Snuff Mills Action Group blog

Inspector recommends Grove Wood to be Town Green

2012-01-28T19:49:00.002Z

After a 6 day inquiry held in April and August last year, the Inspector appointed by Bristol City Council has produced his more than 100 page report about whether Grove Wood should become a Town Green.

In the report he makes it clear that Grove Wood passes all of the legal tests set out in Town Green legislation and so he recommends that the land should be registered as a Town or Village Green. In the report he makes positive comments on the quality of the evidence provided by Snuff Mills Action Group and the many other residents who sent in statements or appeared to give evidence at the inquiry.

On the other hand the Inspector had little regard for Mr Jafari's evidence. He states that, “I did not find Mr. Jafari a reliable witness. His evidence as to fencing and notices varied in its content when put under pressure, and was inconsistent within itself. At critical moments he gave the impression of seeking to persuade, rather than to state facts”.

During the inquiry Mr Mair (Jafari's agent) was questioned about a document he produced for Bristol City Council in 2008 stating that, ‘the public have taken to walking across the land via any route they please’. This was a crucial piece of evidence in favour of the Town Green. During the hearing Mr Mair sought to retract this statement, but the Inspector was not convinced. He described Mr Mair’s evidence as, “…not reliable. In giving his evidence Mr. Mair’s demeanour was that of the advocate, not the witness.”

The Inspector's report will go before Bristol City Council's Rights of Way Committee soon and it is anticipated that Grove Wood will be designated a Town Green by the spring.

Legally, if Grove Wood is given Town Green status it will mean that residents from the neighbourhoods of Stapleton and Fishponds can enjoy the woods for 'sports and pastimes' - walking, rambling, orienteering, mountain biking and so on.

This, we believe, is how Grove Wood always has been enjoyed and always should be.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-25T09:48:00.000Z

Winter Party!

2011-12-05T21:03:00.000Z

Yes it almost Christmas! and how would you like to adorn your front door with a lovely handcrafted (by yourselves) Christmas Wreath?

Well get yourselves down to Snuff Mills on Sunday 11th Decemeber between 2pm and 4pm

Snuff Mills Action Group members will be on hand to help you make your own Christmas wreath just like above!

Jean our resident gardener will also be doing a demonstration of how to make a table decoration for the special day or just to brighten up your dinning experience at 3pm

If people want to make their own lantern, bring a jar and we'll provide the tea lights

To get us all in the Christmas spirit there will also be cakes and mince pies along with mulled wine (alcoholic and non alcoholic) or squash for those that prefer.

Meet other members have a natter and find out about what weve done and what we are planning and dont forget to bring a couple of quid for those mince pies and mulled wine. All proceeds will go directly to work in and around Snuff Mills organised by Snuff Mills Action Group.

Centre page spread

2011-11-04T19:07:00.003Z

Yesterday's Evening Post featured a centre page spread about the Snuff Mills garden and all the work of our volunteers. Featured is Jean Davidge, one of the key people who has been involved in the renovation of the garden. It still looks great down there even though it is the beginning of November.

The Future of Blackberry Hill Hospital

2011-10-30T08:17:00.001Z

As mentioned at our recent AGM the HCA is holding a drop in session on Friday the 4th Novemeber at the Vassals Centre to gather opinions and find people who would be interested in being part of a community developement board that will help shape how the site is developed.
below is the letter sent out to local residents.
18 October 2011
Re: the future of Blackberry Hill Hospital

Dear Sir/Madam,

I am writing to update you about our consultation on the future of Blackberry Hill Hospital in Fishponds and let you know how you can get involved and find out more about this project.

As you may know, the Homes and Communities Agency acquired Blackberry Hill in 2009, with a view to transforming the site into a new, vibrant and sustainable community. Initial proposals for the site, which were publicised on our website, include a mix of shops, commercial space, community facilities and open space, as well as up to 350 new homes. We believe this development could bring significant benefits to the community, and we are committed to involving local residents to ensure that proposals for the site reflect their aspirations.

Recently, we have written to members of the Bristol Citizens Panel about the project and held meetings with local residents, community groups and partners to discuss their ideas for the site and get their views about how this project can be progressed.

We are setting up a Community Development Board of around 15 local residents and people with a connection to the area to work with us to shape proposals for the site. A number of people have already expressed an interest in joining this Community Development Board, which will play a key role in working with the development partner and providing the direction needed to ensure that local people can be proud of the Blackberry Hill project. These include local councillors and representatives from the HCA, Bristol City Council, Snuff Mills Action Group, Fishponds Historical Society, Stapleton and Frome Valley Conservation Group and the Neighbourhood Forum.

But we want to ensure that all residents have the chance to find out more about the project and get involved in the Community Development Board. We have set up an information event on Friday 4 November, from 2pm to 9pm, when you can come and talk to me and my colleagues, find out more about how we will involve local people and help us shape these proposals. The event is open to anyone and will be held at The Vassall Centre, Gill Avenue, Fishponds, BS16 2QQ. More information will be available at the meeting. In the meantime, if you have any questions, please contact me and I will do my best to answer them.

I hope to see you at the event.

Owls on the prowl

2011-10-11T19:49:00.002+01:00

Our third annual owl prowl takes place next Tuesday 18th October in Snuff Mills. It will start at 7.30pm and involve a walk around the valley in the evening.

We have a male owl hooting again most nights, so there is a very good chance we'll hear them this year.

Last year we were overwhelmed with people, so we are having a booking system this year, so please email us at snuffmills@hotmail.co.uk to reserve your place and find out where the walk starts from!

Steve hands chairmanship of SMAG to Chris Williams

2011-10-06T21:22:00.010+01:00

Steve Micklewright resigned his post as Chairman of SMAG at this year's annual general meeting. Steve was given the above framed photo montage to mark his years of brilliant leadership. Steve will continue his work in the Grove Woods sub group and Chris Williams was voted in as the new Chairman. Malcolm Stenner is the Treasurer and Sue Drake is the Secretary. Many congratulations were given to Jean and the gardening team for their amazing efforts and Steve, Mark and Jean all gave presentations. We all wish Chris the best for her term in the big seat!

'Outstanding' with the Lord Mayor

2011-10-03T21:03:00.003+01:00

Snuff Mills Action Group have just attended a reception hosted by the Lord Mayor to celebrate Bristol in Bloom. We were awarded an 'outstanding' award by the RHS for all the work we have done to improve the garden.

In their comments about the garden the RHS and Bristol in Bloom said, "It is unbelievable that this high standard of horticulture has been achieved with such a small working group, bearing in mind that the volunteer sessions are held on Wednesday mornings and weekends. The group are a credit to the local community and also to the local authority. The standards of the gardens could easily equal the standards of any National Trust or other estate gardens. As soon as you enter the gardens, you're left both speechless and breathless.

On their visit the judges described the garden as 'the icing on the cake' for Bristol in Bloom and another one said, 'Wow - what more can I say.'

This is praise indeed. Special congratulations to Jean, Mark, Cheryl (pictured here with the Lord Mayor) and all our committed gardeners.

2011-10-02T19:32:00.000+01:00

The National Lottery have been using the work we have done in Snuff Mills in newspaper adverts to show just how many good causes have benefited from lottery money in Bristol. We were really pleased to be the project they chose to feature in the advert.

Snuff Mills meeting - October 6th

2011-09-28T22:28:00.002+01:00

Please come to the next Snuff Mills Action Group public meeting.

It will take place from 7.30pm on Thursday 6th October at the Stapleton Baptist Church on Broom Hill (between the roundabout and River View).

This meeting will be a celebration of all we have achieved over the last three years and will also feature with an update on Laundry Field and the plans by the HCA to build on it

There will also be a special presentation about Grove Wood where we will share with you the trials and tribulations of the campaign to save this lovely woodland.

This will also be our AGM - but don't worry, we'll get that over and done with quickly

Its official we're "Outstanding"

2011-09-19T18:56:00.002+01:00

As many of you may know this year SMAG entered the Royal Horticultural Societies "Its Your Neighbourhood Award" The results were announced last Thursday and we have been ranked as "Outstanding". The highest rating available. A huge congratulations and thankyou to all those who help out in the garden, organise events, lend a hand and to all those who have donated money however large or small without which this would have not been possible.

Signs of Autumn

2011-09-04T17:43:00.000+01:00

This fungus is growing on some rotting logs in Grove Wood by the river and is one of the first signs of Autumn we've noticed. Have you noticed any tell tale signs that the season is changing? Let us know.

More Awards for our area

2011-08-26T20:21:00.003+01:00

The Greater Fishponds Neighbourhood Partnership area recently won an award for its local history and community organisations. The award was given by the Lord Mayor who repeatedly mentioned Snuff Mills Action Group during his speech as a great example of local people who care about their area and its history. The award can be seen at Glenside Hospital Museum http://www.glensidemuseum.org.uk which is open Wednesday and Saturday mornings. Our area is full of community groups who care passionately about this very special part of Bristol, including the Fishponds Local History Society and the Stapleton and Frome Valley Conservation Society who all share the credit for the award.

Ice Age Discovery

2011-08-26T14:17:00.015+01:00

Steve England, our local fossil hunter, has recently found a tooth from an ancient horse from the river Frome in snuffmills.

During his fossil walk last June, Steve explained how the grey “pennant sandstone” of the gorge contains many fossils of extinct plants and animals.

He explained that the local rocks were originally laid as sediments from river deltas some 300-360 million years ago during the period described by scientists as the Carboniferous. The remains of ancient plants and animals were left in the sediments too.

After great pressures and the effects of ancient earthquakes, many rocks from the valley can now be split and squared easily for use as building stone. From the old quarries, Steve has collected many Carboniferous aged fossils, but has now found animal remains from the more recent ice age.

