Woods as an educational resource for children - which is
increasingly important given how the increased numbers of cars on our roads
have made 'playing out' in one's street a dangerous pastime. All schools and
universities are now looking at how sustainability can be brought into the
curriculum - for example the 'teaching trees' initiative [
http://www.teachingtrees.org.uk/ <http://www.teachingtrees.org.uk/ ] > ]
which is becoming increasingly vital in preparing our children for the
challenges of the future. There are a number of local schools in walking
distance from the woods who could make good use of it.
UWE is also looking at ways to educate students and staff in sustainability
issues as well as encouraging students and staff to volunteer in their local
community ( http://www.uwe.ac.uk/volunteer/ ) - wouldn't it be great if
nearby St Matthias, Glenside and Frenchay campuses could be involved in some
kind of 'green gym' initiative as already happens in parks across Bristol raising awareness about health, community and the environment?
http://www2.btcv.org.uk/display/avon_greengym
A green community space:
My great-Uncle who is now 94 played in those woods as a child. The advantage
of the broad paths and the cafe and car park on the other side of the river
mean that it is still an accessible place for those who may have walking
difficulties but who can still enjoy the paths down by the river.
As well as being an important green 'breathing space' for this part of the
city - our equivalent of the downs - it serves as a useful thoroughfare for
schoolchildren and employees of the University of the West of England. It is
very well used by cyclists for this purpose and local children use the woods
as part of their walk or cycle to school - an enjoyable and car-free route.
The more people who do this the less traffic there is on our already
congested roads. It is quicker in the mornings to walk through Grove Woods
and Snuff Mills between the St Matthias and Frenchay campuses than it is to
use a car - not to mention the health benefits of this! Your own website on
its 'peak oil policy' pages states that:
'With the price of oil on the increase, how we go from A to B needs to
change - and there are plenty of local initiatives going on to inspire you
which will probably make you feel healthier and happier as a result!'.
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/cms-service/stream/asset/?asset_id=32277111
I would propose that raising awareness of the cycling and walking networks
across Snuff Mills, the valley and Grove Woods would be one such initiative,
and welcome the recent developments along the Snuff Mills route.
A vital part of our peak oil plans:
Transition Bristol's aims are, as their website states, 'a timetabled, well
thought out plan for Bristol’s transition from an energy dependent system to
a locally resilient, sustainable, productive and vibrant city'.
http://www.transitionbristol.net/ For this to work, we need to keep and
maintain our city's green spaces, not just for wildlife, leisure, education,
health and well-being but for our basic survival in the coming decades.
Joined up thinking is needed here - this is an area of signficance
historically, educationally and in terms of its wildlife. It is a place well
used by visitors wanting to enjoy some green space in the city. But it's not
just about preserving it. It's about using it as a sustainable resource both
now as a useful walking/cycling thoroughfare and in the future as a
potential agricultural space, as set out in your own Peak Oil Report:
'Appreciating the value of Bristol's open spaces and natural resources the
city council recently adopted both an extensive
<http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Environment-Planning/Parks-and-open-s
paces/wildlife-folder/the-bristol-biodiversity-action-plan.en;jsessionid=4C3
0406FFCB730D36566B646570D0E51.tcwwwaplaws3> Biodiversity Action Plan and an
ambitious
<http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Environment-Planning/Parks-and-open-s
paces/bristol-parks-and-green-space-strategy.en> twenty-year development
plan which aims to give everyone access to a park within easy walking
distance. A related venture,
<http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/navigation/environment-and-planning/pollution
/pollution-control---water/> Bristol Living Rivers, endeavours to engage the
public in an ongoing campaign to maintain and improve the city's waterways.
[http://www.bristolgreencapital.org/green-capital/green-space-biodiversity]
It is clear from this and the points raised above, that to put your policies
and plans into meaningful and sustainable practice, these woods must be
purchased.
Best wishes,
Kate Brooks and Mark Neath
STATEMENT D.9.14
I am writing in support of the motion that Grove Wood should be declared a Local Nature
Reserve and the council should consider compulsory purchasing of the woods to secure
its future for wildlife and public enjoyment.
For a Local Nature Reserve to be declared, Grove Wood will have to fulfill these criteria:
1) It should be more than 2ha in size - it's at least 14ha
2) Capable of being managed with the conservation of nature and/or the maintenance of
special opportunities for study, research or enjoyment of nature as the priority concern - it
is an ancient woodland that could be managed for wildlife and over a hundred people have
written statements to show that they use it for public enjoyment.
To become a LNR the woods should also be either:
a) Of high natural interest in the local context - An ecological report reveals rare plants,
protected bats, otters and kingfishers, OR
b) Of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the local context for formal
education or research or - The Snuff Mills Group are in discussions with the Museum
service about a big education project to compare Grove Wood with Snuff Mills to find out
why they are so different, there is huge potential educational use in Grove Wood, but this
cannot happen while it is in unsympathetic ownership OR
c) Of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the local context for the
informal enjoyment of nature by the public - over 100 people have written evidence
statements about their use of Grove Wood for legal sports and past-times as part of our
application to have it declared a Town Green.
Since Grove Wood meets all of these criteria, and moreover is used by thousands of
people for leisure and sports activities, I would strongly urge the council to declare it a
Local Nature Reserve and to consider compulsory purchasing of the woods to secure its
future for wildlife and public enjoyment. This would be a big step in securing Bristol's
status as a green city and in supporting a healthy lifestyle and appreciation of nature.
STATEMENT D.9.15
As a local resident with a direct view of Grove Wood, I have been appalled
at the wanton desecration of this ancient woodland by the present owner.
I understand that frequent attempts have been made to reason with the
owner to little or no avail.
Therefore I think the only safe option, if this ancient woodland is going
to be preserved and conserved for future generations, is a compulsory
purchase order. This is one of a dwindling number of such woodlands and as such
is a valuable resource, habited as it is by rare and beautiful specimens of
flora and fauna. The kingfishers and otters are well documented but the
woods are home to so much more than these two species. It would be of huge
educational value for field studies from junior schools right up to further
education and reminds me in many ways of Willsbridge Mill in Longwell Green.
Academia aside, locally it is of immense importance just as a beautiful
place in which to walk and take pleasure in.
Mrs Summerhayes.
STATEMENT D.9.16
I believe that Grove Wood should be declared a Local Nature Reserve for the following
reasons. It is approx 14 hectares in size and would be an ideal location for the local
schools at Whitefield and Begbrook to participate in nature studies. The present owner
seems more intent on destroying the habitat than preserving it. He has made access
difficult by erecting fences and still not removed the ugly portakabin which he promised to
do some time ago. The wood contains rare species of plants, there is evidence of otters
and of kingfishers which I have seen. I have used the wood recreationally for personal
walking and also leading walks for the Rambler's Association. It would be wonderful if the
council could compulsilory purchase the wood for further generations to enjoy.
Geoff Perrett
STATEMENT D.9.17
I wanted to support the motion that Grove Wood in Stapleton would make an excellent
Local Nature Reserve alongside the many others in Bristol that are well looked after,
visited and enjoyed for educational and leisure purposes.
Walking for Health Bristol groups regularly visit Local Nature Reserves in Bristol: Troopers
Hill, Badocks Wood, Royate Hill and Manor Wood being particular favourites.
Oldbury Court and Snuffmills are also enjoyed frequently by Walking for Health Groups
and if Grove Wood was more accessible / inviting then this would be a great additional
route for our groups to use as a regular walk.
There are 21 Walking for Health Bristol groups with a total of 150 regular walkers and
many other occasional walkers. If Grove Woods did become a LNR then we would
certainly promote this area as another great location to walk in, experience and learn
about nature.
Many thanks,
Nicola Ferris
STATEMENT D.9.18
Dear Sir/Madam
I would like to offer my support for the application to make Grove Wood/Snuff Mills a Local
Nature Reserve, I have taken both my children (now 27) and now my grandchild to this
area and have enjoyed watching their (and my) excitement in seeing a kingfisher for the
first time and the redheaded woodpecker knocking away on trees plus numerous other
butterflies, animals and birds. This is a key area for the biodiversity of Bristol, and is a key
area to support the migration and sustainability of animal and bird populations.
With regards
Sallianne Donnelly
Local resident 27 years + Fishponds
STATEMENT D.9.19
Dear Sir/Madam
I am writing to express my concern about the future of Grove Wood and to highlight my
support for this area to be designated as a local nature reserve. I currently live and work
in the local community and am aware of the many important benefits which the wood has
for the local and wider community.
As a mental health professional and university lecturer I have become increasingly aware
of the connection between physical and mental health and the environment, as advocated
by MIND's Green Agenda which recognises the positive benefits of nature and occupation
on a persons wellbeing. The growing interest in 'Green Gym' 'Forest Schools' and work
with disadvantaged and at risk youth in nature (see 'circle of life rediscovery' for example)
serve as a strong testament to the value of access to nature in which we can work and
play. As a person who has been involved in facilitating work in nature with young people
and adults (e.g. health professionals completing role transition workshops using an
transpersonal ecopsychology approach), the value of having natural areas which can
support such work is of huge benefit and this should be available within our own city
without the need to travel to a 'wilderness' area. Grove Wood, with agreement from all
parties, could provide such an opportunity and I would be very willing to contribute to any
discussions that look at how this could become a possibility for our community.
During May alone I have been lucky enough to see a Kingfisher (fishing), evidence of
Otters from a nearby holt, common and soprano pipistrelle bats, daubentons bats,
numerous wildflowers and ancient native trees. I believe that we have a duty to protect
these for future generations to enjoy. Seeing the kingfisher and evidence of otters was a
very positive experience. I had seen this once in my own childhood, but as a
consequence of ecological damage attributed to poor industrial practices it had become
sadly all too rare. This indicates the improving health of our rivers and whilst these
species are becoming established we should do all we can to protect their habitats and
secure our native ecosystems for future generations.
I understand that for a Local Nature Reserve to be declared that certain criteria need to be
met for example size and use. I am aware that the application which has been made
meets these requirements and I am deeply concerned that this area could be lost.
I sincerely hope that you will look favourably upon the many letters which you will have no
doubt had in support of the protection of Grove Woods.
Kind regards
Sarah Howes
STATEMENT D.9.20
Re Grove Wood, Stapleton; to be discussed at Council Meeting on Thursday, 10th June
2010.
Snuff Mills and Grove Wood are our two most favorite local walks, they are peaceful
places with the birds singing and the river running through. Grove Wood particularly,
because it is undeveloped, feels like being in the heart of the countryside. In fact, I would
go so far as to say that Grove Wood IS the heart of the whole Frome Valley; certainly if it is
developed and built on it will ruin the character of Snuff Mills as well. Both are enjoyed by
a variety of people, walkers, joggers, children, dog-walkers, cyclists, and so on, all of
whom would benefit from the acquisition of Grove Wood as a Local Nature Reserve. We
hope it will be saved.
John Brian and Marie Palmer.
STATEMENT D.9.21
GROVE WOOD
I understand that you are meeting this week in order to discuss making Grove Wood a
Local Nature Reserve. My husband and I have resided in this area all are lives so fully
support the proposal. We often walked our dog and young son through the wood while he
was growing up and it was an education for a young mind, we often saw the kingfisher
along the river, and indeed once saw it catch a fish, something we have never forgotten.
We feel very strongly that the wood should not have been sold to a developer who has
chopped down trees, put up unsightly barriers and sited a portakabin. I appreciate that
some of these problems have been addressed, but while the area is in private hands there
will always be an issue. It would be a crime to loose any part of this wood as it is so
important to keep as much natural habitat as possible for the wildlife and future
generations to be able to enjoy this area as we have. Indeed we are now retired, and
although we do not have a dog at the moment, we still walk through on our way to
Fishponds.
Please make the right decision and make Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve.
With best wishes
Julian & Pat Holloway
STATEMENT D.9.22
I would like this statement to be put before the Cabinet Committee in advance of its
discussions about Grove Wood this week.
I have lived in the Snuff Mills area for a number of years and feel very priviledged to live in
such unique and beautiful part of Bristol. Grove Wood is a very special place for rare
wildlife and I believe that the only way to protect this ancient woodland is to turn it into a
Local Nature Reserve. I walk my dogs through this woodland every day and I am always
taken aback by how lucky we are to have such a wonderful woodland so close to the city
centre. I regularly see kingfishers, sparrowhawks and hear tawny owls at night calling from
the wood. In spring the woodland is full of beautiful wood anemone, bluebells and wild
garlic as well as amazing mosses and ferns near the river. I understand that this means
the wood is very old indeed.
Many older people tell me of the times they played and built dens in Grove Wood as
children and I often bump in to other people who study the wildlife or get away from all the
noise and pollution around us in the city. I am very shocked that such a unique area is not
already a nature reserve. If it was made one, there can be no doubt local schools and
other groups would use it for educational purposes.
