Botany Walk in Snuff Mills

On Tuesday evening whilst most of Bristol seemed to be watching something called the Olympic Flame a few took a walk through Snuff Mills with Botanists Rupert Higgins and Dawn Lawrence. An enjoyable 2 hours were spent wondering along the valley identifying some of the many wildflowers and plants. Here is a list that Rupert and Dawn identified along the valley Maidenhair Spleenwort (Asplenium trichomanes)
Ivy-leaved toadflax (Cymbalaria muralis)
Jack-By-The-Hedge (Alliaria petiolata)
Cow Parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris)
Herb Bennet (Geum urbanum)
Dog's mercury (Mercurialis perennis )
Broad Buckler Fern (Dryopteris dilatata)
Soft Shield Fern (Polystichum setiferum)
Wood Millet (Milium effusum)
Hart's-tongue Fern (Asplenium scolopendrium)
Wild Garlic (Allium ursinum)
Hemlock Water Dropwort (Oenanthe crocata)
Meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria)
Pendulous sedge (Carex pendula )
Wood Speedwell (Veronica montana)
Red Campion (Silene dioica)
Lesser Burdock (Arctium minus)
Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium)
Greater Wood Rush (Luzula syvatica)
Small Leaved Lime (Tilia cordata)
Yellow Archangel (Lamium galeobdolon)
Lady's Smock (Cardamine Pratensis)
Small Teasel (Dipsacus Pilosus)
Spear Thistle (Cirsium vulgare)
Narrow-leaved Bitter-cress (Cardamine impatiens)
Wild Angelica (Angelica sylvestris)
Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys)
Sessile Oak (Quercus petraea)
Enchanter's nightshade (Circaea lutetiana)
Greater burdock (Arctium lappa)
Wall lettuce (Lactuca muralis)

Some being a bit more unusual than others but just goes to show how many wonderful plants can be seen when you take the time!

Thanks to Rupert and Dawn for their enthusiasm and knowledge and we look forward to next year!

All the photos of the different plants can be found on our facebook page so see if you can identify them next time you are having a stroll.

Birdsong walk a treat for the early riser

This morning's birdsong walk led by Ed Drewitt was a real treat.  Among the highlights were the sound of the stock dove near Laundry Field - declining in numbers so good to know it's here in the valley, and a great spotted woodpeckers' nest with noisy fledglings in residence.  Other sightings/hearings included green woodpecker, chiff chaff, house sparrows, goldcrest, wood pigeon, grey wagtail, moorhen, mallard duck, wrens and robins aplenty, magpies, thrushes song and missle, black cap, great blue and long tail tits, blackbird, jay, grey heron, collar dove, lesser black back gull over Laundry Field, and of course the lovely kingfisher which obliged with a fly past or two as we walked along by the river.  Grove Wood was full of the bustle of birds foraging for their young and announcing their territorial rights.  It was a still, overcast morning, great for being able to hear what was going on.  Thanks to Ed for a really fascinating walk.
Don't miss Tuesday's Botany walk for an opportunity to find out about the plants in the valley - another fascinating event.  Meet in the garden at 6.30.

Sign the Laundry Field Petition

Bristol City Council have said that they would like to see the whole of Laundry Field, between Manor Rd, Blackberry Hill Hospital and Grove Wood, developed for housing as part of the redevelopment of the whole of the Blackberry Hill Hospital site.

Help us get the field taken out of their plans and designated as important open space by signing our petition

http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/epetition_core/community/petition/1863

Petition closes on May 24th, so hurry!

Video of Grove Wood Celebration

Grove Wood Celebrations

Lord Stapleton and Lady Fishponds were delighted to be joined by over 60 fellow residents of their neighbourhoods for the grand opening and perambulation of Grove Wood Town Green today. They were joined by special guests including Robin Hood of Sherwood Forest, various animals including Andy the Kingfisher, Hilary the badger, Annette the fox, Chris the hedgehog and Cheryl the dormouse.

The April Fools day theme was added to by Councillor Lesley Alexander dressed as a clown and we were protected from any malevolent forces that might have stopped us enjoying our Town Green by Leo the Transformer.

It was a fabulous afternoon with warm spring sunshine, beautiful spring flowers and the wood was full of people who really appreciate this very special place.

Thanks to everyone who joined us for our celebration, especially those people who have worked so hard to protect the woods over the last four years.

The Evening Post article about the event can be seen here: http://www.thisisbristol.co.uk/Joy-ancient-woodland-ruling/story-15693329-detail/story.html

Grove Wood Celebration - April 1st

To celebrate Grove Wood becoming a Town Green, Lord Stapleton* and Lady Fishponds* would like to invite you to the grand opening of the Town Green from 2pm on Sunday 1st April. Meet in the Snuff Mills car park and join us to cut the ribbon to open our new Town Green and then indulge in 'lawful sports and past-times' there. The Lord and Lady would especially welcome people dressed for the spirit of the occasion or for their favourite Grove Wood leisure activity. Please do join us for a fun April Fools Day celebration of what we have all achieved.