As reported last month in the Bristol Evening Post, Steve found a tooth from an extinct species of horse, which must have lived in the valley some 600,000 years ago.Read this following article:

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Ice-Age-discovery-river/story-12946437-detail/story.html

Snuff Mills garden in line for award

2011-08-19T19:37:00.003+01:00

Members of Snuff Mills Action Group's enthusiastic gardening group recently spent the evening at Bristol Zoo as part of the judging for Bristol in Bloom. The team took photographs of all the work that has been done to improve the garden as well as some flowers freshly picked from the garden.

The judges have already said how impressed they are with the work we have done to make the garden something really special. We are waiting to see if that means we will win an award for all the hard work.

Little Owls in Grove Wood

2011-08-08T10:26:00.004+01:00

Little owls have recently been heard calling in Grove Wood in the early evening and later into the night. There are resident tawny owls as well and people have also reported seeing more of the otters. This is a good indication that the lack of disturbances in the woods this year is helping wildlife to return.

Grove Wood Town Village Green Inquiry pt 2

2011-08-02T09:35:00.003+01:00

The The final stages of the Inquiry in to whether Grove Wood should become a Town Village Green takes place on Thursday and Friday of this week (4th-5th August). The objectors (Mr Jafari and his land agent Mr Mair) will present their evidence and be cross examined by Snuff Mills Action Group and there will be summing up from both sides.

The Inquiry takes place in the Council House on College Green between 10-4pm on both days, please come along to witness for yourself the evidence to be given by the objectors.

Jafari appeal fails

2011-07-28T09:24:00.002+01:00

Jafari and Rhino Group were in court last week appealing their criminal conviction for not removing the shipping container when directed to do so by Bristol City Council. After two days in front of three judges, the appeal was dismissed. The judges were not convinced by John Mair's (Jafari's agent) claims that 'remove' simply meant 're-move', that is simply moving the container a little bit. The judges were also satisfied that Bristol City Council's witnesses were honourable in their intentions and had no hidden agendas with regard to Grove Wood.

Costs were awarded against Jafari and Rhino Group. Jafari claimed Rhino Group had no money to pay costs and the Judges made it clear that if that was the case, Jafari would have to pay all costs.

Garden Inspected

2011-07-10T19:36:00.004+01:00

Representatives of the Royal Horticultural Society and Bristol City Council visited the Snuff Mills garden over the weekend to look at all the work that has been done by the Action Group to improve it. We are hoping that all the hard work of the volunteers (some pictured here including gardening coordinator Jean Davidge in the wheelbarrow) will be rewarded with some sort of acolade from the RHS or the Council. They deserve it for all the hard work and for transforming the garden in to a thing of beauty.

Let's get the Council moving on Grove Wood

2011-06-12T19:46:00.002+01:00

Grove Wood at full council from 6pm on Tuesday 21st June 2011

It is now over a year since Bristol City Council’s Cabinet declared their intention to designate Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve and compulsory purchase it from the landowner if they could not reach an agreement with them.

Well precious little seems to have happened in the last year as far as we can tell. We know that the Council sent a letter to the landowner in November 2010 offering to buy the wood from him, but no official proceedings to declare the wood a nature reserve seem to have started. We can only assume that nothing is being done.

We are therefore going to lobby the next full Council meeting on Tuesday 21st June at 6pm. We have submitted a series of questions to the Council for the appropriate Councillor to answer so we can find out what is going on.

You can help put some more pressure on Bristol City Council to get moving by sending in a statement telling them exactly how you feel about this situation. Please send in a statement in your own words, but you might like to tell them that:

• Snuff Mills Action Group and the local community have been campaigning for over 3 years to get Grove Wood in to safe hands
• Thousands of people signed a petition to seek the declaration of Grove Wood as a Local Nature Reserve
• The landowner appears to have very little respect for the woods, local people or the attempts of the Council to resolve the situation
• The Action Group is seeking to make Grove Wood a Town Green, but this would not get it in to safe ownership or ensure that it is properly looked after
• It’s time the Council helped the local community in its efforts to save Grove Wood by compulsory purchasing it from the landowner

But this is really the time for you to say why you think Grove Wood should become a nature reserve and tell them how disappointed you are that nothing seems to be happening.

Please keep your statement polite and send it to democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk no later than noon on Monday 20th June. If you send us a copy, we will paste it on to the blog for others to see, to give them ideas.

If you wish to speak to the full Council meeting, let them know and don’t forget to join us outside the Council House on College Green at 5.45pm for yet another protest – bring those trusty banners from other protests or make a new one!

Everyone in Snuff Mills Action Group thinks it's time for the Council to take action - help us make that happen.

Fossil Walk - Thursday 9th June, 7-9pm

2011-06-05T09:13:00.004+01:00

400 million years ago Snuff Mills was part of a massive river delta in warm tropical seas. Fallen trees were buried in the sand of the delta and these are now fossils hidden among the tough pennant sandstone that makes up the rocks of the valley. Come and see them for yourself with local fossil enthusiast, Steve England. We can't offer you dinosaur bones, because they hadn't evolved 400 millions years ago, but the fossils that we have are fascinating.

The walk starts from the Snuff Mills car park and the gates will be open.

Laundry Field news

2011-06-05T09:05:00.003+01:00

Snuff Mills Action Group submitted an application for Laundry Field to become a Town Village Green last week. It is now nearly two years since the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) bought the field, along with Blackberry Hill Hospital. While we had hoped to be able to agree with the HCA about the future of the field, we have put in a Town Village Green application to ensure we have recourse to this process if negotiations with them over the future of the land are not successful.

Mutt Strut film

2011-05-31T15:21:00.001+01:00

A short film of our recent Mutt Strut by Richard Pring

Laundry Field Update

2011-05-23T22:41:00.001+01:00

On the 28th April a meeting was held at the Baptist Church Hall on Broom Hill.
The main topic of conversation was a discussion over the future of the Old Blackberry Hill Hospital Site and the adjoining Laundry Field.
Invited to attend were representatives from the current owners the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) namely Jay Lambe, Niki Wagstaff and Ben Lowndes.
In no particular order the meeting discussed the following:
Jay Lamb explained who the HCA were and gave some examples of the projects they had been involved in recently.
She also confirmed that they are the current owners of the site and have recently advertised for expressions of interest from developers to form a partnership with the HCA in developing the site.
This is done via a tender process and as part of this tender the developers would be expected to detail their vision for the site and also how they would engage in consultation with the community and other interested parties (stakeholders). It was emphasised that community involvement would be a key aspect in bringing forward any proposals for the site and this would include any development of laundry field. It was stressed that no decisions have been made in regards the future of Laundry Field. It was also pointed out that the historic nature and the presence of listed buildings within the hospital site would also have to be taken account of in any development scheme.
Niki explained her role as the Estates Manager of the site for HCA and outlined the work that the HCA had undertaken since its acquisition of the site. This included securing the building, tree surveys and tree works to many of the trees across the site. Works had also been done to some of the listed buildings with full approval of Bristol City Councils heritage team. Signs had also been erected on Laundry field stating the legal ownership outlining the public rights of way. This was required to protect the HCA from the potential of claims if somebody should injure themselves on the field when not on the footpaths.
Throughout the meeting much discussion took place over community involvement and the openness of the process that would take place. Apart from certain financial aspects of any agreements made it was explained that the process would be open for all to see but the appointment of the development partner would be the HCA’s decision due to the financial aspects and ensuring the right partner was chosen in a timely manner.
Members of the HCA left the meeting leaving the meeting to continue with discussions over what had been said and whether a Town and Village Green Application would be submitted to Bristol City Council.
After much debate it was agreed that the erection of signs stating that the land was private property and access was only allowed on the public footpaths could legally be deemed as prevention of the publics’ right of access to the field, and as such a Town and Village Green Application should go ahead.
Any queries about the day to day activities should be directed to Niki Wagstaff at Niki.Wagstaff@hca.gsx.gov.uk or tel 0117 937 7219 this should include any suspected vandalism/damage.
If you need any further information regarding the future developments should be directed to Ben Lowndes at Ben.Lowndes@hca.gsx.gov.uk or tel 0117 937 7209
The Ariel photograph shown is a plan of the ownerships boundaries reproduced approximately onto a google earth image, thanks to plans of the HCA’s ownership that cannot be displayed due to copyright. We take this opportunity to thank the HCA for attending the meeting and providing information to produce the above plans.

Dog show fun

2011-05-17T19:09:00.004+01:00

The valley was full of dogs on Sunday for the second Snuff Mills Action Group sponsored mutt strut and fun dog show. We had more dogs taking part in the walk and especially the dog show compared with last year and everyone had a great time. By the end of the event all of the dogs were behaving like long lost friends, and one recently rescued Staffie had changed from a nervous little thing in to quite a confident hound.

Special congratulations to all the winners in the fun dog show and special congratulations to rescued Staffie Oscar (middle photo), this year's best in show, and the reserve best in show, Sam the lurcher (bottom photo). Oscar is set to feature in the evening post soon as his owner has told us: "I’m Paul and along with my partner Klaire we own Oscar the staffie who won the King of the Valley and overall dog show prize last Sunday at Snuff Mills held after the Mutt Strutt (which was great fun!). Anyway I just wanted to let you guys know that I contacted the Bristol Evening Post (my tagline was: from stray dog to show winner in six months!) and they plan on taking a photo of us and Oscar and publishing an article in their newspaper which will thus be seen right across the Bristol area. This will also generate publicity for Snuff Mills Action Group and Bristol DAWG"

All profits from the event will be shared equally between Snuff Mills Action Group and DAWG - Dog Action Welfare Group Bristol. A special thank you just go to Gerry Watkins from DAWG for judging the show for the second year and to Chris Williams and all the other volunteers from Snuff Mills Action Group who made it such a fun event.