I have witnessed the current landowner's behaviour both towards the woodland itself and
the local community. I have come to the conclusion that he has no interest in this
woodland other than to make money through development or destroying the woods in
some other way. He must be brought in to line because he is currently making a mockery
of the legal system and treating both City Council staff and the local community with
contempt. He must be stopped and a Local Nature Reserve will deal with the problems he
causes once and for all. However, his actions show he cannot be trusted and a
Compulsory Purchase Order is really the only option.
Regards
Andrew Hill
STATEMENT D.9.23
The area around UWE is so beautiful, please do consider making Grove Wood a
local nature reserve.
Melanie Fraser
STATEMENT D.9.24
Dear Cabinet
I would like to support the proposal that Grove Wood be made a local nature reserve.
I understand that Grove Wood is designated 'ancient woodland' and I have lived in the
immediate vicinity for over 20 years. I have walked Grove Wood on many occasions,
seeing many different species of wildlife including owls, bats and kingfishers. I also
understand that otters have returned to this area. I have also been made aware that some
rare woodland plants grow there.
I am a member of the Snuff Mills Action Group which was formed in the hope that it could
encourage the present owner to maintain Grove Wood as a local natural beauty spot for
continued use not only by local residents but Bristolians in general. It soon became
apparent that the present owner has little respect for the area or the local residents. The
owner has continued to try to fell trees despite a tree preservation order being in place and
has failed to obey a court order to remove an unsightly container from the site.
In view of the present owner's reluctance to observe the heritage of the area and accept
court instructions I urge Bristol City Council to compulsory purchase the area of Grove
Wood and protect and maintain the area for the future use of generations to come.
Yours sincerely
Hilary Jones
STATEMENT D.9.25
As a local couple who have used Grove Wood, Snuff Mills and Vassals park for many,
many years, we urge you to save Grove Wood from any form of development and
designate it as a Local Nature Reserve.
A place where we have seen kingfishers, herons, bats and owls - to think of this falling into
the hands of someone whose motives might just be financial, either now or in the future
would be regretable in the extreme. It's a bit like the schools playing fields - once they are
gone....they are gone and there is no going back!
We believe the area satisfies all or most of the criteria required to become a Local Nature
Reserve....so come on Bristol City Council, do the right thing!
Sandra and Ken Morgan
STATEMENT D.9.26
I am writing in support of the proposal that Grove Wood should be declared a Local Nature
Reserve and the Council should undertake compulsory purchasing of the woods to secure
its future for wildlife and public enjoyment.
I have a 7yr old and a 3 yr old child. Last year the most enjoyable day of the summer
holidays was, not at a large electronic entertainment venue or artificial play centre, but a
day out at a small nature reserve in Knowle with a couple of friends. The children had a
fantastic time making up games in the field, observing the animals in and around the pond
and picking blackberries. The best part of the day came when it rained - we all hid under
the trees, and on finding an old log the kids had a great time building a make-shift
bivouwack - the girls put leaves on the floor for a carpet and, predictably, the boys got told
off for not wiping their feet! The kids then sat in their den and enjoyed eating the products
of their foraging.
Grove Wood would provide a similar environment for children (and their parents) to play in,
explore and learn about nature in their own way - much along the lines of the ethos of
forest schools. My children always enjoy seeing the different wildlife - including bats, and
listening to the different sounds of animals e.g. the variety of birds singing. We also enjoy
trying to spot different plants. Such experiences are invaluable for children. Grove Wood is
especially important due to its geographical position - providing such opportunites for inner
city children coming from locally deprived areas such as Fishponds and Eastville.
Indeed only this week in The Guardian newspaper (05/05/10) Richard Louv talks about his
book 'Last Child in the Woods' in which he explores what happens, to individuals and
society, when kids stop going out into the natural world to play - "nature deficit disorder".
Louv states "kids can grow up fine without nature, but with it there are marked
improvements in attention hyperactivity disorder, learning ability, creativity and mental,
psychological and spiritual health.
When you consider that in some US schools, up to 30% of boys are now on Ritalin. I've
lost count of the number of teachers and youth leaders who have told me how different
kids become when you get them out into nature. Troublemakers become leaders. Nature
is their Ritalin"
It is with these comments in mind that I feel, and I know that I speak representatively for
other parents at Begbrook School, that we have a responsibility to ensure that all children
are able to access and enjoy nature. Grove Wood would provide such an opportunity for
many children in East Bristol.
I would also suggest that, in order to enable families to truely freely enjoy such a nature
reserve, the Council should not allow dogs into the reserve. As someone who always had
a dog when I was a child I find myself saddened by the fact I am now wary of dogs when
out with my children. Unfortunately this is due to the fact there is a small but significant
number of dog owners in Bristol who do not control their dogs. Indeed they think it
reasonable for dogs to run up and jump up at small children, licking their faces - which can
be very frightening for children even if they are familiar with dogs.
Such experiences have put me off taking my children to parks. Most recently a large
Alsation, in Page Park Staple Hill, ran up to my 3 yr old and her 2 yr old friend, started
jumping on them and then started biting their coats - it was extremely frightening.
Meanwhile the dog owner stood by and did nothing. It is not just people that suffer as a
result of this sort of mismanagement - my neighbour's Great Dane was mauled by a
Staffordshire bull terrier in Snuff Mills and needed 30 stitches.
It is well documented in the 'Bristol Weight Strategy' and the 'Bristol Physical Strategy' that
young families avoid going to parks because of poorly managed dogs and I really hope
that the Council will consider this aspect. Moreover, a considerable number of dog
owners still do not remove their dogs' faeces in public areas - which
poses a health risk for all.
I sincerely hope that the Council will agree that giving Grove Wood 'local nature reserve'
designation would provide an invaluable contribution to the local community ensuring that
the wood is managed for wildlife, public enjoyment and educational use - not just for now
but for generations to come.
Yours sincerely
Helene Gibson
STATEMENT D.9.27
Dear Council Members. During the past 57 years I have lived, worked and
become a property owner within the Frome Valley area and have enjoyed this
beautiful, natural river valley that lines the banks of the River Frome. My
earliest memories of this childhood wonderland started around my 7th
birthday, when I moved to Fishponds from a newly built Council Estate and
with most of the other boys in the area, spent every school holiday and
weekend playing in the woods, while watching and learning about the seasons,
wildlife, bird spotting, trees, plants and river life, all of which I still
have a passionate interest in to this day and which certainly was not
engendered by modern technology but purely by the presence, influence and
majesty of this superb natural phenomenon, comprising a home for Deer,
Badgers, Foxes, Otters, Kingfishers, Owls and Sparrowhawks along with a
myriad of other birds and animals.
Later in life I was privileged to see the personal scrapbook of Mr Ben
Smith, a Park Warden employed by Bristol City Council, who wrested a place
of calm, natural beauty from the area surrounding Parkers or Whitwood Mill,
also known' Snuffy Jacks' at Snuff Mills, directly opposite Grove Wood,
which clearly indicates the passion and on- going commitment of local
inhabitants, (Ben lived in Hannah Mores Cottage on Manor Road) toward
helping and sustaining the jewel of nature that we still see today in the
Snuff Mills Action Group.
Equally, we should not forget that Grove Wood is also an area directly
linked to the site of another Mill, demolished when the Broomhill /
Blackberry Hill bridge was widened, which along with Parkers Mill, makes a
significant of contribution to the archaeological and Industrial heritage of
the Frome Valley in this particular area and which deserves to be conserved
as such.
The area of Grove Wood clearly meets the criteria set to be awarded
designated status as a conservation area for future generations of all ages,
to enable them to enjoy communing with nature, while stimulating all the
senses in a way that only nature can and for that we owe a huge debt of
gratitude to a gift that has been in place for many lifetimes and should
surely be conserved for many more lifetimes to come.
Bob Clark
STATEMENT D.9.28
Statement to Cabinet Meeting, Bristol City Council - 10th June 2010 - Grove Wood
Local Nature Reserve Proposal -Stapleton & Frome Valley Conservation Area
Dear Cabinet Members,
Please support the recommendation to declare Grove Wood a Local Nature
Reserve, with or without the support of the current landowner. The petition of 1,110
signatories who called for a Compulsory Purchase Order indicates the level of
support from people within and beyond this county though a great many more have
a personal stake in this area.
Grove Wood comprises over fourteen hectares of ancient woodland that provides a
beautiful environment to observe and enjoy nature and wildlife. Whilst it is well
known for its kingfishers, bats and otters this particular stretch of riverside
woodland is one of the best examples of the many natural gorges that define the
character of this county. As a site of nature conservation importance it can no
longer be left to further risk and requires a professional management. The area
must be preserved for future generations or we could see the loss of important
species such as the Wood Anemone, a true wildflower that grows in abundance
here.
If Local Nature Reserve status is granted, please ensure the woodland is not
ruined through being absorbed into the wider estate and that the wild environment
is properly maintained in order to sustain the present wildlife species. In making
your decision, please remember the numerous occasions the current landowner
has endangered wildlife and caused distress to the local community.
Yours sincerely, Martyn Whitelock
Citizen of Bristol for thirteen years and local campaigner
Wood Anemone - anemone nemerosa
STATEMENT D.9.29
I think the Council should buy Grove Wood and declare it a local nature
reserve.
It meets the criteria of size and is capable of being managed with the
conservation of nature.
As I'm sure you are aware Grove Wood is an ancient woodland that could be
managed for wildlife and many people use it for public enjoyment.
Grove Wood is also of high natural interest as it contains rare plants,
protected bats and kingfishers.
The current owner is not sufficiently sympathetic to the potential of the
site. A LNR designation would help protect it's value to the community and
to Bristol in general allowing it's educational potential be maximised.
Kevin Mulvenna
STATEMENT D.9.30
I am writing to urge you to very seriously consider a compulsory purchase of the woodland
at Snuff Mill in order to establish a nature reserve on the site. This area is a delightful
haven in an increasingly busy and bustling city and once it has been destroyed, the wildlife
will never return or be seen again by many of the children who live locally and who do not
have access to any other such areas. It is important to provide education on the natural
environment, within a city location where children may otherwise not be able to access this
experience. I therefore ask you to consider this opportunity for you to preserve this
important woodland.
Thank you for considering this email
Best wishes
Sandy Thomas
STATEMENT D.9.31
I would like to add my support to the suggestion that Grove Wood is recognised as a local
nature reserve.
As an academic specialising in the built environment and member of the Somerset Bat
Group, I have done some study of these woods and found that the area is a major
contibutor to maintenance of significant bat populations. A very substantial colony of
Daubenton's bats roosts in the area and use both the water and the tree lines as foraging
zones. Additionally I have observed several other species in smaller numbers foraging,
and probably roosting, in the trees and nearby buildings.
I have recently been disturbed to see the rows of 'Heras' fencing currently occupying part
of this area, because I believe these may have a detrimental effect on the choice of flight
paths used by bats in this area. I am hopeful that proper designation would help remove
such obstacles and promote opportunities for some of our most vunerable endangered,
and legally protected, species. In the dozen or so years I have lived in Bristol I have
witnessed a decline in the numbers of bats in the city. Grove Wood, and the Frome Valley
generally, I think represents something of special ecological value, for bats in particular,
that requires protection.
As a resident of Lockleaze, Grove Wood is clearly a great place to live near and be able to
visit. It deserves better that it has had from the recent shennanigans of the current owner.
sincerely
Martin Longhurst
STATEMENT D.9.32
Dear Sir / Madam
I would like Grove Wood to be declared a Local Nature Reserve and would be
in favour of the council considering compulsory purchasing the woods to
secure its future for wildlife and public enjoyment. I spend a lot of my time
in Snuff Mills and the surrounding areas walking and enjoying the
countryside. I would absolutely hate for this area to be built on as it is
beautiful and adds a lot to my quality of life.
Many Thanks
Rosey Mushens
STATEMENT D.9.33
Dear Bristol Cabinet
I will be unable to attend the meeting on Thursday, but please find my thoughts on the
matter below.
Grove Wood is an area I first was introduced to around 1981, when a friend showed me
the walk along the top footpath, overlooking the weir by Halfpenny Bridge. I was struck at
the time, and continue to be delighted and grateful, that such a beautiful place is located
so close to the city.
Not only does the wood afford impressive views across the Frome, particularly at the
highest level, it also contains wildlife in abundance, with all that this entails.
I regularly walk my dog through the wood, and have done so for many years, and have
been fortunate enough to observe a stunning variety of flora and fauna, with seasonal
changes that are a constant pleasure to see.
Despite its close proximity to Snuff Mills, the wood, due in large part to laissez faire
management by previous owners (excluding the present owner), has an entirely different
ambience. Grove Wood is not prettified or made accessible to buggies. It does not have
toilets, cafes, gardens or any of the other things that would render it indistinguishable from
other parks. It is really quite wild. This makes it unique in the city and attractive to a
variety of birds, animals and plants which are far less frequently seen in the nearby often
busy parkland.