*The tiles of Lord Stapleton and Lady Fishponds may be pseudonyms and they are unrelated to any other 'Lords' known to the area. The photo is of 'Lords and Ladies', a plant that grows in Grove Wood.

Grove Wood to be registered as a Town Green

Members of the Public Rights of Way Committee have just voted unanimously to register Grove Wood as a Town Village Green. Many locals spoke at the meeting as did the Ms Lady Katrina Jafari, on behalf of the landowner.

In his summing up, Peter Abraham, Chair of the Committee commended the behaviour of locals and Snuff Mills Action Group in the light of some quite extreme allegations made by Ms Jafari, John Mair and Rhino Group, while another Councillor described the behaviour of the landowner and those that support him as 'regrettable'.

The land will be registered in the next few weeks. This will mean no one can stop the people of Stapleton and Fishponds from using the land for recreation and it cannot be developed in any way that would spoil its value as a Town Green.

Council Officer recommends Town Green

The Officer's report for the Public rights of Way Committee recommends that they follow the Inspector's report and register Grove Wood a Town Green.

Read the full report, including Inspector's findings following last year's hearing here

https://www.bristol.gov.uk/committee/2012/wa/agenda/0315_1400_wa005.html

Go to agenda item about Grove Wood in blue and click on to view

See the post below to find out how you can help make sure the Council register the woods as a Town Green.

Help Make Grove Wood a Town Green

We need you to send in a statement to the Council's Public Rights of Way Committee to help persuade them to follow an Inspector's recommendation to register Grove Wood as a Town Green. These are the woods on the other side of the river from Snuff Mills under Blackberry Hill Hospital. Town Green registration would protect your rights to enjoy these woods for recreation, forever.

Remember 2008?
Back in 2008, the new landowner of Grove Wood, self styled Lord Jafari:
* Cut down trees without permission, breaking the rules in a Conservation Area
* Bulldozed part of Grove Wood making a mess and disturbing wildlife along the riverbank
* Employed a 'park-keeper' known as Rick to frighten people out of the woods
* Erected a container at the entrance to the woods, breaking planning rules
* Put up ugly metal fencing to try to stop people using Grove Wood
* Applied to cut down the trees in Grove Wood next to Blackberry Hill

Since then, Jafari's attempts to ruin Grove Wood have been successfully stopped thanks to the support of hundreds of people. Together we have:
* Persuaded the Council to place a Woodland Tree Preservation Order on Grove Wood, protecting every tree, big or small
* Campaigned so that Jafari's permitted development rights have been removed (preventing new containers or fencing going up in the woods)

Once last job to do
Now we need to do one last thing to protect Grove Wood - protect our rights to enjoy it by encouraging the Council to register it as a Town Green.

Last year a hearing took place to work out whether Grove Wood qualifies as a Town Green. The Inspector at the hearing has recommended that it should be registered as a Town Green and the Council's Public Rights of Way Committee will consider this recommendation at a meeting on Thursday 15th March from 2pm at the Council House. You can help us by sending a statement to the Committee, joining us at a demonstration outside the Council House before the meeting and speaking at the meeting yourself.

Your statement
Send a statement to democratic.services@bristol.gov.uk by noon on 14th March. Please title your email: FAO PROW Committee 15th March: Grove Wood Town Green Statement
Please just tell the committee what having Grove Wood as a Town Green would mean to you. You could talk about the uses you make of it, how long you have used it and how you would feel if you lost access to it. We will post examples of other people's statements here to inspire you, so please send a copy of your statement to us at snuffmills@hotmail.co.uk - we will post it anonymously if you wish.

If you want to speak at the meeting, please make this clear in your statement.

One last demonstration?
We had planned to hold one last protest outside the Council House on College Green at 1.30pm on Thursday 15th March, but because they have been recommended to register Grove Wood as a Town Green m we are not doing this now.
Speaking at the meeting

You can speak at the meeting provided you have put in a statement. You can just summarise your statement in front of the Committee. The meeting starts from 2pm in the Council House.

Bristol Magazine walk of the month

Take yourself on an eight mile walk around Snuff Mills, Oldbury Court and Stoke Park courtesy of this month's Bristol Magazine. You can pick up a copy free from all sorts of places, or view it online by searching, 'The Bristol Magazine'. The article wisely recommends stopping for a drink at the Snuff Mills cafe.

Inspector recommends Grove Wood to be Town Green

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.

Winter Party!

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

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

 

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

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

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

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.

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

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"

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

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

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

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