Litter pick - Saturday 7th May

2011-05-04T21:04:00.002+01:00

Join us for our spring clean of the valley on Saturday 7th May from 2-4pm. Bring gloves and a sturdy bin liner if you can. Meet in the garden area.

Woodland walk Sun 17th April

2011-04-10T11:27:00.003+01:00

Join us for a woodland walk to celebrate Spring from 2pm on Sunday 17th April. Naturalist Rupert Higgins will lead the walk around the valley and he will show you all of the amazing plantlife of the area. Bluebells will be in full bloom by then, but Rupert will also show you the rare plants that live in the ancient woodland areas of the valley, including this beautiful Solomon's Seal that some people also grow in their gardens.

Meet in the Snuff Mills car park at 2pm. Wear appropriate footwear - trainers should be alright if it is dry.

Grove Wood update

2011-04-10T11:18:00.003+01:00

The Inquiry in to whether Grove Wood should become a Town/Village Green was adjouneed after four days of evidence last week. The hearing will start again in July when more evidence will be presented and Lord Jafari and his agent, John Mair, will give evidence and be cross examined. Both sides will also have a chance to sum up their cases. After this, the Inspector will write his report and we should know whether he recommends that Grove Wood should be registered as a Town Village Green by the early Autumn at the latest.

Thanks to everyone who came and gave evidence at the hearing and to others who came along to watch the proceedings.

Wickham Glen accident

2011-04-10T11:10:00.002+01:00

Late on Friday night/Saturday morning a jeep type vehicle collided with the new entrance to Wickham Glen resulting in damage to the bollards and the new wall. Luckily it appears that no one was hurt.

It's terrible that this has happened just days after the completion of the new cycle track and pathway through the Glen. This picture shows the entrance before the accident.

Dippers by the Mill

2011-03-14T21:08:00.001Z

For those who can remember back to the dawn chorus last year when dippers flew over us, well today whilst down at the mill I had the rare privilege of seeing a pair of dippers. They flew along the river about a meter high and decided to stop just opposite the benches overlooking the river by the mill. What a truly wonderful sight. Yet another example as to why it is so important that we all fight to protect the valley for all its wondefull inhabitants. I have often heard people say they had seen dippers upstream but never thought I would see them and yet today they decided to stop say hello by the gardens if only for a short while!

Otter Spotted

2011-03-07T09:21:00.006Z

A member of SMAG saw an otter on Friday evening just before dark. It was swimming upsteam along Grove Woods but for obvious reasons we don't want to give away the exact location. The sighting, being at dusk, proves that there is a holt (an otter den) somewhere nearby as they will only start to venture out once the light is going. This is more proof, if it were needed, that the woods and the river banks need protection of the highest sort. We need the Local Nature Reserve plan to be completed as soon as possible.

Ghost seen at Snuff Mills?

2011-03-03T19:32:00.002Z

We were sent this message today by someone, has anybody had similar experiences in the valley?

"My wife and I walked along the river Frome from Frenchay for the first time this week, what a wonderful walk! As we arrived at Snuffmills there was an elderly couple in front of us with an alsation dog. They turned right around the old snuffmills and entered the building through what we assumed was the entrance to the cafe. When we tried to do the same there were black railings and a padlocked iron fence leading to the waterwheel. They had walked through the fence and disappeared.
Has anyone else had a similar experience?"

Grove wood Town Green Hearing coming soon

2011-02-25T18:30:00.001Z

An official notice has now been served to confirm that an Inquiry in to whether Grove Wood should become a Town Green will take place in April.

You can help us by providing details of your use of Grove Wood as evidence to be used at the Inquiry. Please email us at snuffmills@hotmail.co.uk for more details of how you can help.

Signs of Spring

2011-02-20T20:24:00.003Z

The first signs of spring seem to be showing up in the valley. Greater spotted woodpeckers have been heard drumming, while great tits have been seen carrying nesting material around. Some of the ducks already have paired off along the river too. Snowdrops are also out in the garden, hopefully the first of many flowers to come.

Wickham Glen fiasco?

2011-02-12T18:54:00.012Z

We have been getting reports that the works to construct a cyclists' ramp in Wickham Glen are damaging the area and we have been to have a close look too.

Work of this kind is always messy, but these before and after photos do show the serious impact that the works are having on the Glen.

Mark Logan, our Vice Chair, has been to take a close look so that he can compare the work being done with the precautions that were meant to happen to make sure the construction of the ramp has the least impact possible. Here's what he reports:

* At the entrance to the Glen a section of wall has been removed (at no point was this ever mentioned) thus destroying part of the historic fabric of the Glen.
* At the compound outside the Glen, soils have been stripped and just dumped behind the wall and into the woodland edge.
* As you go into the Glen a large pile a tree trunks etc has been dumped next to the river bank.
* There has been excessive movement of plant across the Glen that has occurred after the access track has been constructed. This can be clearly seen by the tracks going across the grass and then onto the track chewing up the geotextile separator.
* Just before you get to the ramp roots and debris has been dumped into the edge of the brambles.
* When you eventually get to the woodland and ramp area things are not being done in accordance with the arboricultural development statement. It categorically excludes the use of herras fencing with rubber feet and also states a wooden kick board should be used at its base.
* The Group 2 trees are supposed to be fenced and this has not been done.

We have constantly expressed our concerns over the potential damage to the Glen during construction and we were assured that the Glen would not be damaged. Of course Wickham Glen can recover from a lot of the damage, although it probably will never have the same special feel that it had before. But even so, how long will that recovery take if the work is not being done with enough care and attention?

We will be meeting the Council next week to discuss the situation.

Grove Wood Town Green Hearing

2011-01-30T10:41:00.002Z

A hearing will be held in April to help decide whether Grove Wood should become a Town Green. If this was to happen, the rights of local people to enjoy Grove Wood would be protected. An Inspector has been appointed and he will hear evidence from those in favour of this (Snuff Mills Action Group and the people who use Grove Wood) and those against the idea (that's the landowner and his related companies). The Inspector will then decide whether to recommend that Grove Wood should become a Town Green and write a report for the Council.

Please contact us if you can provide photos showing people using Grove Wood or would be prepared to write a statement or take part in the hearing itself. Email snuffmills@hotmail.co.uk We can then explain how you can help in more detail.

The Big Save Our Parks Petition

2011-01-29T09:43:00.001Z

The Big Save Our Parks Petition
Lead Petitioner : Mark Weston
http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/epetition_core/community/petition/1403

Petition
“We, the undersigned, call on Bristol City Council to reconsider the proposed land sales as part of the Parks & Area Green Spaces Strategy. We consider the consultation process undertaken by the Cabinet to be flawed and by signing this petition, we want the Cabinet Councillors and officers to hear our concerns. Neighbourhood Partnerships should decide on any green space disposals in their area - making sure local people are involved in the decision making, unlike the decisions taken so far by Cabinet. We support continued investment in green spaces but not at the price of selling off the green lungs of our City.

We understand that, under new rules, petitions with 3,500 or more signatures will be debated at Full Council. The 20-year green space strategy is so important to Bristol and will affect communities for many years to come, so we believe it is right for all Councillors and the public to have their say at a meeting of the Council."

Background Information
Under recently adopted rules governing petitions, the Authority is obliged to bring a matter to Full Council where an issue attracts 3,500 signatures from people who live, work or study in the city.

Once this trigger point is reached, petition organisers can advise Council Officers that they wish to take up this opportunity for debate at the next available meeting.

We hope that by getting enough signatures from across the city that we can call for a debate at the March Council meeting and SAVE OUR PARKS.

The Making of "The Story of Snuff Mills"

2011-01-19T19:42:00.001Z

Wickham Glen - work about to start

2011-01-14T19:33:00.001Z

Work to create the new cycle ramp in Wickham Glen is about to start. Over the next few days contractors will begin to remove a number of trees along the route of the new ramp and then construction will commence. The contractors will bring materials through Wickham Glen itself and so the area is likely to be very muddy for a while. Once the ramp is built the Council will resurface the footpath with a no more than 2.2m wide 'dust and stone' path. This should improve access for everyone, but keep the natural feel of the area in tact.

Cold winters

2011-01-05T20:08:00.005Z

Apparently December 2010 was the coldest one on record, but these photos show it could have been a lot worse. The top picture shows that the River Frome was so frozen over in 1963 that people could skate on it. The lower picture shows massive icicles hanging off the old quarry faces in 1947 - another exceptionally cold winter.

Photos courtesy of Sheila Hill. If you have old photos of the area, we'd love to see them - send them to snuffmills@hotmail.co.uk

Broom Hill Quarry

2010-12-29T12:33:00.002Z

A lot of older people have mentioned the quarry that used to be where the car park is now at the end of River View. Thanks to some archive research at the Bristol Records Office by Andrew Hill, we have now found a black and white photo of the quarry from the 1950s. Sadly we did not find this picture in time for it to be included in the 'All About Snuff Mills' booklet, but there are lots of mentions of the quarry in it. You can get a copy of the booklet from the Snuff Mills cafe and various other places in Stapleton and Fishponds.

If you have old photos of the area, we'd love to see them, email them to snuffmills@hotmail.co.uk

Begbrook school film about Snuff Mills

2010-12-23T19:02:00.000Z

Tree party video

2010-12-16T11:46:00.002Z

A short film that captures all the fun of our recent winter tree party. Merry Christmas!