I have myself seen deer, buzzard, kingfisher, various species of bat and tawny owls there.
This is with very little expertise in watching wildlife, and without really trying.
This difference which separates Grove Wood in character from nearby parkland, makes it
ideal for a Local Nature Reserve, which can be used to maintain and enhance its
character and value for wildlife and people, for recreation and educational purposes.
There is now a considerable amount of evidence supporting the delicate nature and value
of the wood from an ecological and recreational perspective, which will have been
submitted elsewhere. I know many people have submitted evidence to support
applications for footpath adoption and Town Green status, demonstrating the high value
accorded the wood locally.
The continued quality of Grove Wood as a valuable asset to the city is entirely dependent
on its protection from thoughtless and insensitive management, such as has been seen in
the last two years or so. Indiscriminate use of chainsaws, the erection of ugly and
pointless fencing, and the introduction of a similarly ugly and pointless shipping container,
have amply demonstrated how easy it is to degrade such an environment in a very short
space of time.
I trust the councillors responsible will arrive at the right decision with regard to declaring
Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve, since only then can we begin to have confidence it
will not be lost forever.
Sue Drake
STATEMENT D.9.34
Dear Cabinet
I would like you to discuss and consider the possibility of making Grove
Wood a local nature reserve.
Whilst it has been in private ownership irrevocable damage has been done
to an ancient woodland and a unique haven for wildlife.
We live in one of the cottages facing the woodland on River View
and regularly enjoy hearing the owls there at night as well as seeing foxes,
kingfishers and various beautiful flowers and plants on our many walks. It
surely must one of the most most well loved and used areas of outstanding
natural beauty in the city, and deemed unrivalled in its diverse collection
of flora and fauna by a BBC Wildlife expert. Local people in this area have
stories about the woods going back generations which proves how well used
and loved they are. They could also provide an untapped resource for
education about this kind of woodland, and become protected in the same way
that the Snuff Mills area is across the river.
Being designated as a Local Nature Reserve would give Grove Wood the much
needed identity that it deserves. Please consider this during your
discussions as it's future currently stands in danger.
Yours sincerely
Olivia Kennard
STATEMENT D.9.35
Dear BCC Cabinet members,
I am writing regarding Grove Wood, near Snuff Mills. The area is
beautiful and a lovely break from the hustle and bustle of city life
where you can spot many rare plants, birds and bats as well as walk,
picnic and ride.
As a child I often played in the area and learnt a lot about the
environment and nature and from these positive experiences my brother
was inspired to become a gardener and takes a great deal of interest in
local ecology.
I am a leader of a local brownie group; we often use Snuff Mills as a
place to look at plants, water and animals for our badges. As a leader
of a group in a deprived area the availability of this free local
resource is invaluable to us. The possibility of extending this as an
educational facility through the declaration of a Local Nature Reserve
would be excellent for many groups and families throughout the area and
we would always support and fully utilise the area.
Also personally I often enjoy walking at Snuff Mills and we believe that
declaring Grove Wood as a Local Nature Reserve would improve the
conservation of the area, as local wildlife could be better monitored
and protected.
The Snuff Mills Action group are excellent and are very contentious,
passionate and dedicated to the preservation of this area, rewarding
their efforts by declaring Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve would be
inspiring to the local communities.
I urge you to give this issue careful consideration and appreciate the
added value to the local environment and local people.
Many Thanks,
Abigail Emery
STATEMENT D.9.36
Dear Sirs,
I support the application for Bristol City Council to buy Grove Wood and declare it a Local
Nature Reserve.
As a resident in Frome Vale ward, I use the park regularly for pleasure and when walking
my children to school at Begbrook and onwards to my work at the University of the West of
England. We frequently stop at Snuff Mills to enjoy the tranquility of the river and when
possible return through Grove Woods on the opposite bank. The wildlife in Grove Wood is
a particular attraction. Just last week, we were treated to a high speed fly past from one
of the kingfishers, calling as it skimmed along the river to the bridge before returning with
food for its young. I have also seen woodpeckers, jays and a variety of smaller birds in the
area. My children enjoy trying to identify the trees in the wood, not least the oaks. My
oldest child took part in the Acorns to Oaks project when she started school at Oldbury
Court, which is further along the Frome and has oak leaves as its school emblem . This
engaged the children with the Frome Valley and has left her with a lasting enthusiasm for
the natural environment.
As a lecturer at UWE, I teach students studying Civil Engineering and River & Coastal
Engineering. Their studies include aspects of Hydrology, Geology and Ecology. We
already use case studies from the Frome Valley to support these subjects but the chance
to study these subjects in the context of a green corridor with access to both banks of the
river would be particularly beneficial. This is particulalry so as Grove Wood is within
walking distance of the Campus, via the Dower House estate, and at risk from River
Flooding.
Please create a Local Nature Reserve at Grove Wood as it will enhance Educational
Opportunity and guarantee a valuable green corridor in the Frome floodplain.
Yours faithfully
Fiona Gleed
STATEMENT D.9.37
We live near Grove Wood in Stapleton and would like to support the recommendation that
Grove Wood should become a Local Nature Reserve to be discussed by Bristol City
Council, this Thursday, 10th June (Item 9 on the Agenda).
We have lived in River View for twenty years (opposite side of the river to Grove Wood)
and have always valued the richness of wildlife in the woods. However, through the work
of the Snuff Mills Action Group (of which we are members), we have discovered how
increasingly diverse the fauna of plants & animals there are in this small wood. All this the
more remarkable in view of how close it lies to the city centre of Bristol - itself England's
sixth most populated city, and ninth most populated urban area.
We have witnessed the woods' recent changes in private owners and can testify at how
threatened its future lies with its present owner. We witnessed him cutting trees down,
throwing up the ugly embankment along the riverside and attempting to restrict public
access through it. We have no confidence in this owner's continued control of the woods
and despite recent success establishing a TPO over it, feel that only by making Grove
Wood an Urban Nature Reserve do we think it can hopefully be safeguard in the future.
We are aware of the similar local precedence for this by the creation of the Royate Hill
Nature Reserve (near Greenbank Cemetery) in the 1990s, following a compulsory
purchase order made by the former Avon Couny Council.
Richard Pring & Hilary Stewart
STATEMENT D.9.38
From: Steve Micklewright, Chair, Snuff Mills Action
Group
To: Cabinet, Bristol City Council
Re: Grove Wood Local Nature Reserve Proposal
Date: 8th June 2010
Summary
Snuff Mills Action Group wholeheartedly supports the recommendation before
Cabinet to seek to declare Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve and to
proceed with a Compulsory Purchase Order should an agreement with the
landowner on reasonable terms be impossible.
I would like to confirm that I would like to speak to the Cabinet when this
matter is raised on behalf of the Action Group.
Background
Snuff Mills Action Group is the local park users‟ group for Snuff Mills, Oldbury
Court and Wickham Glen. We were set up in 2008 to protect and enhance
the value of the area for wildlife and public enjoyment. We have over 250
active supporters and can count on the support of many more, demonstrated
by the 3,000 votes cast to support our bid for a People‟s Millions lottery award
to improve Snuff Mills in November 2009.
Grove Wood is over at least 6 hectares of ancient semi-natural woodland
designated as a site of nature conservation importance, located in a
conservation area. It is also designated as open space, although privately
owned.
Graham Sims‟ report accurately reflects the activities of both the current
landowner since he bought the woods in late 2007 and the response of the
local community and City Council. Key issues for Snuff Mills Action Group
are:
 Initial reluctance by the Council to take action over illegal felling of trees
in Grove Wood in January 2008
 Installation of a large container and Heras fencing by the landowner
using permitted development rights in May 2008
 Initial granting of permission to fell trees next to Blackberry Hill in July
2008 by Bristol City Council
 Decision by the Council to place a Woodland Tree Preservation over
Grove Wood in October 2008, confirmed in April 2009, reversing the
decision to allow the felling of trees along Blackberry Hill
 A 1,100 signature petition submitted to Bristol City Council by Snuff
Mills Action Group calling for Grove Wood to be declared a nature
reserve and brought in to public ownership
 Recent use by Bristol City Council of regulatory powers to prevent
further abuse of permitted development rights by the landowner
 Constant attempts by the landowner to restrict access to Grove Wood
from summer 2008, using fencing or alleged intimidation
 Breakages of the Tree Preservation Order by the landowner in recent
months in places known to be used by otters and kingfishers, both
legally protected species
 Failure by the landowner to respond to attempts to regulate his
activities or enter in to useful dialogue with Bristol City Council, the
Forestry Commission and local community
Designating Local Nature Reserves
Graham Sims‟ report accurately summarises the requirements and processes
required to designate land a Local Nature Reserve.
In essence, it has to be demonstrated that the woodland is large enough to
justify the designation, is of significant wildlife interest and is used, or has
potential to be used, for research, study, education or public enjoyment.
Value to Wildlife
Snuff Mills Action Group has commissioned ecological surveys of Grove
Wood on a pro bono basis by two respected ecological consultants. The
surveys are not complete because they were conducted from public footpaths
only, but they indicate the very high value of Grove Wood to wildlife.
Gill Castle, for Eco Tech ecological consultancy, surveyed Grove Wood in
June 2009 (see Appendix 1). She found 32 species characteristic of ancient
woodland, a number which she concluded was high for a woodland of its size.
She also found a nationally scarce species of plant. In her analysis of the
woodland‟s value to wildlife, she concluded that:
“In summary I consider Grove Woods to be of high nature conservation value
with the following key features:
 The majority of the site supports ancient semi-natural woodland. The
presence of at least 32 ancient woodland vascular plant species and some
fine large mature coppice stools supports its inclusion on the provisional
Ancient Woodland Inventory and I understand there is also good
documentary evidence of the history of the woodland;
 The number of ancient woodland vascular plant species is considered
notable for a wood of less than 7ha;
 The species composition is characteristic of the two NVC woodland
communities present and appears largely unaffected by planting or
introduction of non-site-native species;
 The site supports a large population of the Nationally Scarce narrowleaved bitter-cress.”
Ms Castle conducted her survey out of season, and Rupert Higgins of Bristol
based Wessex Ecological Consultancy was commissioned to undertake a
further survey in spring 2010. In his report (Appendix 2) He notes, “...The
presence of two Nationally Scarce Species, narrow-leaved bittercress and
lanceolate spleenwort. The latter is present here at one of its most easterly
sites in Britain, and has been known in the area since 1835, indicating the
long history of botanical interest in the area. Few sites in Bristol away from
the Avon Gorge and Severn Estuary support Nationally Scarce species.”
He concludes that, “Grove Wood is a good example of a BAP [Biodiversity
Action Plan] priority habitat type and is one of the best examples of ancient
woodland within Bristol.”
Snuff Mills Action Group has members who are either professional ecologists
or keen naturalists. We have observed protected species including otters
using Grove Wood and kingfishers nesting in the riverbank as well as the
wood being at the heart of a tawny owl territory. Visits with bat specialists
have revealed populations of protected pipistrelle, noctule and Daubenton‟s
bats in the area. An ecological survey conducted for the landowner also
noted the presence of bat roosts in fallen trees, while a large badger sett is
located within the woodland.
While a complete ecological survey of Grove Wood has yet to take place,
Snuff Mills Action Group argues that there is sufficient evidence to conclude
that Grove Wood is of very high value to wildlife, more than justifying its
designation as a Local Nature Reserve on this criterion alone.
Recreational value
Snuff Mills Action Group has submitted an application to designate Grove
Wood a Town or Village Green. We have submitted the evidence of 75
existing or former residents of either Frome Vale or Eastville Wards indicating
their use of Grove Wood for legal sports and past times dating back at least
80 years. Many users of the wood report their use of the land for bird
watching, natural history observation, rambling and walking as well as
collecting wild food.
Many users report their love of the natural beauty of the woods and the huge
pleasure and inspiration it gives them as one of the main reasons for their
visit. Many of the submissions before Cabinet today reflect this appreciation
of the woods. For example, local resident Cherry wrote, “In my opinion
people love this site because of its raw natural beauty, it is a little oasis that
takes you to another place, away from the hustle and bustle of our busy city
lives. I personally have seen herons, kingfishers and many other familiar birds
and insects, dragon flies, foxes, badgers, and through the sterling efforts of
the local action group we also know that there are otters and rare plant
species in the woods.” Local residents Sandra and Keith wrote, “This is such
a beautiful site of ancient woodland within the boundaries of the City of Bristol
and is home to an abundance of wildlife. It is a peaceful environment where
many local residents like to walk and catch glimpses of the animals and birds
they would not normally see.” Andrew from Stapleton has written, “I am
always taken aback by how lucky we are to have such a wonderful woodland
so close to the city centre. I regularly see kingfishers, sparrowhawks and hear
tawny owls at night calling from the wood. In spring the woodland is full of
beautiful wood anemone, bluebells and wild garlic as well as amazing
mosses and ferns near the river.”