All about Snuff Mills

2010-12-11T14:00:00.003Z

A new booklet all about the history and wildlife of Snuff Mills is now available. There is an accompanying oral history cd put together by children from Begbrook School.

You can get a copy of the booklet and cd from the Snuff Mills cafe.

Save our trees!

2010-12-11T13:57:00.002Z

The government is proposing to make it easier for trees with dead branches covered by a Tree Preservation Order to be felled. These are just the sort of trees that are important for woodpeckers, fungi and insects. They are part of the web of life that makes a place like Grove Wood so special. Please take part in the Woodland Trust's campaign to stop this from happening. You will protected all trees and especially our very own special Grove Wood ones. just follow the link, it only takes a few minutes to do:
http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigning/our-views-and-policy/Pages/send-message.aspx

Winter Tree Party

2010-12-05T19:43:00.003Z

About 300 people brave the ice and cold to take part in the Winter Tree Party in Snuff Mills. People made festive wreaths, animal masks, musical rattlers and lanterns for the tree procession that too place just as it was getting dark. Thanks to everyone who came along and for all the volunteers and especually Ruth Worsley who made it happen. If you visit the valey between now and New Year, look our for the specially decorated trees.

Winter Tree party

2010-12-02T19:09:00.000Z

Come and celebrate the start of the festive season at our winter tree party on Sunday 5th December from 2-5pm by the mill. Come and see the trees that have been specially decorated for the season using sculptures made by children from all of our local schools.

They'll also be plenty to do for all ages including lantern making, mask making as well as a chance to weave a winter wreath to hang on your front door.

There will be a special children's earth walk to discover the wildlife of Snuff Mills, a historical walk where you may meet the ghost of Snuffy Jack. The highlight will be a special torchlight procession where we plan to light up the valley. There will be seasonal food and drink too.

The event will mark the publication of a new booklet and CD about Snuff Mills put together with help from children at local Begbrook Primary School with funding from the People's Millions.

The event is FREE and everyone is welcome.

Beautiful winter

2010-11-30T19:09:00.004Z

This amazing bracket fungus is growing on this tree in Grove Wood. It's just the sort of beautiful sight that would be lost from Grove Wood if the landowner had his way and removed all of the so called 'dead, dying or dangerous trees'. This picture is a really good example of why a variety of trees of different ages and in different states are so important for wildlife. Let's hope Bristol City Council hurry up and turn it in to a nature reserve soon.

Jafari fails to make a case for his Container....

2010-11-24T21:28:00.005Z

This morning saw the verdict and sentence handed down in the long running saga of the Grove Wood Shipping container.

Rhino Group and Housang Jafari were in court as the two defendants in a case brought by Bristol City Council following their failure to remove the container (pictured) when an enforcement notice had been issued.

Following two days in court last week during which Jafari's Solicitior and fellow Rhino director John Mair tried to obfuscate and befuddle all around him, the judge gave an eloquent speech today explaining that the case before him was "Not complex" as the concept of "removal" was quite a simple one. Mr Jafari had been told to remove the container, he had deliberately ignored the instruction, and so was guilty. Simple as that.

During his summing up, judge David Parsons used words such as "Disingenuous" and "Spurious" then said that Rhino Group had tried to "mislead the court and the local authority". He also said that as a businessman, Mr Jafari seemed to have bought the wood without "any clear idea of what he was going to do with it". Conflicting claims of a "memorial garden" and "forestry" use had obviously carried no weight with Judge Parsons.

Mr Jafari and Rhino Group were both fined £765 each, and costs of over £8000 each were awarded against them.

Evening Post article here

Jafari and co try to sneak in containers to Grove Wood

2010-11-13T13:38:00.005Z

Have a look at this! Rhino Group Ltd have applied to Bristol City Council to fell three trees in Grove Wood. Deep in their application to the Council is also an application to site two metal containers in Grove Wood, see below.

They claim that the containers are needed to carry out forestry work in the woods. Could it be a coincidence that Jafari is in Court again next week to try to overturn the Council's decision to remove his Permitted Development Rights in Grove Wood? That'll be a no then.

We are in contact with the Council on this matter and as soon as we have clarification over whether this application is legitimate, we will advise people over what they can do prevent this from happening.

Photo competition winner - plants and trees

2010-10-28T10:16:00.002+01:00

Congratulations to Andy Wyatt who won in two categories.

Photo competition winner - landscape

2010-10-28T10:12:00.002+01:00

Joint winner in the landscape category. Photo by Andy Wyatt

Photo competition winner - Landscape

2010-10-27T19:48:00.003+01:00

Joint winner in this category. Photo by Juliette Cook.

Photo competition winner - People and pets

2010-10-27T19:07:00.002+01:00

A fabulous winning entry from Barnaby Harding.

Photo competition: Winner of best historic photo

2010-10-25T18:48:00.003+01:00

Quarrying for pennant sandstone was still taking place in the valley in the 1950s as this photo by John Dike shows.

Boring but important part 1) - site allocations

2010-10-24T18:26:00.003+01:00

This is the last week to respond to the Council's consultation over plans to develop on Laundry Field and Begbrook Drive Open Space, as well as many other development proposals for the area including development at Glenside, Blackberry Hill Hospital, St Matthias and Snowdon Road.

Please take part in the consultation by filling in an online survey by 29th October.

On Blackberry Hill Hospital, we are asking the Council to separate Laundry Field from the plans and designate it open space. This is because we believe Laundry Field is an important wildlife corridor and is an important area linking Fishponds with the Frome Valley. We believe it could be better used for some playing fields and allotments to serve all the new residents to the area, while maintaining some of it as open grass for everyone.

On Begbrook Drive Open Space, we are asking the Council not the develop the site because it is important woodland edge habitat which is so important for badgers, bats and birds.

You can have your say by filling in the online questionaire here:
http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Environment-Planning/Planning/planning-policy-documents/bristol-development-framework/site-allocations/site-allocations.en

You will need to scroll down to the Greater Fishponds section.

Boring but important part 2) - Area Green Space Plans

2010-10-24T18:22:00.004+01:00

This is your last chance to comment on big plans for our parks and green spaces around Snuff Mills.

The Council have big ideas for the area includng creating a play area in Snuff Mills car park, concreting over part of Oldbury Court to create a MUGA - multi use games area. Snuff Mills Action Group opposes both of these ideas, but we think there are some good ideas too.

You have until 29th October to take part in the consultation. It only takes a few minutes but could help the Council make the right decision about our green spaces.

http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=127618140774

Photo competition exhibition

2010-10-23T17:21:00.003+01:00

Over 100 people visited the exhibition of photographs entered in to the Snuff Mills photography competition at Begbrook School today. We had over 130 entries and this photo by Robert Dockeray was voted the best overall photo by people who came to the exhibition.

The judges chose photos by the following people as winners in the different categories:
Adult: Plants & Trees: Andy Wyatt
Adult: People & Pets: Barnaby Harding
Adult: Wildlife - Animals: Jessica Payne
Adult: Landscape Joint Winners: Andy Wyatt / Juliette Cook
Adult: Historial: John Dike
Congratulations to all our winners who have received a gift voucher from Jacobs and a frame for their photo.

The results of the children's competition will be revealed at Begbrook School at an assembly in a couple of weeks.

A special thank you to Nigel Ollis who judged the competition and spent ages organisng the exhibition and Jez Toogood who also judged the photos.

Revised plans for Wickham Glen cycle path

2010-10-15T18:33:00.004+01:00

The Cycling City revealed further adjustments to the plan for a cycle ramp through Wickham Glen at the Snuff Mills AGM. This artist's impression gives a good idea of the changes. These were:
• The exit on the Blackberry Hill would be in the same style as the current exit on to Frome Terrace
• Some additional steps would be taken to ensure the exit on to Blackberry Hill is as safe as possible
• There would be no fencing along the pathway
• A woodland environment would be recreated with sensitive planting
• The damage to the rest of the path through Wickham Glen, caused by the construction work, would be repaired with a dust and stone path no wider than the existing path
• Bollards would be placed at the entrance to the new path to prevent vehicular access

Snuff Mills Action Group still has serious concerns about this scheme. these relate to:
• The safety of pedestrians, wheelchair users and cyclists exiting on to an accident blackspot on Blackberry Hill
• The likelihood of conflicts between cyclists and other users occurring due to speeding downhill along a smooth path
• The changes to the character of Wickham Glen; a tranquil place in a Conservation Area

However, in view of these changes, we are reviewing our objection to the planning application and will be sending a statement to the Planning Committee in time for their meeting on 20th October. If you wish to let them have your views about this revised proposal email them at: democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk no later than noon on 19th October.

Update: Our final position on this matter, sent to the Councillors is appended as a comment.

Toodle loo

2010-10-07T13:33:00.003+01:00

The new loos arrived in Snuff Mills car park this morning on the back of a large trailer - they are prefabricated apparently. So it looks like it won't be long before people will feel much happier about spending a penny in Snuff Mills. This will be in contrast to 2002 when the existing toilets were judged to be the worst public loos in the whole of Britain.

Snuff Mills Action Group General Meeting - Thursday 14th October 7-9pm - Stapleton Baptist Church, Broom Hill

2010-10-05T20:01:00.001+01:00

Snuff Mills Action Group General Meeting - Thursday 14th October 7-9pm - Stapleton Baptist Church, Broom Hill

Please join is for our first ever Annual General Meeting. Don't worry, it won't be boring, but more of a celebration of the progress we have made to improve Snuff Mills and save Grove Wood.

Also, did you know that plans to radically change Snuff Mills, Oldbury Court and Wickham Glen have been unveiled and you can help shape these plans? These include a children's play area in Snuff Mills car park, more games areas in Oldbury Court and of course a cycle track through Wickham Glen. There are some really positive proposals too.

To help you decide what you think of these plans and whether you want to support them or object to them, we will be joined by some Council staff who will talk about these plans and answer questions:
John Knowlson will talk about plans for a children's play area in Snuff Mills car park
Alberto Palmero will talk about the improvements to toilet facilities in Snuff Mills
Nick Pates will talk about plans for a cycle track through Wickham Glen

We want to talk about the plans to develop Laundry Field and sell Begbrook Drive Open Space for development too. We hope to have an update about Laundry Field at the meeting from the Homes and Communities Agency.

Wickham Glen update

2010-10-05T18:01:00.000+01:00

Update: The planning application has been resubmitted but it does not answer all of the objections. Watch this space as we may be asking for more objections to go in if there are no more changes to this proposal.

Councillors unanimously rejected the application for a 3m wide ramp through Wickham Glen despite recommendations from planners to approve the proposal. This follows a carefully researched campaign by Snuff Mills Action Group and concerns raised by many supporters of the group as well a local Councillors.

The Councillors have deferred a formal rejection until a future committee to allow the Cycling City team time to come up with a ramp that is not so wide and adresses the proposed dangerous exit onto Blackberry Hill properly.

Thanks to eveyone who helped by sending in statements and objections - it really makes a difference. A special thank you to Ivor Needs (pictured left with Mark Logan) who helped us research the issues over disabled access properly by joining us on a site visit with his disabled son, Matt.

We hope to work with the Cycling City team to develop a proposal that will genuinely inprove access to the Glen for everyone, but keep the Glen tranquil and special.

Owl prowl

2010-09-30T19:36:00.002+01:00

75 people joined us last night for our second owl prowl with naturalist Chris Sperring (pictured) . Luckily we were joined by two other owl experts which meant that the event could go ahead. Chris led us through the valley as far as Halfpenny Bridge where he stopped to call the owls. A female owl reponded straight away by screeching back, so we knew we were being watched.

We then split in to three groups to see if we could find other owls. One group went up towards Begbrook School because we have had reports of owls calling up there, but not last night. Another group went through Laundry Field and Grove Wood but did not hear owls rhere. The last group went through Oldbury Court and we heard the female owl again by Laundry Lane. It was great fun walking through the woods in the dark and everyone seemed to enjoy the event.

However, we were really sad not hear the twit-twoo of a male owl and we hope our screeching female finds a new mate soon.

Jafari in Court again

2010-09-22T00:00:00.001+01:00

UPDATE (Sept): Jafari is now due to have his two days in court on 17th and 18th November. (Bristol Magistrates Court - behind the Bus Station.)

UPDATE (Aug): Jafari appeared in Court yesterday, but the case did not proceed because John Mair could not prove he was allowed to practice as a solicitor in England (he is apparently registered in Scotland). Jafari now wants a barrister to represent him.

While the container has been removed, the Council want to proceed with this case because it has only been removed 'temporarily' and they want to make sure that he does not pull a fast one and stick it back there when we aren't looking!
________________________________________

Original Post: Mr Housang 'chopper' Jafari, landowner of Grove Wood, will be facing more charges at Bristol Magistrates Court for the next two days.

Exactly what these proceesings are about will not be revealed until the case starts, but Bristol City Council are involved, so we suspect it has something to do with Grove Wood. Perhaps it is about the fact that he did not remove the container when instructed, although two days seem quite a long time for such a matter.

If you fancy popping along, it's in Court 7 from 10am each day. We are uncertain if 'chopper' will be there, but no doubt his sidekick, sorry 'solicitor', John Mair will be representing him.

Freshen up the Frome

2010-09-21T18:48:00.001+01:00

Help Freshen up the Frome on Friday 24th September
Volunteers from Deloitte will be clearing litter and coppicing small areas to improve habitat for wildlife,with support from Snuff Mills Action Group.

Please come along and lend us a hand!

Meet in Snuff Mills car park at 9am. Work will continue until 4pm but finish whenever you like.

All tools and materials provided.

Benches done!

2010-09-20T18:39:00.003+01:00

After several weekends of hard work, Mark Logan and his helpers have installed the last of the eleven benches in Snuff Mills. These have been made possible through a mixture of lottery funding and donations from people who wanted to dedicate a bench to a loved one. Thanks to everyone that helped or who donated some money so we could have more benches than we'd planned.

They seem to be very popular too!

Tackling a problem

2010-09-19T17:53:00.003+01:00

You might remember that a kingfisher was found tangled up in fishing tackle a few months ago. Over the weekend a member of of Snuff Mills Action Group retreived these little collection of discarded >tackle between the garden and Halfpenny Bridge along with 30 foot of nylon fishing line. We love the fact that anglers can spend time in the valley catching fish. It is meant to be one of the most relaxing things to do. We just wish the few fishermen who do not retrieve their tackle or fish under trees where line could get caught up would think of the other great fisherman of the valley - the beautiful kingfisher.

Stand up for Wickham Glen

2010-09-01T18:23:00.008+01:00

Please help us stop a 3m (that's more than 9 feet) wide cyclists' expressway from ruining Wickham Glen forever. The Council's Cycling City Team say they want to build a ramp from Wickham Glen up to Broom Hill so that cyclists can get in to town more quickly and to enable better disabled access.

These are all good things of course, but the Cycling City Team have not taken in to account the unique character of Wickham Glen. It's a really beautiful spot next to the river between Eastville Park and Snuff Mills and has a long history dating back to the Civil War. It's not like a park but more like a bit of countryside in the city and Snuff Mills Action Group is strongly against it being covered in tarmac, spoiling this unique character.

We have objected to the planning application and urge you to send in statements objecting to the scheme too. Send your statement to democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk by noon on September 14th. Please quote: Land adjacent to Frome Terrace, Blackberry Hill,Bristol(ref:10/02839/FB) in the subject field of your email.
It will then be considered by the South and East Development Control Committee of the Council the next day. In your statement you could argue that:

1) For cyclists there is a perfectly acceptable alternative to building a cyclists expressway through Wickham Glen by using Wickham Hill instead. This is a cul de sac with very litte traffic and it leads straight down to the river - it's already there so why throw more tarmac at the area?

2) A 3m wide tarmac ramp and path will spoil the unique character of the area which is part of the Stapleton Conservation Area and a wildlife site. A much narrower path surfaced with more appropriate materials would be more in keeping

In response to suggestions by Snuff Mills Action Group to reduce the width of the path or use Wickham Hill lane the Cycling City Team claim they are also trying to improve access for disabled people. We applaud this idea but have tested the proposals with 78 year old Ivor Needs and his son, Matt, who uses a wheelchair. They tell us this proposal will not help wheelchair users because:

1) It's a long ramp that leads up to Broom Hill and it needs level resting places otherwise it is too much of a long climb
2) The ramp will come out on Broom Hill higher up than the current exit on Frome Terrace. This means there is a steeper uphill climb to reach the ramp which would be difficult for wheelchair users
3) There is no provision for crossing Broom Hill which is a notorious accident blackspot and this scheme will endanger both wheelchair users and cyclists alike

Ivor does not see the need for a really wide path either. He believes a much narrower path will maintain the beauty of the area and discourage cyclists from speeding and encourage them to respect walkers. We also believes the path should exit on to Broom Hill by Frome Terrace following the line of the current footpath as this really would help wheelchair users and result in the loss of many less trees than the current plan.

You may be interested to know that we reached a compromise with Cycling City following a meeting on site a few weeks ago. They agreed a narrower path and other changes to the scheme, but then emailed us the following week to say this was no longer acceptable because of the needs of the 'disabled community'. A few of us in Snuff Mills Action Group work with people with disabilities and we have been very offended at the way the Cycling City team seem to have cynically used the needs of disabled users to promote what is really a road - but a road that just happens to be for cyclists.

New book from Ian Llewellyn

2010-08-23T11:20:00.011+01:00

SMAG member Ian Llewellyn (see the SMAG logo picture) has had a book about Kingfishers published by New Holland Publishers. It can be purchased from Amazon, Blackwells, Waterstones or from high street bookshops.

Here is the description from Amazon: Usually encountered as a flash of blue or orange seen from the riverbank, most people are aware of the Kingfisher, but few are familiar with the intricacies of its day-to-day life. Here its remarkable existence is celebrated through a series of stunning chapters with images depicting courtship, nesting, fishing, winter survival and other important events in the lives of Kingfishers, which are further brought to life through the eloquent accompanying text which is enlivened by personal anecdotes from the author and photographer. The book is the first in a series, and it will be followed by Peregrine Falcon and Barn Owl in March 2011.

David Chandler is based in Histon, Cambridge, and has worked for the RSPB and BirdLife International for nearly 20 years. He is now a freelance writer and ornithologist and has authored a number of titles, including the All About Bugs and All About Garden Wildlife for New Holland.

Ian Llewellyn is a professional photographer and cameraman who has worked on many documentaries for the BBC. He has been fascinated by Kingfishers for many years and spent many months studying and photographing them. He lives in Fishponds, Bristol.

For Irene

2010-08-22T19:36:00.005+01:00

One of Stapleton's longest residents and most committed naturalists, Irene Hockey, died recently. She was born in the area in 1921 and lived in the house she was born in for nearly all of her life. Irene was also my next door neighbour.

I wanted to put a little tribute to her on the blog because she has inspired many of the the things we have done in Snuff Mills Action Group. Irene used to tell me lots of stories about the area when I saw her and that was the inspiration behind the oral history project we are doing - sadly she died before we were able to interview her for the project.