Such statements reflect the evidence we have gathered for the Town and
Village Green application – people visit Grove Wood to get closer to nature
and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.
The statements before Cabinet today reflect the huge importance of Grove
Wood for informal recreation and the appreciation of nature – one of the key
criteria for the designation of Grove Wood as a Local Nature Reserve.
Educational and research value
Grove Wood has huge educational potential. Historically, we know that local
schools and groups, including Colston School have used Grove Wood for
education. In the last two years Snuff Mills Action Group has organised
rambles, dawn chorus walks and owl prowls in Grove Wood to educate the
wider public about its value to nature, our last event of this type attracted 52
people.
A local photographer and naturalist has studied the kingfishers that nest in
Grove Wood and his observations are the basis of a prestigious book about
kingfishers which will be published within the next year.
Snuff Mills Action Group is in discussion with the Bristol City Council Museum
Service to develop a project that will involve children from the Bristol Met
School and surrounding primary schools in a project where they will
investigate the fascinating differences between Grove Wood, Snuff Mills and
Oldbury Court. We hope that the children will find out for themselves why a
wild place like Grove Wood has a very different character to the more
managed landscapes of Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills, putting together for
themselves the relationship between quarrying, parkland estate management
and more traditional woodland management. It will be possible to undertake
this project, no matter who owns Grove Wood.
This evidence demonstrates clearly that there is some existing educational
and research use of Grove Wood already and that its potential for this
purpose is being actively developed – another key criteria for the designation
of a Local Nature Reserve.
Management issues
We hope that we have demonstrated that Grove Wood amply fulfils the
criteria to be designated as a Local Nature Reserve. We also believe that its
designation will help to solve the serious management issues affecting the
site. In recent years trees have been felled without permission, inappropriate
permitted development has taken place and the landowner has,
unsuccessfully, sought to restrict peaceful enjoyment and study of the site.
Even Bristol City Council have made decisions which do not follow best
practice for the management of an ancient woodland. For example, the
Council marked up a large number of „dead, dying or dangerous trees‟ in
2008 and gave permission for these to removed. In ecological terms, dead
standing trees are vital as nesting sites for tawny owls and other woodland
birds and as roosting and breeding sites for bats. Dead and dying wood also
provides habitat for the insects and other creatures that create the food
chains that make ancient woodlands such valuable places for wildlife – food
for woodpeckers and much more besides.
If Grove Wood was to be designated a Local Nature Reserve a management
plan would be produced that took full account of the value of the woodland for
wildlife and adopted a holistic ecological approach to its management, while
ensuring public safety was not compromised. This would be a dramatically
different situation to the one we face today where the current landowner
appears to constantly seek ways to destroy the ecological integrity of the
woodland.
Community Support
Another key issue to consider when designating a Local Nature Reserve is
the level of community support for such a proposal. Snuff Mills Action Group
presented a petition to the full Council requesting just such an outcome in
2008. The petition received the support of 1,100 people.
Additionally, Snuff Mills Action Group has already achieved major
improvements to Snuff Mills on the other side of the river through its
campaigning and practical actions. Should Grove Wood be declared a Local
Nature Reserve, the Group would seek to be actively involved in managing
this area too.
In this respect it should be noted that the Group has achieved considerable
success in securing funds for Snuff Mills. We have raised close to £3,000
from the local community, including local businesses. We also secured
nearly £50,000 of lottery money to restore Snuff Mills through the People‟s
Millions vote on ITV West. If Grove Wood became a Local Nature Reserve,
we would take a similar approach there. In these times of fiscal restraint, we
would like to reassure the Council that, if needed, we would do our utmost to
find the money needed to achieve the designation of Grove Wood as a Local
Nature Reserve and its on-going management for wildlife and people.
Indeed, many supporters of our Group have already offered considerable
amounts of money to help make that happen.
Steve Micklewright
Chair
Snuff Mills Action Group
June 8th 2010
STATEMENT NO: D.9.38A
ECO TECH
ECOLOGICAL CONSULTANCY
SPECIALISTS IN: HABITAT AND SPECIES SURVEY ECOLOGICAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT PLANNING AND ADVICE
Mr Richard Ennion
Natural Environment Manager
Neighbourhoods
Bristol Parks
33 Colston Avenue
Bristol BS1 4UA
29 June 2009
Dear Richard
Further to our recent correspondence regarding an ecological survey of Grove Wood, I
understand that there was some concern that my survey might not be impartial due to the
fact that I was at university with Steve Micklewright of the Snuff Mills Community Group. As
a professional ecological consultant, my surveys are always objective regardless of the
client or the purpose of the survey. Moreover, my main area of expertise is woodland
ecology, particularly survey and assessment of ancient woodland, so I feel this was a
missed opportunity.
Even though I was unable to undertake the survey, I visited the woodland briefly on June
10th using public rights of way and I thought that it might be useful to send you a list of
vascular plant species I observed from the footpath and some comments regarding the
nature conservation value of the woodland.
I noted 81 species of vascular plant (list attached), of which 32 are characteristic of ancient
woodlands (according to the list for south-west England published by Francis Rose in British
Wildlife, Volume 10 No 4, 1999). This number of ancient woodland species is particularly
notable given the size of Grove Woods which I understand to be under 7ha.
The most notable species I recorded is narrow-leaved bitter-cress which is a Nationally
Scarce species (recorded nationally in only 16-100 10km squares) with a Red Data List
status of ‘Near Threatened’. The local recorder for the Botanical Society of the British Isles
(BSBI) informs me that this species was already known to occur in the Frome Valley but its
presence at Grove Wood is a new record. The size of the population (abundant along the
path, especially near the site’s entrance) is of particular note.
The woodland is semi-natural (dominated by site-native trees and shrubs) and the low
numbers of introduced species and obviously planted trees and shrubs is one of its most
striking features, particularly given the urban setting.
/cont.
CONSULTANTS: GILL CASTLE BSc MSc
ROBERT MILETO BSc MSc
"STARLINGS" 61 COPTHORNE ROAD SHREWSBURY SHROPSHIRE SY3 8NW TEL. & FAX (01743) 236096
[email protected]
-2The vegetation comprises typical examples of two National Vegetation Classification (NVC)
woodland communities (and four sub-communities):
 W8 Ash – field maple – dog’s mercury woodland
o W8d ivy sub-community
o W8e herb-Robert sub-community
o W8f ramsons sub-community
 W10 Pedunculate oak – bracken – bramble woodland
o W10a typical sub-community or W10e sycamore – wood sorrel sub-community (I
could not distinguish the sub-community at a distance).
The W8 community is dominated by ash and wych elm with some oak and beech. The tall
shrub layer comprises wych elm and young sycamore with locally frequent hawthorn and
occasional hazel, field maple and holly. Carpets of ivy generally dominate the ground with
locally abundant dog’s mercury, soft shield-fern, hart’s tongue, bluebell, wood anemone and
ramsons. Many other species are occasional to locally frequent including enchanter’s
nightshade, cleavers, common nettle, bramble, wood melick, wood false-brome, yellow
archangel, wood speedwell, wood millet and thin-spiked wood-sedge. The W10 community
occupies the more acidic outcrops at the eastern end of the wood where oak and smallleaved lime are more frequent along with abundant holly. The field layer is mainly
dominated by great wood-rush.
Although the majority of the trees are semi-mature to mature, there are some fine examples
of large mature coppice stools.
In summary I consider Grove Woods to be of high nature conservation value with the
following key features:
 The majority of the site supports ancient semi-natural woodland. The presence of at
least 32 ancient woodland vascular plant species and some fine large mature coppice
stools supports its inclusion on the provisional Ancient Woodland Inventory and I
understand there is also good documentary evidence of the history of the woodland;
 The number of ancient woodland vascular plant species is considered notable for a
wood of less than 7ha;
 The species composition is characteristic of the two NVC woodland communities present
and appears largely unaffected by planting or introduction of non-site-native species;
 The site supports a large population of the Nationally Scarce narrow-leaved bitter-cress.
I also understand there are specially protected species present including bat species, otter
and kingfisher (although I did not observe these on my brief visit).
Please bear in mind these observations are based on only an hour or so spent in the
woodland and are not a substitute for a full ecological assessment which should be a
requirement prior to any works at the site (including woodland management) given its
ancient semi-natural woodland status, its designation as a Council Wildlife Site and the likely
presence of a number of notable and specially protected species.
I hope that these notes are of some value to you.
Regards,
Gill Castle
CONSULTANTS: GILL CASTLE BSc MSc
ROBERT MILETO BSc MSc
"STARLINGS" 61 COPTHORNE ROAD SHREWSBURY SHROPSHIRE SY3 8NW TEL. & FAX (01743) 236096
[email protected]
STATEMENT NO: D.9.38B
GROVE WOOD
ECOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
This assessment is based largely on the results of vegetation surveys carried out
by G. Castle in June 2009 and by R.J. Higgins in May 2010. Both of these
surveys were carried out from public rights of way only and some species were
probably missed.
The woodland is a feature of key nature conservation value, of high value in a
city-wide context. Important features include:
A wide variety of species that are indicative of ancient woodland. These include
large populations of small-leaved lime, sessile oak, bluebell, wood anemone,
great woodrush and thin-spiked woodrush. Grove Wood has one of the most
diverse populations of ancient woodland indicator species in Bristol. The fern
flora is particularly diverse and abundant.
The presence of two Nationally Scarce Species, narrow-leaved bittercress and
lanceolate spleenwort. The latter is present here at one of its most easterly sites
in Britain, and has been known in the area since 1835, indicating the long history
of botanical interest in the area. Few sites in Bristol away from the Avon Gorge
and Severn Estuary support Nationally Scarce species.
The presence of an exceptional total of eleven Avon Notable Species, including
some that are very rare elsewhere in Bristol.
The presence of a habitat type – sessile oak woodland with abundant great
woodrush - that is very unusual in the Bristol area, confined to the valleys of the
Frome and Avon on the eastern fringes of the city.
Preliminary surveys suggest that a good variety of woodland birds, including
great spotted woodpecker and sparrowhawk, is present. There is very little
information on the invertebrates of the woodland, but the presence of dead wood
(both fallen and standing) in good quantity, features such as rot holes and sap
runs, mossy banks and damp areas suggests high value. The moth species
Incurvaria masculella and Elachista regifecella were recorded in May 2010. The
former is a woodland specialist and the latter has only been recorded at one
other site in the former County of Avon in the last fifty years. There is a badger
sett on the site and daubenton’s and pipistrelle bats have been recorded here.
Grove Wood is a good example of a BAP priority habitat type and is one of the
best examples of ancient woodland within Bristol.
Interest is greatest at the eastern end of the site but species of note such as
wood anemone, ramsons, opposite-leaved saxifrage and wych elm are frequent
at the western end of the site. One of the nationally scarce species, narrow-
leaved bittercress, is at its most frequent here. This end of the wood displays
many characteristics of ancient woodland and adds greatly to the diversity of the
site, the deeper alluvial soils here supporting a different habitat type to the
shallower sandstone-derived soils of the eastern end. The whole wood has an
important wildlife corridor role, linking habitats in the upper Frome Valley to more
urban sites such as Eastville Park, and the loss of any part of the site would
weaken this role. Woodland animals, including birds, require large blocks of
habitat and the loss of any part of the site would weaken the value of the whole
for the less common animals that are present.
Rupert Higgins
Wessex Ecological Consultancy
STATEMENT D.9.39
I have seen many representations by others on this subject and I can
only echo their sentiments. I urge you to designate Grove Wood as a
local nature reserve and compulsorily purchase it as it is ancient
woodland that needs to be preserved for its historic status as well as
the animals such as kingfishers and otters that inhabit the wood.
Sadly, the current landowner has shown by his actions that he has no
intention of managing the woodland appropriately and has already done
irreversible damage. Please purchase Grove Wood so that it can be
appropriately managed and that it can be opened up once again to all for
leisure and educational purposes, as it always was until Mr. Jafari
purchased the woods.
Yours sincerely,
Dan James
STATEMENT D.9.40
Dear Bristol Cabinet,
As a young child I really enjoyed playing and exploring in and around the area of Grove
Wood; then as a student of UWE, Frenchay, my friends and I from across the UK
appreciated this area during their time living very close by. Today 8 years later, I
appreciate this area as one of the best locations in Greater Fishponds and a hidden gem
for Bristol. People of all ages and abilities have found enjoyment and relaxation in this
area and continue to do so at every opportunity.
To allow Grove Wood to be developed or more trees to be cut down will be bad for
everything that we understand in today's advances in science and politically under green
policy.