It was also Irene who remembered the name of Grove Wood when everyone else had forgotten its name. Her husband, Hector, organised the first ever campaign to protect Grove Wood in the 1970s when he tried to stop the hospital from dumping their rubbish in the woods.

Irene loved Snuff Mills and especially Stoke Park before the motorway was built and she was one of the leading members of the original Stapleton Conservation Society and was heavily involved in the Bristol Naturalists Society too. There wasn't much about the area or wildlife that she didn't know and I know I will miss her encouragement and support.

Willow Felled

2010-08-17T12:24:00.006+01:00

The weeping willow (see the main blog photo above) that used to grace the weir next to the Broomhill Bridge has now been removed at the request of the Environment Agency after a complaint from an unknown resident. It was blocking the flow because of the large amount of debris that was trapped beneath it. We believe this is reasonable but hope that the remaining stump will regenerate quite quickly into a more upright tree.

We assume the men who are doing the job have been hired by Mr Jafari. They are also removing the tree that almost fell onto the cafe a couple of years ago as it too was blocking the river. However it must be noted that they do not have a remit to carry out any further tree works.

Update:
We have had reports of walkers being subject to abuse by people who are working in the wood, one of whom is Mr Jafari's son. If this happens to you, please email or post something on our blog. See here for further details of these incidents.

Get off my land!

2010-08-09T20:14:00.008+01:00

We had this report from a local person who was enjoying a walk through Grove Wood yesterday:

"Was taking a leisurely stroll along the upper path of Grove Wood this afto, with my friend Karen and Jack...thank goodness, when we were accosted by some bloke telling us this was a private footpath and we were trespassing! He said his name was John Meer? and his company owned it. Well, two Conservation Society women and Jack were no match for him, and he hurried on his way muttering about calling the Police!
What is the position with the compulsory purchase order? and do you know who John Meer is?
I am not easily scared but Karen was quite concerned for our safety! We did wonder if he may just have been a 'Patient' !"

John Mair is apparently the 'solicitor' for Housang 'chopper' Jafari, the landowner of Grove Wood. We think this is proof that the Council should hurry up and Compulsory Purchase Grove Wood as he clearly is not welcoming to visitors to this proposed nature reserve.

If you have any similar expeiences, please let us know so we can gather more evidence of such behaviour

New benches for Snuff Mills

2010-08-07T18:26:00.004+01:00

Our team of volunteers began installing the new benches in Snuff Mills today. The project is being led by Snuff Mills superhero Mark Logan who is really chuffed with how the new benches look.

Eleven benches will eventually be installed, some of them in quieter places so you can have a peaceful sit down. Each bench has been sponsored by different people and groups in the local community, usually in memory of a loved one, with match funding from The People's Millions. The second picture shows Keith and Sandra Ingham by the bench they sponsored. Keep an eye out for more benches as we put them in over the next few weeks.

Pathway resurfacing

2010-08-07T11:00:00.001+01:00

UPDATE: The pathway resurfacing was completed today (Sat 7th August). It took a little longer than expected, but we hope that it now means that anyone that wants to can at least enjoy a circular walk to Halfpenny Bridge and back.

PREVIOUSLY: The contractor has been working to resurface the upper and lower paths in Snuff Mills all week. The area that floods close to Halfpenny Bridge has been resurfaced with a porous material in an attempt to stop this. The lower path by the river is now also now resurfaced with tarmac.

This People's Millions funded project has been done to make at least some of the valley more accessible to wheelchair users and other people with mobility problems. Work will continue to resurface the upper path and the stretch from the mill to where the paths split. In a few days it will not be possible to access the valley from Snuff Mills for a day or so. We apologise for any inconvenience and hope that you will agree the end result will be worth it.

Houshang Jafari convicted of endangering an aircraft

2010-08-03T09:02:00.004+01:00

Update 3rd August: Mr Jafari has been sentenced to 1 year in prison for this offence. http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-bristol-10851311
--------------------------------------------------------------------
7th July: The landowner of Grove Wood (Mr Jafari) made the front page of the Evening Post and some national & even international newspapers after appearing in court charged with endangering a helicopter. He has since been found guilty by jury and will be sentenced on August 3rd. While this matter is not directly linked to Grove Wood, we think it will be of interest.
-------------------------------------------------------

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/HEL-MAD-STUNT-PULL/article-2387711-detail/article.html 07/07/2010

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Man-claims-did-grab-hold-helicopter/article-2397906-detail/article.html 09/07/2010

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Businessman-grabbed-helicopter-face-jail-term/article-2407570-detail/article.html 13/07/2010

http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/news/Bristol-businessman-jailed-terrifying-attack-helicopter/article-2484997-detail/article.html 03/08/2010

Grove Wood container gone

2010-07-29T17:09:00.002+01:00

After what seems like an eternity, Mr Jafari finally did the decent thing and removed the shipping container that has been a blot on the landscape in Grove Wood today at 3.45pm. Luckily a member of the group was there to record this wonderful moment.

I guess Mr Jafari couldn't face yet another humiliation in the Courts as the issue was due to go to court in August.

Wickham Glen Cycling Proposals

2010-07-27T23:01:00.000+01:00

A planning application has been submitted by Cycling City for a new cyling ramp to be installed through the woods in Wickham Glen and onto Blackberry Hill/Broom Hill.
The application is only for the Ramp Only but forms part of the larger scheme (which doesnt need planning approval as its deemed as improvements/repairs to existing) which will continue the new cycle path through Eastville Park all the way to Blackberry Hill/Broom Hill and then eventually Stoke Park.
The planning application is for a new 3m wide cycle route to but cut through the existing woodland that is surfaced in tarmac and has timber post and rail fencing either side.
In order to do this trees will have to be removed and substantial earthworks undertaken. A replanting scheme will then be undertaken.

The documents can be seen by folowing the following weblink:
http://e2edocs.bristol.gov.uk/WAM/findCaseFile.do?appType=planning&appNumber=10/02839/FB
No provison has been made to prevent or even make more difficult motobike access. The route is designed to conform to national cycle route standards.

It appears that due to Bristol being a cylcling city that this is the norm.
Should we accept that instead of asking cyclist to use the road from Wickham bridge up to Blackberry Hill we have to accept that woodland has to be destroyed and repalced with 3m wide cycle lanes.
We accept that the footpath is in need of repair and that access is not suitable for cycles/wheelchairs and motorbikes but do we have to tarmac everywhere to enable unfettered access to those that choose to ride bikes and not walk along public footpaths?
You can also contact the ofiicer responsible for submitting the proposals at nick.pates@bristol.gov.uk or his colleague jon.usher@bristol.gov.uk who will be able to explain the proposals to you.
We would like to gage the opinion of our members so the group can respond to this application so please comment on what you think.

New plans for Snuff Mills, Oldbury Court and Wickham Glen

2010-07-16T16:10:00.005+01:00

The Council have just published their Area Greenspace Plan for the open spaces in our area. As well as including plans to sell of several open spaces for development, see post below, it includes lots of ideas for improving our parks and greenspaces.

For Snuff Mills and Quarry Field (by Ham Lane) they propose:
1) To repair the historic buildings and walls, improve access and provide facilties for the community as whole.
2) Reinforce the wildlife value.
3) Provide a new, enclosed childrens play area in natural materials adjacent to the car park.
4) Continue to improve paths
5) Continue to improve formal planting beds.
6) Improve appearance of car park.
7) Manage and maintain Ham Lane [Quarry Field] to keep it as it is and improve the footpath link between the two spaces.
They say that these are ideas and options and they cannot afford to do all of these suggestions.

For Oldbury Court they propose:
1) New visitors centre, staff accommodation, shared use pavilion and cafe.
2) Redesign main car park.
3) New entrance gates and signage. A large entrance feature is suggested.This could
be of a modern design or replicate what might have been there originally.
4) Open up of the entrance off Goffenton Drive
5) Creation of a secondary parking area
6) Creation of a new formal area with seating
7) Introduction of a wheels park or Multi-Use-Games-Area for young people
8) Restore the original landscape design. This would involve the removal of some trees planted since the Estate was originally laid out and may give rise to concerns regarding the loss of natural habitats.
9) Reinforce wildlife interest. Within the framework of trees it may be possible to carry out low level planting of native perennials to add to the wildlife
value of the Estate.
10) Repair of riverside path
11) Repair of walls and bridges
12) Signs from Fishponds Road
13) Review sporting use and the creation of a new cricket square
14) Signs and information throughout the estate.
Once again they say these are ideas and options and they cannot afford to do all of these suggestions.

Finally for Wickham Glen they propose to maintain the green route along
the valley and improve connections and to reinforce the wildlife
value by
1) Creating an attractive and improved path through the site
2) Appropriate scrub clearance to increase the range of natural habitats

These plans are now out for consultation. While Snuff Mills Action Group will be responding, and we support many of these proposals (but not all of them), you can have your say. Take part in the online consultation here: http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=127618140774

View the plan for yourself here: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Environment-Planning/Parks-and-open-spaces/information-and-advice/area-green-space-plans/05-eastville-hillfields-and-frome-vale/area-green-space-plan-ideas-and-options-for-eastville-hillfields-and-frome-vale.en

New developments proposed for the area

2010-07-16T15:28:00.006+01:00

The Council have just published their site allocations for our area. This highlights land that they regard as suitable for development. Several of the proposals affect the areas that are of concern to Snuff Mills Action Group.

Laundry Field and Blackberry Hill Hospital are alloacted for housing and business uses, although there seem to be some concessions to preserve greenspace. We will be preparing a full and detailed response to this allocation of land to ensure that the assurances we have received from the owners of the land, the Homes and Communities Agency, are noted. Otherwise a developer could be rubbing their hands at all that greenfield land ripe for development with the possibility of no less than 470 dwellings there.