The habitat, wetland and connection in this stretch of riverside is surely our natural Eden
project which started over 100 years ago; today it should be protected under our Heritage
along with the whole valley itself and the parks that connect with it; especially those areas
which show and demonstrate the archaeology of modern times which is clearly evident at
both ends of Grove Wood.
There are lots of areas in our wonderful city that should be developed but at the same time
we all have a duty to protect those areas that shouldn't be sold and developed and this is
one of those areas. As much as the National Trust protects our beaches and hills, we
should protect our riverside and rights of way from opportunists who care very little or at all
for our local interest, our city or our region.
Kind regards
Richard Irwin
STATEMENT D.9.41
I wish to add my support to the proposal that Grove wood SHOULD be left & become a
NATURE reserve . As a life long angler,and was the Secretary of Stapleton Angling Club
for over twenty years,(& the club controlling the fishing rights for over 30 years )from
Broome hill, ( Grove Wood ).to Ha'penny bridge.) I have spent many hours fishing from
the bank in Grove wood enjoyed watching King fishers, Dippers, wagtails ect. going
about there daily happening, recall with great pleasure a conversation with an owner of the
house opp.the old Beaufort Arms, who said for several years his garden was visited by a
Roe or mountjak deer,v.early in the morning , nibbling his petunias, assumingly came
down though Grove wood .
As a child, this area of the Froome below the weir became my first introduction to wild
life/nature . As a group of pupils from Filton Ave Junior/Sen.School we walked up through
Lockleaze Estate and down over Purdown to spent time with our first educational
introduction to nature . with a form teacher & a student Teacher. This resulted in a life long
love of the Froome Valley.
In 1967, I purchased a home at The Chippings Stapleton and sub sequentially both my
children grew up in the area.
Begbrook school (which both my children attended ) had
staff teaching, our children to value nature , the river & its surrounding woodland with its
insects, birds,& animals. of the Froome. To watch children armed with fishing
nets,fishing for tiddlers is a joy for ever,continuing a cycle of what my mother did 80 years
previous.
Begbrook school, under guidance of their teacher,Mr Carmichael, built with the children, in
the school grounds, a wild life pond enabling them to continue their interest in water life, to
reinforce their knowledge, learned from the group visits to the Froome valley.
Here children learned to understand, and enjoy,(its not only people ) who inhabit our
planet, but we shared it with the wild life, some thing to be valued. These river/ woodland
school trips, hopefully instilled in the children, a life long love of the Snuffy's area,and its
environment as it did for me,sixty years before.
This environment
should not be sacrifice on the alter, to some Business yobbo who's only interest, is just to
make a fast buck, & to hell with the rest of us. I assume if compulsory purchase is made,
his company.
To his lasting shame, Mr Fat wallet will still make a pile at the expence
of the rate payers of Bristol.
I assume this Developer would want to build flats or
houses there, and destroying the very reason for wanting to build there. "THE
ENVIRONMENT
My sincere hope that as our elected councillors looking back on their life, in years to come,
when viewing or visiting Snuffy's will say I had a hand in that! Making this a Nature
reserve not just for wild life , but for PEOPLE as well. keeping it forever as it was.
! But if it is LOST FOREVER , this part of the FROOME to development by developers,
who.s only real interest is developing their bank balance, OUR PRESENT
COUNCILLORS WHO'S NAMES WILL BE EVER REMEMBER , BY THE SHAME OF
THEIR ACTIONS,DESTROYING AN AREA BEING PART OF OUR HERITAGE AS
BRISTOLIANS ..
ANDY HARRISON Now retired and living in Spain but still feels part of Stapleton . Hope
my small contribution makes the difference
STATEMENT D.9.42
Having lived in Downend for 40+ yrs, my wife and I have had great pleasure roaming the
Frome valley, both up and down stream from Frenchay bridge. We go downstream on
weekdays and upstream on weekends. Our usual route takes us from Frenchay bridge to
Snuffmills then across the river and up through Grove Wood, usually taking the upper path
to Laundry Fields,and across Vassals Park back to Downend. We often reverse the route
for a change.
It is not only the pleasure of the peace and quiet of woodland but also meeting others who
appreciate what a great amenity it is. From casual passers by to the young children out
with their parents. People cycling, paddling, fishing, Tweeters bird watching and taking
photographs. Pointing out the Kingfishers, Wagtails and wild life to those that walk blindly
by.
It would be a great shame to lose this amenity to the general public and I urge the Council
to Compulsory Purchase it for the continued well being of the woods and satisfaction of all
those who use it.
Yours Truly,
J D Hills.
STATEMENT D.9.43
Dear Sir/Madam
I understand that you are holding a meeting to discuss the possibility of making Grove
Wood, Stapleton into a Local Nature Reserve and I am writing to support this idea.
As someone who lives locally I have walked in Grove Wood regularly for the last 25 years
– with my children when they were small and then while walking dogs. For 'town bred'
children, the woods were a fantastic place to go – the narrow paths, canopy of trees etc
created a really exciting environment and they learnt a tremendous amount about different
trees, birds etc. Woodpeckers in particular were a fascination – the noise reverberating
around the trees - trying to hear which direction it was coming from to try and spot the bird.
Wonderful afternoons out – that cost us nothing!
Over the years I’ve seen people enjoying Grove Wood in a variety of ways – dog walking,
bird watching, walkers/hikers, jogging, mountain biking and the occasional horse being
exercised. The fact that the paths are so well used is indicative of the number of people
who use them and it would be a terrible shame to lose this very important facility.
Grove Wood has always felt very much part of Snuff Mills- the slightly more private and
‘natural’ part and until I heard it had been sold, I had no idea that it wasn’t!
I urge you to designate this beautiful ancient woodland a Local Nature Reserve for us all to
appreciate and enjoy forever.
Yours sincerely
Barbara New
STATEMENT D.9.44
Dear Cabinet Members,
I have walked this part of the Frome valley several times. There are
few such interesting and pleasant areas like this so close to the
city centre.
It must be preserved as an area for wildlife providing as it does
such a valuable amenity for the people of Bristol.
Giving Grove Wood LNR status would guarantee its future for decades
ahead but it is up to you to make necessary decisions.
Go to it.
David Parke
STATEMENT D.9.45
Friends of Troopers Hill are a community group who carry out conservation
work on the Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve and who have obtained over
£46,000 of grants in 6 years to support projects to enhance this council
owned site. As chair of that community group, I strongly support the
compulsory purchase of Grove Woods and the declaration of the woods as a
Local Nature Reserve.
Local Nature Reserve status conveys a level of protection to any site thus
designated. It also means that funding organisations have an added level of
long term security for their investment and are more likely to release funds
for projects associated with Local Nature Reserves. An energetic community
group working in partnership with Bristol City Council can secure funds that
would not otherwise be available to the Council. In the case of Troopers
Hill that style of partnership has led to 3 Green Flags being awarded to the
site due to the quality of the site and the way it is managed. Grove Woods
is the focus of an active community group, Snuff Mills Action Group. The
opportunity to repeat the success story of Troopers Hill and to increase
Bristol people’s access to green space is one not to be missed.
Susan Acton-Campbell
STATEMENT D.9.46
Dear Committee Members
We are writing to ask that you please decide in favour of making Grove Wood a Local
Nature Reserve in order to preserve it and its abundant wildlife, which has great amenity
value, for generations to come.
We are local residents of more than 30 years and have the priviledge of looking out on to
this wonderful and unique ancient woodland.Over the years, we have enjoyed walks and
mountain biking with our son, and have frequently seen kingfishers and bats, whilst at
night we hear owls calling. It is truly amazing to have such a haven of wildlife so close to
the city centre where otters and rare plants have also been seen.
By designating it as a Local Nature Reserve and having it managed as such would make a
wonderful environment for local schools to enjoy, and would also encourage young visitors
from outside the immediate locality.
It goes without saying that if you were able to impose a Compulsory Purchase Order on
Grove Wood, we would be ecstatic.
Thank you for continuing to view this issue with the importance that it deserves.
Yours Sincerely
Jill and Tony Minchin
STATEMENT D.9.47
I write to you to request that Grove Wood, Snuff Mills, be declared a Local Nature Reserve
(LNR).
Grove Wood is at least 14ha in size. It is used regularly by myself, my parents and my
husband for local enjoyment. We have all been walking and running in these woods for
over 20 years.
We also walk there every Sunday. we have seen otters, kingfishers and recently bats.
Kind regards,
Sarah Barker
STATEMENT D.9.48
I would like to request that Grove Wood in Snuff Mills is declared a LNR. I have lived in
Bristol for over 35 years and I use the wood regularly. I enjoy seeing the wildlife, including
the kingfishers and bats.
yours sincerely
Jane Barker
STATEMENT D.9.49
I am delighted to hear that you are interested in opening discussions as to whether Grove
Wood in Snuff Mills should be turned into a wild life reserve.
I think this is the only way of keeping this beautiful natural treasure safe. I have walked
and ran through the woods for 25 years, and I have seen many natural wonders, including
bats, kingfishers and otters.
The thought that this woodland is not in the safe hands of local authority fills me with
dread, and I fear landowners (present or future) might have intentions other than to
preserve and protect this delicate environment.
I fully support the notion of making this a permanant and protected nature reserve, and
think that the council would be wise in approving this notion.
Thanks very much for reading.
Yours faithfully,
Mr. Richard Minchin
STATEMENT D.9.50
Dear Members
I am delighted to hear that Bristol City Council is considering
designating Grove Wood as a nature reserve. I was astonished when I
discovered that it was not part of Snuff Mills Park. I have seen
kingfishers and many other birds there, in fact I saw my first
kingfisher there.
The chopping of the trees and the eyesore of a tin shack which
blighted the area for such a long
time distressed many local people and others who visit this
extraordinarily beautiful place. I urge the Council to take the land
into public ownership to ensure that the both sides of the river can be
sensitively managed in order to preserve the wonderful plants and
wildlife and ensure it will still be there to be loved by future
generations.
Sonia Climie
STATEMENT D.9.51
As a Bristol resident living near Grove Wood, I hereby add my voice to the request that this
beautiful area be preserved for the enjoyment and relaxation of Bristol citizens, in addition
to the appreciation of Nature that it enhances, and so I urge that it never built upon by any
developers.
Yours sincerely,
Rhoda Gordon Amine
STATEMENT D.9.52
Grove Woods
We write to support the recommendations in the Report of Graham Sims, Strategic
Director – Neighbourhoods that the Council seek to enter into an agreement with the
landowner of Grove Wood to declare and manage the site as a Local Nature Reserve
in consultation with Natural England or if this is not possible to achieve to make a
Compulsory purchase order to acquire the site for this purpose.
Grove Wood is an ancient woodland and a site of special wildlife interest in the
Stapleton and Frome Valley Conservation Area, it is a beautiful wild spot with a
wealth of wildlife including kingfishers, otters, bats etc and some rare plants. There is
a public right of way along the river bank and a second long established path which is
an ancient route from Fishponds to Stapleton Church and the public has had
unfettered access for very many years until the current owner purchased it. It is very
popular with residents from all over the city and beyond.
The present owner acquired the site in early 2008 and since then has caused a lot of
concern among local residents about his management of the site as he has removed
trees without obtaining planning consent, done inappropriate works in the nesting
and breeding season, desecrated the appearance with an unsightly portakabin and
Herras fencing and intimidated people to stop them using the public right of way.
Snuff Mills Action Group have been very vigilant in trying to protect this wonderful
space and have been instrumental in getting the Council to remove permitted
development rights and to impose a woodland Tree Preservation Order, without their
persistance Grove Wood would have been lost for ever. The owner has continually
ignored the advice and guidance given by the Council in spite of being advised of the
legal requirements of a woodland TPO and a conservation area and persisted in
destructive actions whilst also not undertaking the works that he should have done at
the correct season. His first clearance of trees and the formation of the bund drove the
kingfishers and otters away and now that they have cautiously returned he still
attempts to frighten them off on occasion by strimming on the river bank during the
breeding season.
We therefore ask you to support this report and authorise the recommendations so that
these important woodlands are kept intact for everyone now and in the future.
Lesley Alexander and James Stevenson
Ward Councillors for Frome Vale
STATEMENT D.9.53
Re: Consideration of Grove Wood as a Local Nature Reserve
Dear Sir/Madam
I understand that Bristol City Council's Cabinet will be meeting at 4pm on
Thursday next, 10th June, to consider whether Grove Wood should be declared
a Local Nature Reserve and whether compulsory powers should be used to
purchase the woods to secure the future for wildlife and public enjoyment,
if (as has been evidenced) the landowner is not prepared to work with the
Council to manage the woods properly.
As one who has had the pleasure of living all my life (over 77 years) in the
Fishponds/Frenchay area, I, like many of my contemporaries, have spent a
huge portion of my time in Vassalls Park/Oldbury Court/Snuff Mills/Grove
Woods. It is an area of great beauty with an abundance of wildlife and it
provides countless hours of fun/pleasure/enjoyment/relaxation for numerous
people and families who visit for a huge variety of reasons.
Many of us have been concerned over the problems that have arisen since the
current owners took possession of Grove Wood, and it would appear that there
are no positive signs that our fears for the well being of the woods, with
its precious wildlife, will be allayed in the foreseeable future.
We are extremely fortunate that the campaigners to save Grove Wood have
taken such a keen interest in the area and a visit to their website will
give an indication of the enormous efforts they have made to retain and,
indeed, to enhance, the whole area. They have acted with the utmost
integrity and are to be applauded for the invaluable service they are
providing.
I trust that your Members will be minded to officially declare Grove Wood to
be a Local Nature Reserve, and also agree to impose a Compulsory Purchase
Order. By so doing the Members of Bristol City Council's Cabinet will be
recognising and supporting all that is being done (and will continue to be
done) to safeguard Grove Wood, that future generations will be afforded the
same privileges that we have enjoyed.
Yours sincerely
Robert (Bob) N Woodward LL D
STATEMENT D.9.54
Dear Cabinet Members,
The Stapleton and Frome Valley Conservation Society was reformed in 2008
amongst concern from local residents over development issues in the local
area.
The constitution was updated and has formed the basis for all the works done
since its formation.
The society has 4 Aims and Objectives.
1.
To conserve the amenities of the Stapleton and Frome Valley
conservation area and its surrounding environment, to protect its buildings
and to encourage appropriate new development.
2.
To encourage the conservation of all forms of natural life in the
area.
3.
To make representations to both Bristol City and South
Gloucestershire Councils and, when appropriate, to Central Government.
4.
To maintain links with other Societies and organisations which have
similar objectives
The society fully supports the proposal of Graham Sims, Strategic Director Neighbourhoods under agenda item 9. Grove Wood - Proposed Local Nature
Reserve.
The society understands that for a Local Nature Reserve to be declared,
Grove Wood will have to fulfill the following criteria:
1) It should be more than 2ha in size
The woods are considerably larger than this.
2) Capable of being managed with the conservation of nature and/or the
maintenance of special opportunities for study, research or enjoyment of
nature as the priority concern.
The council's Parks and Green Space Strategy, adopted in February 2008,
determines to 'Establish a network of 16 Local Nature
Reserves [across the city] providing access to high quality sites for
wildlife and a focus for supporting community involvement.' Currently, there
are eight Local Nature Reserves in Bristol. Therefore the expertise is
within the council already exists for the conservation of the woodland, and
with the involvement of the local and wider community study, research and
most importantly the enjoyment of the nature contained within can be fully
appreciated without the need for heras fencing and portable buildings. I do
not believe in the 10years I have lived in the area I have ever seen a
person walking out of Grove Wood without a smile on their face - Smile and
the whole world smiles with you, surely that explains how much the woods are
appreciated and loved by those who use them.
And To become a LNR the woods should also be either:
A) Of high natural interest in the local context.
An excerpt from the Supplementary planning guidance Policy Advice Note PAN 2
The Stapleton and Frome valley Conservation Area "The valley increases in
depth towards the Oldbury Court Estate, developing into a wooded gorge,
punctuated by sheer rock protrusions which rise to a dramatic height above
the river and provide a scenic route to the various footpaths along the
valley up to Frome Bridge."
Kingfishers are regularly seen along the river and are known to nest along
the banks, spring brings an abundance of wild flowers such as wood anemones,
wild garlic and bluebells. Numerous birds frequent and live in the woods
such as green woodpeckers, tree creepers, song thrushes and birds of prey
such as owls, buzzards and sparrowhawks. Mammals such as fox, badger, otter
and squirrel can also be seen if you are lucky enough. This is clear
evidence of the high natural interest provided by the woods, found within
the city boundaries that should be protected and preserved.
B) Of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the local
context for formal education or research
In its current ownership this is highly unlikely as the owners have shown no
interest in involving the local community or promoting educational use of
this land, however in the councils ownership this could be a valuable
educational resource for the local schools which have recently shown and are
participating with the Snuff Mills Action Group on the opposite side of the
river in conjunction with the groups successful peoples millions lottery
bid.
C) Of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the local
context for the informal enjoyment of nature by the public
Over 100 people have written evidence statements about their use of Grove
Wood for legal sports and past-times as part of the application by Snuff
Mills Action Group to have Grove Wood declared a Town Green evidence in
itself of the usage of the woods for this purpose. At this point I would
like to reiterate an earlier statement "I do not believe in the 10years I
have lived in the area I have ever seen a person walking out of Grove Wood
without a smile on their face - Smile and the whole world smiles with you,
surely that explains how much the woods are appreciated and loved by those
who use them."
The Society feels that all of the criteria for becoming a local Nature
reserve are easily met and therefore the decision for the councillors to
make in regards whether to proceed should be fairly obvious to all bearing
in mind the Parks and Green Space Strategy requirements for a further 8
local Nature Reserves and the lack of provision of such resource in the
north of the city.
The society urges the council to proceed with all haste in the process of
acquiring an agreement with the landowner to manage the site as a local
Nature Reserve, though it would urge caution over this approach and request
that advice be sought from Natural England over how to ensure the landowner
can be held accountable as it seems obvious that the current landowner seems
to have scant regard for the woods or the legal requirements of ownership of
an site of special wildlife interest ,Site of Nature Conservation Interest
and designated ancient semi-natural woodland and timescales for the legal
agreement to be put in place. The costs of acquiring the woods without
objection from the landowner under CPO should be outweighed against the
costs the council has already incurred in the last two years in dealing with
the landowner and his breaches of planning law and failure to undertake
works to the footpaths and highways to ensure free public access and safe
highways whilst be sensitive to the woods. If the land remains in the
ownership of the current landowner will these costs escalate over time to
such an extent that it would of been more financially sensible to proceed
straight to compulsory purchase.
I look forward to being able to make an additional short statement at the
meeting on Thursday 10th June 2010 and request the opportunity to do so.
Yours Sincerely
Mark Logan
Chair - Stapleton and Frome Valley Conservation Society
STATEMENT D.9.55
I am emailing to strongly request that you consider Grove Wood as a
designated nature reserve. I have lived in Bristol for the last 9 years with
my family and we use the woods most weekends. My children have been able to
see a wide range of wildlife, climb ancient trees, walk up the stream and
find all sorts of creatures under rocks.
It is a real opportuntiy for them (and me) to learn about nature and learn
to look after it. We have taken part in the dawn chorus walks, bat walks and
helped with the garden - surrounded by beautiful woodland.
Please protect this space so it can be enjoyed for generations to come
Lucy Fieldhouse
STATEMENT D.9.56
Having lived in Stapleton all of my life and having walked along the River Frome many
times I would support the proposal for the City Council to acquire this site.
Since the land has been in private ownership attempts have been made to restrict access
to this side of the river bank and any development of this site would be detrimental to the
whole area both in terms of the beauty of this most valuable asset to the city and in terms
of the ecology and bio-diversity of the valley. i believe that is really important to preserve
this area for current and future generations of Bristolians to enjoy.
Yours faithfully
Viv Robertson (Lay Minister Stapleton Church & Vice-Chair Stapleton Conservation
Society)
STATEMENT D.9.57
Dear Cabinet Members
I would like to add my voice to all those who have pleaded for Grove Wood to
be given local nature reserve designation. I live at the College Court
flats and regularly do a circular walk around Grove Wood and Snuff Mills.
The peace and tranquility in this woodland is a perfect escape from the
hustle and bustle and the noisy environment of Fishponds. I grew up in the
area and as a child enjoyed playing in these woods. Please ensure that this
woodland is kept for future generations to enjoy.
Thank you.
Jenny Knight
STATEMENT D.9.58
STATEMENT D.9.59
We are writing to register our support for Grove Wood, Stapleton, Bristol
to be designated as a Local Nature Reserve and to be compulsorily purchased
by Bristol City Council so that the residents of Bristol do not lose this
wonderful natural amenity.
The green future for Britain has to show itself in our local areas, it has
to be accessible and have something that all ages love and benefit from.
People live such busy lives now that our neighbourhoods mean so much to
us. We are so lucky that we already have a truly wonderful area of natural
beauty in Stapleton.
We believe that people have the right to a healthy environment. That means
giving everyone access to the beauty and amenity of natural places;
Economic prosperity and quality of life come not from exploiting the
natural world but from its defence.
I believe we have a wonderful opportunity now to protect it for the future
of Bristol and its residents.
Please act now and be a part of Bristol's green future.
Maureen Brennan and Andy Horne
STATEMENT D.9.60
Can I please add my voice to the support for the proposal to give Grove Wood LNR
designation. I am a regular user of the space for recreation (dog walking etc) and indeed
have visited many times since my childhood in the 1970's - seeing the recent damage has
been a great sadness. Please ensure the valuable open space is protected.
Jon Symons
STATEMENT D.9.61
This area must be preserved as a natural woodland site and full access to the public. This
is in line with present Government policy and Lib. Dems declared wishes.
Yours faithfully
P. Clark
STATEMENT D.9.62
I am am writing to you to please buy the Grove Wood's for the future
well being of the people of Bristo city, this place is full of wildlife
kingfisher's bats otter's these enrich our lives, helps us to cope and
manage the stresses of mordern life. For the children of the city
there s no need to go miles and miles out into the country when this
amazing place is right on our door step a couple of miles from the city
centre, its unique! please buy it! we need to keep it safe for our
future it keep's us sane. You know what I am saying is right and so
essential for our children's children, please please! do the right
thing.
Thank you
Ann Hughes Devereaux
STATEMENT D.9.63
I am writing in support of the campaign to preserve Grove Wood as a local nature reserve,
which I understand the council will be debating this Thursday.
I am a resident of Fishponds and my family visit the Oldbury Court Estate including Grove
Wood frequently. My partner, his father and grandfather all have enjoyed the woodland
throughout their lives and I am keen that it remains a natural site for my son to enjoy in the
future for both the wildlife (some of which are protected species such as the bats) and as a
space to escape busy city life. I whole-heartedly believe that natural spaces are essential
to our wellbeing. It is a great opportunity to preserve one of the city's fantastic green
spaces so children can use it as part of their educational development.
I urge the council to consider a local nature reserve status for Grove Wood and look
forward to a positive decision for the community and the woodland
Best wishes
Claire Spencer
STATEMENT D.9.64
I strongly support the protection of Grove Wood by designating it a nature reserve. There
are already too many areas within Bristol which have been destroyed for development,
increasing urban population density, reducing amenity value, ruining the character of yet
another area, and destroying wildlife, and reducing longterm biodiversity, both on a local
and national scale.
Please protect Grove Wood,
David Molesworth
STATEMENT D.9.65
Please take this email as a register of my desire to see Grove Wood (near Snuff Mills)
made into a Local Nature Reserve..
The Frome valley is an essential wildlife corridor in an otherwise built up area & should be
preserved.
Sincerely,
Patrick Thornhill
STATEMENT D.9.66
As a walk leader for Walking to Health in Barton Hill, Redfield, Lawrence Hill, the Dings &
also St Pauls & Easton it is vital this area is not alowed to be developed on, and becomes
part of the "Green Lung" of Bristol.
Lyn Townsend
STATEMENT D.9.67
I sincerely hope that Grove Wood will be designated as a local nature reserve. It will
ensure the protection of the wood and wildlife for the future. It will also benefit the people
of Bristol, having such a beautiful attribute.
We (Bristolians) have lost far too many Green Spaces in the past........
PLEASE DESIGNATE GROVE WOODS TO BECOME A LOCAL NATURE RESERVE.
Angie Torbett
STATEMENT D.9.68
For the Attention of
The Cabinet
Bristol City Council
9 June 2010
Dear Councillors
Grove Wood- Proposed Nature Reserve
Representations for and on behalf of Rhino Group Ltd the landowner, its Directors,
investors and agents.
Preliminary View
Cabinet and Council have not been advised of the full financial implications of the
policy.
Icon Park and the business thereon is worth well in excess of £1million.
The budget set by Council for negotiations and or compulsory purchase of
£116,000 is totally inadequate.
The land is worth between £25,000 and £75,000 per acre.
To date our Company has incurred between £80,000 to £100,000 expenditure.
The annual management cost being circa £20,000.
Our rights are being interfered with.
Senior council officer X has not dealt with our company or connected persons fairly
or openly during the past two years.
We realise that the Cabinet have decided in advance to follow the proposals and
that our past views have gone unheard. Therefore we will engage in honest
negotiation with representatives of the Cabinet and Council but will not negotiate
with Mr X has totally betrayed our trust and his authority in the Council.