Also of concern are plans to develop Begbrook Drive open space next to Begbrook School. This area of land is proposed for either housing or a travellers' site. We would be concerned about the impact of any development here on the wildlife and amenity of the valley below it and will be sending some detailed feedback, whether it means they will build 24 homes or provide 12 gypsy pitches.

Also on the list is Glenside Campus, just above precious Grove Wood. Development here could provide 341 dwellings. The site is registered as a Historic Landscape as well as in a Conservation Area and a Wildlife Network Site. We would be concerned about the impact of development on Grove Wood and the wider area. Would there need to be new sewers in the woods that would result in lots of trees being chopped down that would basically destroy the woods, especially after we have fought so hard to save it?

As if all that wasn't enough, they also propose to build 85 dwelling on Snowdon Road open space off Small Lane. This is slightly outside our area of interest, but it adds to the greenspaces that make Stapleton so unique.

And we haven't even mentioned the plans for 213 dwellings on the St Matthias campus in Fishponds close to Oldbury Court.

If all of these plans happen, we could see the loss of three areas of greenspace and 1048 new dwellings in the area. Snuff Mills Action Group will only comment on these proposals with regard to their impact on the greenspaces of the area, but you can have your say because the proposals are now out for consultation. Have your say here: http://www.snapsurveys.com/swh/surveylogin.asp?k=127679377956

You can view the full site allocations document here: http://www.bristol.gov.uk/ccm/content/Environment-Planning/Planning/planning-policy-documents/bristol-development-framework/site-allocations/site-allocations-and-development-plan-document-fsis/25---greater-fishponds-area.en

Path works about to start

2010-07-16T15:11:00.002+01:00

The paths in Snuff Mills will be restored during the week of 26th July. The work is being done by contractors Greentrees through Bristol City Council who have all worked hard to ensure the paths can be made to the highest possible standard with the money available.

Not all of Snuff Mills will be accessible during the week of the work.

On Monday 26th July it will not be possible to cross Halfpenny Bridge to get to Oldbury Court because the path that gets flooded next to the bridge will be being fixed - If you want to get to Oldbury Court from Snuff Mills on Monday 26th July you will need to walk through Grove Wood on the other side of the river.

The upper and lower paths will be surfaced between Tuesday - Thursday and it should be possible to enjoy the valley but you won't be able to use the path that is being surfaced - It might be an idea to keep your dog on a lead while this work is taking place.

On Friday 30th July the footpath from the Mill to where the two paths split will be surfaced. It will not be possible to get to the valley from the Mill on that day. If you want to get in to the valley from the car park on Friday 30th July you can either visit Grove Wood on the opposite side of the valley or walk up in to Quarry Field and along the top of the valley by Ham Lane. We hope to have signs to guide you.

New benches for Snuff Mills - coming soon!

2010-07-16T15:05:00.004+01:00

The new benches for Snuff Mills are in the final stages of making their way to the valley. They have been made specially for us by a company in Scotland, so it is taking a little longer than we had hoped for them to arrive.

A total of 11 new metal benches will be installed between the park entrance and Halfpenny Bridge thanks to the People's Millions lottery money and the kind sponsorship of many local people. Every single bench will be dedicated to someone who loved or loves the area.

The benches will be installed in more interesting places than the current ones so that visitors to the valley can sit in quieter spots not just next to paths. They will be installed by Snuff Mills Action Group volunteers with help from Bristol City Council. Because of this, it may take a little while for all of them to be installed.

Himalayan balsam pulling

2010-07-07T20:56:00.003+01:00

This rather beautiful looking plant is called Himalayan Balsam. While it might look good it is a very invasive plant that grows like a triffid and it is choking up our riverbanks making them less good for wildlife. There is a lot of it along the River Frome in Snuff Mills and on the other side of the river from Oldbury Court.

We've organised a special event to pull up this weed from along the river bank on Sunday 18th July from 2-4pm. Meet in the garden and bring gloves if you have them.

Mutt strut video

2010-07-04T09:34:00.001+01:00

A short film of the mutt strut and dog show by Richard Pring.

Mutt strut and dog show

2010-06-27T18:21:00.011+01:00

Over thirty dogs, their owners and friends joined in Snuff Mills Action Group's first ever sponsored mutt strut and fun dog show yesterday (Sat 26th June). The images show Onyx - winner of best mutt (top left), the sponsored walk going through the valley (top right), one of the classes in the dog show (middle), Florence winning Queen of the Valley (bottom left) and the three winners of best sit (bottom right). Congratulations to all the winning dogs Bailey (King of the Valley), Florence (Queen of the Valley), Archie (Senior Citizen), Fenris (Baby of the Valley), Nettie (Best Posh Dog), Florence (Best Sighthound), Onyx (Best Mutt), Casper (Waggiest Tail), Sheila (Most Adorable Eyes), George and Bob (Most Amazing Ears), Rose and Fenris (Best Pack) as well as the winners of best six legs and longest sit. Luckily Gerry Watkins, the Judge, did not go home with Tikka, although she voted it the dog she would most like to take home.

The event should raise about £800 when all of the sponsor money comes in and this will be shared between Snuff Mills Action Group, Bristol Dogs Home and Dog Action Welfare Group Bristol. A special thanks must go the the RSPCA for coming and offering to microchip dogs and for Dog Action Welfare Group for judging the dog show as well as Chris and all of the other members of Snuff Mills Action Group who made the event happen.

It was really great to see so many different dogs and so many people in the valley enjoying themselves. It's just about sums up what Snuff Mills is all about. We all enjoyed it so much, we are already planning next year's event!

Grove Wood to be Local Nature Reserve

2010-06-10T19:54:00.008+01:00

Late this afternoon Bristol City Council's Cabinet decided unanimously to declare Grove Wood a Local Nature Reserve and to compulsory purchase it from the landowner if they cannot reach a management agreement with him on reasonable terms.

They received 105 statements in support of the proposal, including 26 from pupils from Begbrook School. There was only 1 statement against, from John Mair, Lord Jafari's "solicitor".

Among the flood of statements in favour, there were impassioned pleas from so many people about the woods, its wildlife, their enjoyment of it and the damage that has been done by the current landowner.

The statement from John Mair made serious allegations against a Council officer basically accusing him of being in the pocket of the Action Group. For the record, the Group has often been frustrated by the refusal of this officer to take action when situations have arisen in Grove Wood, which must mean he has acted in a fair and even handed way.

The Cabinet of Bristol City Council saw through the statement by John Mair and were clearly impressed with the level of support from the community. It will still be a long time before Grove Wood becomes a nature reserve, but today represents a big step towards achieving this goal.

Thank you to everyone who sent in statements - it made a big difference.
__________________________________

Evening Post article

Lobby Council to make Grove Wood a nature reserve

2010-06-07T22:16:00.001+01:00

On Thursday June 10th from 4pm, Bristol City Council's Cabinet will be discussing whether Grove Wood should be declared a Local Nature Reserve and whether they should consider compulsory purchasing the woods to secure its future for wildlife and public enjoyment, if the landowner is not prepared to work with the Council to manage the woods properly.

A Local Nature Reserve designation would ensure that Grove Wood was managed for wildlife, public enjoyment and educational use - just what we have been calling for since 2008.

You can help make this happen by:
1) Emailing democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk no later than noon on Wednesday June 9th stating why you think the Council should declare an LNR and buy Grove Wood - the criteria for designation are below to help you write your email
2) Asking to speak at the Cabinet Meeting on June 10th - you need to request this in the email you send the Council
3) Joining Snuff Mills Action Group outside the Council House on College Green at 3.30pm to show how much you want this to happen - make and bring banners!

We may also organise a photocall for the media in Grove Wood in the next few days so watch this space.

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 we believe
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, you could say what wildlife you have seen there in your email to the Council OR
b) Of some reasonable natural interest and of high value in the local context for formal education or research or - We 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.

Please post whatever you send the Council here to inspire others - the more representations they get, the greater the chances they will do this.

Evening Post article

Chainsaws in Grove Wood

2010-06-07T22:14:00.005+01:00

With just three days before Grove Wood goes to Bristol City Council to possibly start the process to declare a Local Nature Reserve, you'd have thought the landowner would be trying to show he is a responsible landowner. Judging by today's events this would appear not to be the case. This white van appeared deep in Grove Wood this morning with two men with chainsaws. The noise could be heard from Snuff Mills and one group member set off to investigate. She found men chopping up wood in the woods and told them they could be disturbing protected species. Another Group member set off and was told he was tresspassing while telling the men that they could be breaking the law if they disturb protected wildlife. After many calls, a Council Officer appeared on site also telling them to conduct a proper assessment before doing work. They'd already stopped but it seemed to stop them from starting again.

We are not sure of the full details of the situation, or the rights and wrongs of it, but we do know that this is the worst time of year to do any work in woodland - bats are breeding and birds are nesting and you are breaking the law if you disturb them.

We need that nature reserve as quickly as possible.

Nest boxes destroyed

2010-05-23T14:49:00.003+01:00

Three of the nest boxes built and put up by children from Begbrook school were destroyed on Friday night. The children who built the boxes had only been out to the valley a couple of weeks ago and were so pleased when they saw their nest boxes being used. I guess they'll be devastated when they are told what has happened.

One other nest box has also been vandalised so that it can no longer be used by nesting birds. All three of the destroyed nest boxes had baby blue tits or long tailed tits in and the parents were feeding the young. All of the babies have died, or should we say murdered.

Have a look at a live webcam from another blue tit box to show what should be happening in the next boxes that have been destroyed.
http://www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/news.htm#bluetitcam
Makes you feel sick doesn't it?