Cabinet, Council and Public should be aware that since January 2008 our
company and associates have managed the land according to advice given by
Bristol City Council officials and employees including Mr Ennion, Mr Phelps, Mary
Knight, Julie Seaton, Ben Rose and others
We have also been advised by the Environment Agency and the Forestry
Commission.
We have been advised by a local independent conservation architect
The only trees in Icon Park which have been felled since 2008 are those which
Council staff identified as being suitable for felling due to their poor state or fact
that they were dead.
All planning applications by our company have been filled out and lodged with the
assistance of City Council employees.
We got an independent ecology report in 2008 which reported that there was
evidence of protected species in trees across the PROW 153.
1
The Council and action group have since produced reports which state there are
no signs of bat roosts.
We were granted planning permission to fell trees at the request of the Council.
Mr X then asked us not to implement the consent: so as to avoid upsetting the
action group. We complied.
The TPO was not expedient: council employees considered the TPO in 2000,
2004 and 2007 before we acquired the land and said not required.
They considered it after we acquired the land and reported not necessary.
Mr x has mislead Cabinet due to his own personal agenda and desire to increase
his power and budget within the city.
We were not aware of the Cabinet meeting nor the Council policy for creating 16
Nature Reserves in Bristol until this week. We understand the Council’s duty to
consider public views and environmental issues. However, Icon Park is private land
and we are running a forestry business from it. As landowner we and our agents
should have been consulted about this proposed Nature Reserve before it became
public knowledge.
As with previous issues concerning the land it seems that we are the last to
know. We are concerned that the Snuff Mills Action Group knew about this
proposal and meeting well in advance (clear now from viewing their detailed
website). Yet we only found out when contacted by a journalist on Monday 7th.
This is very surprising considering that we and our associates have been in
regular contact with Senior Council Officials since January 2008. Surely if this is
Council policy since February 2008 we should have been consulted.
We are disappointed and feel betrayed by Mr X and shall address concerns
regarding his role in this business later.
We are in on going consultation with the Council and are following advice, more
of this later.
We are in consultation with the Forestry Commission, Environment agency and
shall be contacting Natural England.
We have sought to engage with the local action group and public. We are open
in principal to this but sadly others like to abuse our trust and misuse our words.
2
Legal Issues
2
We have not yet been able to fully research the Statutory Provisions, Council
Authority or processes described in the report. We have discussed briefly the
proposal and our concerns with Mr Ennion on Tuesday morning. We are in
contact also with Mr Jon Bishop, Ms Julie Seation and Mr Ben Rose. During the
past two years we have met with Councillors Alexander, Bradshaw and others.
We have been in detailed correspondence with Mary Knight, Adam Phelps and
other arboricultural & planning staff at the Council
The Members should be aware that there are presently on going disputes
between our company and Bristol City Council in regard to this land and since
two issues are before the Magistrates court and several under investigation by
the Local Government Ombudsman we will not go into detail here as this will be a
public document.
Suffice to say our Company, Directors and Agents are defending allegations and
will continue to do so.
We have lodged formal complaints with the Ombudsman about various
Councillors and Council Officials and their actions/decisions. The Ombudsman is
investigating. We made further representations on Tuesday 8th June.
At this time the whole land is covered by a Tree Preservation Order
An Article 4 Direction has been imposed (is being challenged)
Breach of s187A Notice & Summons is being defended.
Our position is that the land is NOT subject to the 1990 Town and Country
Planning Act s187A or Article 4 of the General Permitted development Order
1995. This because the land is forestry and agricultural land and exempt form
“development” by operation of s55 of the 1990 Act and other statutory provisions.
There is an application by the action group to have the land designated Common
or Village Green:
Our view is that the land is wholly unsuited to this status and we shall strenuously
oppose.
The land is not public access land, it is private forestry and agricultural. We have
a parish holding licence to operate an agricultural holding and have been
registered since 2008.
We have directed the Common Green authority solicitor to legal precedent that
the authority Must now Reject the application without further consideration as it is
incompetent.
Anyone who has sought to use the land for general recreation, pastimes, cycling,
horse riding etc as advocated and promoted by those in support of Common
3
Green have been breaking the law and are trespassing. We have actively
prevented such activities and will continue to do so.
Anyone who takes fish from the stretch of the Frome from the banks on our land
is doing so by theft. We have been advised by the Environment Agency that as
land owners we hold the Riparian rights to the Frome the full length of its course
through our land to the mid point.
The upper path is and always has been a private way. We will resist attempts to
have further paths designated public rights of way.
No one should be entering our land or the PROW 153 on horse, on cycle or
otherwise except on foot. Only the Police, Statutory Undertakers (Council
officials, water authority, Forestry Commission, Environment Agency et al on
official business and in possession of identification) ourselves, guests and
invitees have right to access the forest and stray off the PROW.
The action group and council claim that this land is the habitat for many rare and
protected species and we are very pleased to know this. That is why we seek to
keep the public on the PROW 153 on foot only.
Horse riding, cycling, sports, pastimes, picnicking, camping, football, cricket and
the other activities mentioned in the action group petition, website and
representations are not permitted in Icon Park. We have issued several statutory
declarations, public statements and press statements to confirm the same.
Such activities are a threat to the natural environment, protected species, flora
and fauna. Such activities will further erode the fragile eco system along the
PROW, riverbank and rest of the woodland.
We are conscious of the eco system and that we are simply custodians of the
land for our life time. That is why we have not sought to aggressively fell large
areas. We have only sought to fell the trees with the COUNCIL advised required
felling due to there condition.
3
Convention rights are engaged. Our rights are being unlawfully interfered with by
the City Council. We are taking advice from Counsel and shall make further
representations as necessary.
Observations
The 14 acres of land is presently being managed by our company as forestry and
agricultural land and is not safe or suitable to be a nature reserve or open to
general public access.
We dispute various items in the report to Cabinet:
4
(1)
the description as semi-ancient woodland is not completely accurate. One
previous use of the land was as a poor house. There is also a history of
commercial usage similar to that on the opposite side of the Frome at Snuff Mills.
(2)
The 14 acres are not public access land. The entire forest is private land and
has been in private ownership for over 10 years. Previously owned by the local
health authority.
(3)
For a hundred years or more only one recognised Public Right of Way has
crossed the land. This being PROW 153, the lower path adjacent to the Frome.
(4)
The upper path and other paths are private ways.
(5)
The land has historically been poorly managed and the City Council has failed
to fulfil its various statutory obligations in regard to the Public Right of Way.
(6)
The Council has also failed to prevent public disorder in the locality.
(7)
The PROW 153 was until we purchased the land in 2008 impassable in places
due to fallen trees.
(8)
The path is still dangerous in places due to soil erosion.
(9)
The path is unsuitable for persons with mobility impairment: uneven, rutted and
not suitable for wheelchair, mobility scooter access.
(10)
The path is not really suitable for parents with small children in pushchairs.
(11)
The council have failed to police the PROW and so it has been used as a
conduit for crime: drugs and sex litter are regularly found along it as are
discarded alcoholic drinks cans/bottles.
(12)
The path is a designated footpath only. Yet is used by cyclists and from time to
time by those on horseback. The council has failed to assist us with preventing
this misuse.
(13)
There are over 100 dead, dieing and or dangerous trees in the forest generally
and many are along the PROW. Many of these were marked as suitable for
felling by Bristol City Council in early 2008. Due to harassment by the Snuff
Mills Action Group our company have been unable to fell all of these trees.
Hence we are concerned for public safety.
(14)
There are many more trees which have died or become dangerous during the
past two years. We have identified some of these but due to on going
harassment by the SMAG protestors we have not been able to progress this
5
plan. We intend to replant where necessary/required and have consulted with
both Council and Forestry Commission.
(15)
The riverbank, and PROW with surrounding stretch of land is a flood plain. As
land owner we have the duty to maintain this area and have been advised
accordingly by the Environment Agency.
(16)
The land is crossed by sewerage pipes leading from the Blackberry Hill
Hospital. There are several man holes by which to access and maintain the
pipes. From time to time during the past two years these have leaked. This is a
public health hazard. Wessex water and the council are aware of the issue.
We as landowner have notified the authorities accordingly. The pipes are
accessed by a private path and steps. We have a duty to maintain these areas
and are doing so. We have erected from time to time temporary fencing to keep
the public away from the hazard but this fencing has been interfered with.
(17)
The historic boundary walls, fences, stiles and gates have fallen into disrepair.
We have a plan to sympathetically restore all of these boundaries to properly
demark our private land from the public right of way. This plan has been
hindered to date by the protest group, TPO and now by an Article 4 Direction,
removing General Permitted Development Rights.
4
Mr X and Council Advice
We are shocked to see how we have been deceived. Despite his personal agenda to
create a nature reserve at Icon Park and despite this being Council policy since
February 2008 Mr X and others at the council have failed to mention this to us.
Had we known this then we could have engaged in consultation previously. We and the
council could have been saved a great deal of expense and ill feeling had he been
transparent.
Actually Mr X has connived with others to mislead us and to misrepresent his and the
Council’s intentions. Now we understand why one of his former assistants was
disciplined and dismissed. Now we understand why there is a TPO in place despite
Council officers view not expedient. Now we understand why we are being prosecuted
for alleged planning contraventions.
6
In November 2007 we visited the land and found it in a terrible state. The river Frome
was flooding in places due to dead wood daming it. The PROW 153 was treacherous
and impassable due to fallen trees and those about to fall.
The riverbank and path and forest strewn with rubbish of all sorts. Evidence of sex,
drugs and alcohol abuse all around.
Clearly the council and Mr Ennion’s department had failed to maintain the PROW and
failed to bring the then private consortium owners or their predecessors to book. No
one cared.
Our chairman decided to buy the forest to create a private park for his family and friends
and protect nature. He went to public auction and was amazed to be able to purchase
the land for a modest price. He had expected fierce competition and had set aside a
sizeable budget to acquire it. Surprisingly little interest was shown. He succeeded.
In January 2008 he took possession and that is when the woodworms and snakes came
out into the open. Suddenly the woods were alive the conspiracy theories and
nonsense about residential developments, nudist colonies and other rubbish.
While workmen were tidying up the undergrowth and rubbish at the entrance to the
PROW and land council enforcement officer came. We stopped work. The officer told
us exactly what we required to do to follow the law and we have followed his advice
since.
Mr Phelps and others told us what trees to seek permission to fell. We followed. We
were granted permission. Mr x asked us not to proceed. His staff asked us not to
proceed. They said wait until the action group calm down. We waited.
Then the council officers advised no basis for TPO. Mr x overruled and a TPO was then
imposed.
At every turn we have followed his departments and his advice. We have consulted we
have let them tell us what to do and how to do it. Yet now we are being prosecuted,
penalised and suffering.
Mr x has misled us deliberately and he is misleading the Council and Cabinet.
We cannot trust him again and the Council must instruct another person to be in charge
of this proposal and any negotiations with ourselves.
In short:
7
A private Nature Reserve on part of the land has always been one of our goals we will
enter fair negotiations to see if we can sell part of the land for this public purpose. But:
A Nature Reserve will be very expensive:
The land will cost over £1million for the council to acquire if it demands the whole
14 acres.
The management plan will cost easily £15,000
The legal and conveyancing costs will be circa £60,000
The compensation due to our company and associates will exceed £250,000
The annual management costs will be over £25,000 per year
The cost of fixing the PROW, riverbank, boundaries and upper path to make the
land safe for general public access will be at least £50,000
ECHR rights are engaged and our rights are being prejudiced.
Other on going legal disputes must be amicably settled out of court with
compensation and costs agreed before discussions are commenced.
We will not negotiate with anyone who has been involved to date
Yours sincerely
John Mair
For and on behalf of Rhino Group Ltd and Associated Persons and Companies, 28
Thomas Way, BS16 1WT
8
STATEMENT D.9.69
Please designate Grove Wood as a nature reserve.It brings so much joy to me and my
family in an ever increasing advance of concrete.
Regards
Hazel Collard
STATEMENT D.9.70
I am writing to urge the Council to declare Grove Wood as a Local Nature Reserve. As
well as being intrinsically important as a wildlife habitat and enhancing the environment for
locals and visitors, it could become an invaluable tool for education due to its close
proximity to the University of the West of England. We already make good use of the
surrounding environment as outdoor classrooms/laboratories for students studying
environmental science, conservation biology and geography degree courses, and Grove
Wood could make a valuable addition to the local resource. There is also the potential for
the university to become more directly involved with the management of the wood, for
example by organising work parties to help with management tasks through the
Community Volunteer Programme, or by conducting biodiversity surveys as part of both
students' taught modules and their independent projects. Past development in this area of
north Bristol has seen a steady erosion of natural and semi-natural habitat, so it is
important for us to conserve and utilise what resources we have left.