Snuff Mills photographic competition

2010-05-22T20:06:00.000+01:00

Update: There are just a few days left to enter, so get those entries in now!

2010 sees the first ever Snuff Mills Action Group photography competition. You can submit photographs in 3 different age groups: 11 Years and Under; 12-16 Years; and 17+/Adult. And there are 4 main categories:

Wildlife: Animals – images of wild animals, birds or insects.
Wildlife: Plants and Trees – images that focus on plants or trees [individual close-ups, small groups or drifts of similar plants (e.g. bluebells)]
People & Pets in and Around Snuff Mills – images that focus on people and/or pets enjoying Snuff Mills
Landscape – images showing broader landscape themes [no people]

There will also be one special general category [no age group] for Best Historical Photo.

The judges will be looking for photos that are well composed, with good use of light, and contain a strong visual impact that fits the individual theme.

Rules:
• Photos can be in black and white or colour and should be submitted as a print. [Acceptable sizes: Minimum 9 x 6 inches up to a Maximum 10 x 8 inches.]
• Photos should not be obvious digital 'creations' or excessively manipulated.
• A maximum of 5 images can be submitted by any one person.
• All images must be taken in and around Snuff Mills or the local Frome Valley area.
• All images must be submitted with an entry form with relevant fees.
• Please write name, address, category and age group on the reverse of all submitted prints.
• The closing date for all entries is 30 September 2010.

Entrance Fees:
11 Years and Under FREE
12-16 Years 50p
17+ years/Adult £1.00

Prizes:
Each subject category will have an Age Group Winner and the winning image will be mounted and framed. [Certificates may also be awarded to commended runners-up.] Each age group will also have one Overall Winner, who will receive £50 photographic tokens/vouchers.

Entry Forms:
Please request an entry form via email from: SMAG_Photo_Comp@ollis.demon.co.uk

Exhibition and results:
The images will be displayed in an exhibition at Begbrook Primary School on 23 October 2010, when all results will be announced.

Watch over Grove Wood

2010-05-12T19:15:00.005+01:00

The Council have today put up three copies of this notice at the entrance to Grove Wood. The notice makes it clear that the landowner cannot put up or alter any fences, gates, wall or other enclosures in Grove Wood or put up buildings, moveable structures works plant or machinery unless planning permission has been obtained from Bristol City Council.

Very recently Mr Jafari threatened that he would put up 'lots of containers' in Grove Wood and the erection of this notice would seem to confirm that the Council have become concerned that he may once again attempt to erect buildings or other structures in Grove Wood. These notices make it clear that such actions would be illegal. Please keep an eye over Grove Wood over the next few days. If you notice anything untoward taking place, call the planning enforecement team at Bristol City Council on 922 3000. Also contact your local Councillor, Lesley Alexander and send us an email at snuffmills@hotmail.co.uk Someone from the Action Group will be there as soon as possible.

Mr Jafari is due to attend Court soon to account for his lack of action in removing the container.
Update: The notice was also advertised in the Evening Post on May 13th on page 35. Assuming that this notice has also been served on the landowner directly, there can be no excuse for anyone if they flout this order.

Bat walk - Thu 13th May 8.30-9.30pm

2010-04-28T20:12:00.005+01:00

Ever wondered what hangs out in the valley of a nightime. Well come and join us for a special bat walk on Thursday May 13th from 8.30-9.30pm. We will be joined by experts from Avon Bat Group who will bring special bat detectors so we can hear the bats and torches so that we can see them too.

Last time we did this we saw rare Daubenton's bats catching insects along the river and tiny pipistrelles in the trees. This year we hope to see the large noctule bat which likes to dart about among the tree tops.

The event is free and everyone is welcome. If you have a torch, please bring it with you.

Bat walk photo: Ian Wade

Garden progress

2010-04-28T20:05:00.004+01:00

Have you noticed how lovely the Snuff Mills garden is starting to look? This is thanks to the regular work of a small team of Snuff Mills Action Group members who have spent hours digging over the beds, planting bulbs and plants and even relaying the edging to the borders. Special thanks must go to Jean, Annette, Dave, Chris and Mark who have spent many an hour sorting out the garden, but there is a much bigger team of people who do their bit too, without whose regular help the garden would not be looking half so good.

You can help too by coming to one of our gardening events in May. This month they are between 10-12 noon on Sunday 9th and 23rd May. You do not have to be a gardener to do your bit, just bring yourself, tools and gloves if you have them.

New toilets for Snuff Mills

2010-04-16T20:35:00.004+01:00

The first campaign Snuff Mills Action Group organised called upon Bristol City Council to replace the public toilets in Snuff Mills. The Council promised they would replace the loos sometime in 2010-11. They have been busily searching for funds to do this for some time and I am delighted to be able to announce that the existing public toilets in Snuff Mills will be replaced in October 2010.

The existing loos will be demolished and the area landscaped to make the entrance to Snuff Mills more welcoming. New toilets will be built in the green by the car park, as far away from River View as possible, but in such a way that they can be clearly seen from the cafe.

The new public convenience will include a single disabled toilet with baby changing facility with a key held by the cafe. The Snuff Mills toilets attract various kinds of misuse and to prevent this, the new toilets will be made up of two individual unisex toilets that can only accomodate one person at a time and a single urinal. Each toilet will have its own direct access from the car park and there will be no shared areas.

Bristol City Council are so pleased with the design for the new loos that they plan to enter it for the public lavatory of the year award. If they win, this will be a major achievement since the BBC decided the Snuff Mills toilets were the worst in whole of the country in 2002!

Vote Grove Wood

2010-04-16T20:13:00.004+01:00

We have enjoyed excellent support from our current MP, Roger Berry, whose Kingswood constituency currently covers Grove Wood. However, Grove Wood is about to move in to Bristol East, so we have contacted every candidate asking them to:

1) Publicly support our campaign to ensure Grove Wood becomes a nature reserve and is in safe public ownership as soon as possible
2) Agree to urge Bristol City Council to do all it can to ensure the current landowner does not do any further damage to the woodland if you are elected
3) Support our call for Grove Wood to become a Town Green, protecting it for public enjoyment for all time
4) Support our efforts to ensure the rare wildlife that lives in Grove Wood is not disturbed by the landowner's damaging actions
5) Sign up to the Woodland Trust's manifesto about trees and woodland to show your wider committment to the natural world. Visit: http://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/en/campaigns/woods-for-people/general-election-2010/Pages/our-manifesto-full.aspx

We will post replies from the various candidates here in the order they arrive. So far, we have received replies from the Green, Conservative and Labour candidates. We leave it to you to decide whether their responses are satisfactory and whether it will affect who you vote for.

Dawn chorus walk this Sunday

2010-04-08T18:35:00.000+01:00

Get up with the lark this Sunday 11th April and join us for a dawn chrous walk with bird expert Ed Drewitt. If you have ever wondered what a chiffchaff, robin or blue tit sounds like, Ed will train your ears so you will know some of the amazing bird song that makes the valley sound so alive this time of year.

Meet in the car park at 6.30am which should be open. The walk should finish by about 7.30am, just in tine for breakfast and it is FREE.

More gardening dates...

2010-04-08T18:25:00.002+01:00

Major work is about to begin on the Snuff Mills garden and to help things along the Council have today removed some of the old cherry trees that were casting shade over the garden and making it hard for new plants to get going. Don't worry, they will be replaced as we replant the borders with colourful flowers and bushes.

Help us get ready for this by sorting out the garden with us on Sunday 11th April and Sunday 25th April between 10-12noon. Bring gloves and tools if you have them.

Snuff Mills Action Group - 2 today!

2010-03-31T19:49:00.002+01:00

It's two years ago today that over 150 people gathered in Stapleton Baptist Church to launch Snuff Mills Action Group. From our very first meeting we said we wanted to help the Council improve the valley for wildlife and people and make sure Grove Wood was properly protected.

In the two years since we started we have raised nearly £50,000 to improve Snuff Mills and we have been busy getting our hands dirty by renovating the old garden and organising regular litter picks. We've also organised events to encourage more people to enjoy the valley including bat walks and owl prowls. Our People's Millions award will improve the valley for visitors and ensure that every child in Begbrook School gets to experience what Snuff Mills has to offer this year. And there'll be a photo competition and fun dog show this year too. It's probably no coincidence that Bristol City Council describe Snuff Mills and Oldbury Court as the city's Cinderella park and they seem ever more determined to do more to improve the area.

The Group has done everything it possibly can to protect Grove Wood, the woodland on the other side if the river from Snuff Mills park. When we started the Council would not listen to us. They even agreed to the felling of trees in Grove Wood next to Blackberry Hill, despite nearly 120 people objecting. But thanks to the hundreds of people who have written to the Council, turned up at protests and made it absolutely clear that they love Grove Wood, it now has a woodland Tree Preservation Order protecting every tree and the Council have removed the landowner's rights to undertake certain types of development in the wood. We have been campaigning for the upper path to be designated a Public Right of Way and have applied for Grove Wood to become a Town Green - common land for all to enjoy. We believe that Grove Wood should be in safe public ownership and we will continue to campaign for this until it finally happens.

I'd really like to thank everyone who has helped make Snuff Mills Action Group to force for good in the community that it has undoubtedly become, especially those people who have given so much time and energy. Thank you and Happy birthday to us!

Toilets should feel safer

2010-03-29T18:16:00.002+01:00

Tree surgeons have carefully removed the trees that were making the Snuff Mills toilets feel like a dark and dangerous place to spend a penny. The area is now much more open and easily seen from the car park which means the toilets should feel safer to use and not attract quite so much anti-social behaviour.

Access for people with mobility problems will be improved in the coming months too.