Yours sincerely,
Dr Katy Ling
STATEMENT D.9.71
I wish to register my support for Grove Wood, Snuff Mills ,Staplaeton to
become a designated Local Nature Reserve. Preserving it for the protection
of wild life and preserving it as an area for public enjoyment and
educational use. Grove Wood has very high natural interest, with varied
flora and fauna.
I support the petition for Bristol City Council to purchase Grove Wood on
behalf of the public. Failure to do so will mean this special woodland
remains in unsympathetic ownership depriving all of the beauty of Grove
Wood.
Ms Christine Justin
STATEMENT D.9.72
As local MP for the area, I am writing to you in support of compulsory purchasing Grove
Wood in order to make it into a Local Nature Reserve. Grove Wood is an essential asset
to the local community and one that is much loved by all that use it.
I understand that Grove Wood fulfils the necessary criterion by being above required size
and also by being a place enjoyed by many of my constituents who benefit from the wildlife
and varied nature that exists there.
The strength of support for this movement also proves that is it is highly valued "in the
local context for the informal enjoyment of nature by the public".
Declaring Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve would guarantee its protection, something
badly needed to ensure that local residents and visitors can continue to enjoy it for the
foreseeable future. I strongly urge you to listen to local peoples' concerns.
Yours sincerely
Kerry McCarthy
Labour MP for Bristol East
STATEMENT D.9.73
Dear Council
Grove Wood is a very important place for Bristol people to enjoy natural
surroundings to walk and play in. Natural Sourroundings like Woods and
river sides are a a dwindling resource and won¹t be able to be brought back
once developed and covered in concrete. We don¹t want to lose it to an
irresponsible owner who has no understanding and does not want to work with
the Council.
Therefore I am voting for Bristol Council to declare Grove Wood a Nature
reserve and purchase this wood.
I hope very strongly Council will vote for this option.
Best wishes
Ilse Hambrook
STATEMENT D.9.74
Bristol City Council Cabinet Meeting 10 June, 2010
REQUEST FOR BCC TO DECLARE GROVE WOOD
A LOCAL NATURE RESERVE
To Members of the Cabinet:
Our family has visited Snuff Mills for years as a “destination park”, and we especially enjoy
the lovely, tranquil views of Grove Wood across the river. We’ve felt so fortunate to have
seen tawny owls, river bats, kingfishers, grey wagtails, and on one occasion a badger walking
through the wood. It’s hard to believe that this amazing Ancient Woodland supporting
numerous species of plants, animals, birds and insects lies within the boundaries of a major
city. A family member who is a naturalist has pointed out rare/interesting plants and insects in
Grove Wood, but we prefer its more obvious delights such as the carpets of wood anemone in
spring. Snuff Mills Action Group has sponsored a number of educational walks where
children and adults of all ages can find out more about nature on the doorstep. Grove Wood is
a wilder habitat than Snuff Mills and offers even more of a learning experience. Making
Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve would preserve its special qualities for years to come.
We have read the criteria for an LNR, and Grove Wood easily meets them all.
The purchase of Grove Wood by a developer in December 2007, followed by the almost
immediate arrival of chainsaws and a bulldozer, was a shock to us as we always assumed it
was a part of Snuff Mills. We were told at the time that the land has no commercial value as
it lacks development potential, in part due to the steepness of most of the site but mainly
because of all its protective designations relating to its importance to wildlife, its character and
beauty, and its historical significance. Many of these official designations are shown on the
Definitive Map of the BCC Local Plan and elsewhere.
Unfortunately, what should be cast iron safeguards have not entirely protected the plant and
animal life. Much activity has taken place, including the felling of trees, fires, earth moving,
and clearance of ground cover. Wildlife has been affected by the disruption and by
destruction of habitats (including a kingfisher’s nest and a section of the riverbank used by
otters until the bank was bulldozed). To add insult to injury, a large, bright blue and white
“temporary” shipping container and numerous sections of ugly metal Heras fencing panels
have been sitting on the site for two years creating an eyesore and interfering with an
established footpath. Various conservation groups have expressed their concern for Grove
Wood in the media. (Note: just this week, more workmen with chainsaws arrived. They were
surprised to learn from quick-acting locals about the Woodland TPO. This chaotic state of
affairs cannot continue.)
In addition to the constant threat overhanging this vital link in an important urban wildlife
corridor, we have another worry. Cabinet Members who have visited Snuff Mills Park will
note that it and Grove Wood are narrow strips of woodland running alongside each other on
either side of the River Frome. Because every tree in Grove Wood is visible from the park,
continued degradation there would very seriously harm the amenity value of both Grove
Wood and Snuff Mills Park. As Snuff Mills is a Destination Park, this is a city-wide issue.
Bristol City Council have gone to great lengths to accommodate the owner and his actions
ever since he first made his presence felt in January 2008. They have overlooked many
infringements on his part and tried to encourage positive discussion. These efforts at
compromise have not been met in good faith.
We feel that it is entirely appropriate now for BCC to take steps to make Grove Wood a Local
Nature Reserve. It would play an important part in the Parks and Green Spaces Strategy,
which aims to create eight more LNRs across Bristol. At last Grove Wood would be truly
safeguarded, giving peace of mind to people who love this beautiful section of the Frome
Valley Walkway and wish to see the lovely trees and precious wildlife safeguarded for future
generations of Bristolians.
Please accept the officer’s recommendations in today’s Report to Cabinet. Thank you for
considering our statement.
Yours sincerely,
Mr and Mrs D Hawkins
STATEMENT D.9.75
Dear Sirs,
I was fortunate in the late fifties/ early sixties as a schoolboy to have
Wickham Glen, Blackberry Hill, Oldbury Court and Snuff Mills as the route of
a cross-country run and together with Grove Wood and the Riverside into
Eastville Park, a wonderful area to walk and have as an adventure
playground.
A few years later the Frome Valley became regularily walked and explored by
my wife and daughters, venturing up stream from our home in Moorend to Iron
Acton and downstream to Eastville.
Now some 50 years since my introduction to the area I am still enjoying it
living in Snuff Mills
There can be very few cities that can boast such a diverse natural resource
that can be beneficial to both young and old, we should be proud to have it,
enjoy it and do everything in our power to ensure it remains available for
future generations.
Terry Forse
STATEMENT D.9.76
I live in Kingswood but grew up in Fishponds and have been visiting and
enjoying the Frome Valley - including Grove Wood for the last 30 years.
Of course I was concerned when I learnt a few years ago that Grove Wood
had been sold and was in unsympathetic ownership, it is an ancient
woodland that could be managed for wildlife and many people use it for
public enjoyment.
An ecological report also reveals rare plants, protected bats, otters
and kingfishers all reside in Grove Wood (I have personally seen a
kingfisher there) and I believe that it is imperative that this natural
treasure be removed from it's unsympathetic ownership and that it is
protected in the interest of all.
I therefore request that Grove wood is compulsorily purchased from it's
current owner and that it is made a local nature reserve.
I look forward to hearing the outcome of this Thursday's meeting.
Many thanks and regards,
Carol Davies
STATEMENT D.9.77
A colleague brought to my attention this morning that there will be discussions held about
Grove Wood today, regarding the possibility that it could be bought and declared a Local
Nature Reserve.
I want to urge the Council to secure the future of this site and protect it for local people and
for its own biodiversity. Although I don't live in Bristol I work close nearby as a technician in
Environmental Sciences at UWE, so the site has local importance for me. It's dismaying
how the current landowner has been spoiling the wood by cutting down protected trees,
blocking legitimate footpaths, erecting a portacabin, encouraging rubbish and disturbing
wildlife. You can't help but see how the wood will gradually be ruined if it's not rescued by
a more sympathetic owner. I know there have already been ecological reports made that
show rare plants and animals live in / use the area. Surely cities need to preserve all the
natural spaces they can, especially ones that have managed to retain wildlife against the
odds as this one has.
Only this morning I went to collect some stream water from the Coombe Brook (nearby in
Clay Bottom) and although that is a less ecologically diverse site, which suffers the effects
of mine drainage from Bristol's long gone coal mines, I really felt how it was an oasis of
green and calm, and it made me feel calm and relaxed myself. The brook runs through an
area of dense housing, and it must be such a valuable resource for the people who live
locally as somewhere to just walk for a while and get some perspective on their modern
urban lives. I don't think you can underestimate this kind of value of such places, and
Grove Wood is even more valuable for having greater wildlife value, that people will see
and appreciate plants and animals as they walk through it.
Last year's 'Bioblitz' in Bristol was held at Ashton Court and we had children visit who lived
in the city but had never been there or somewher like the woods there before: the nearest
they'd got to nature was their local park - not quite the same. I think this underlines how
important it is to retain 'real' green spaces in the city: Grove Wood is important now to the
children who live locally, as somewhere to explore and appreciate the natural environment.
If the council saves it from being gradually chipped away at and ruined then generations to
come will be able to appreciate it as well.
Yours faithfully,
Rhiannon Davies
STATEMENT D.9.78
I'm writing with reference to Grove Wood, Stapleton, Bristol.
To date, the current owner has made no attempt to sympathetically manage the wood and
I fear that without compulsory purchase, we will lose this vital habitat which should be
enjoyed by future generations. There were many signatories on our petition requesting that
BCC take ownership; I trust you will see fit to do this.
Making Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve will not only protect the wood but will serve
as a valuable tool for educational purposes and to give the greater community an
understanding of this valuable inner city woodland.
I've walked in Grove Wood many times, enjoying picnics and the like. For the last couple
of years though, I have found it increasingly frustrating to be greeted with Heras fencing
and a portacabin and being made to feel not welcome, (even on the public right of way).
Please can BCC do anything in its power to protect this beautiful and Ancient Woodland?
Kind regards, Natalie James
STATEMENT D.9.79
Dear Bristol City Council,
Please make Grove Wood a LNR. I submitted an evidence letter when the present owner
started to massacre the mature & healthy trees over two years ago.
I have lived in the Frome Vale area for almost sixty years, I have walked & played in Grove
Wood for that amount of time. If the present owner is not stopped from his wanton
destruction & desecration (the Portakabin & fencing still in situ.) what will future
generations think of us?!
The wildlife there is tremendous, I have witnessed Kingfishers and other species of
wonderful birds there, alas, I've still not seen an Otter although they are there. Only a few
weeks ago I went on a bat spotting night and was enthralled by the numbers that were
present.
Please please make Grove Wood an LNR & compulsary purchase it for our future
generations.
Alan Dawes
STATEMENT D.9.80
I want to register my support for the proposal to designate Grove Wood
as a Local Nature Reserve, due to be considered by Cabinet tomorrow.
I live locally and walk my dog through the wood several times a week. I
enjoy the wildlife there and have seen bats in the evening and
kingfishers on the water as well as enjoying the many beautiful old
trees and the birds and plants that live in the wood. I think that LNR
status would help to secure these pleasures for local people now and the
future, by enabling the wood to be brought into more sympathetic
management. I like to keep an informal record of the wildlife I see
there and I expect others are already doing so too. I'm sure that it
could be a place where people could study wildlife too, for school and
further education projects. Let's celebrate what we've got on our
doorstep and give it the recognition it deserves!
Andrew Chester
STATEMENT D.10.1
Public forum statement by Councillor Jay Jethwa to the Cabinet meeting of Thursday, 10th
June 2010
AGENDA ITEM 10
CLOSURE OF STOCKWOOD GREEN SCHOOL
This is a very sad day for the community of Stockwood and of course for the pupils,
parents, teachers, staff and Governors of Stockwood Green School. The Cabinet
decision today will be the final act which will bring the curtain down on this school after 40
years of service.
Without wishing to sound like a broken record on this issue, I have a responsibility towards
my constituents to bring to your attention the fact that everything has not run smoothly in
the implementation of the closure plan. This agonising process has often been handled in
an insensitive way. The sharing of information and procedures followed were subject to
unacceptable delays. I have raised many of these criticisms before - directly with Officers
and through previous statements, so I have no intention of belabouring these points again
as these are already on record.
However, I would like to say that a lot of time and effort has been spent by the governing
bodies and Head teachers of the three primaries in my ward, to try to find the best possible
outcome for local children once this school is closed. Sadly, this work has been
undertaken with little or no help from the Authority.
You cannot comprehend the upheaval this has brought to so many lives, from the innocent
children and their parents to the members of staff and Governors. I feel that all three
schools have been badly let down and at times left to their own devices.
I would ask the Executive Member for Children & Young People to look into how this
closure has been handled by her Officers and report to Council on what steps will be taken
to avoid the litany of mistakes which have taken place over Stockwood Green. I do not
believe any school should ever have to experience such bureaucratic insensitivity and
indifference again.
Finally, can I ask that Councillor Campion-Smith provide an indication as to when the
sweetener of additional money for the surviving Waycroft and Burnbush schools (promised
in the Primary Review) is likely to be forthcoming? It is my understanding that these funds
would become available on the closure of Stockwood Green.
COUNCILLOR JAY JETHWA