Planning Issues

Hengrove Park

A secluded corner of Hengrove Park is arguably one of the City's best wildlife sites. It is extremely diverse, with a flora very similar to unimproved grassland (that is, it has not had its ecological interest reduced by the use of pesticides or ploughing/reseeding). Plants such as dyer's greenweed, cork-fruited water-dropwort and grass vetchling are rarely found in countryside fields today, and the swathes of bee orchids are very unusual. Different kinds of butterflies and many other invertebrates take advantage of this botanical diversity. Most extraordinary of all is the fact that 3 pairs of the red listed* skylarks nest there, along with other birds of conservation concern such as stonechats, linnets and whitethroats which are rarely found so close to habitation. All these and many more species here are subjects of the Government's Biodiversity Action Plan process, whereby strategies are being established to protect Britain's most important wildlife.
 

We have now been given access to the ecological reports. These confirm the importance of the site. It is in the top 5 botanical sites in Bristol and is one of Bristol's most important bird sites. In particular, it is Bristol's only site for breeding cuckoo. It also supports an amazing 19 nationally important insects which cannot easily be mitigated for (unfortunately the consultants compiling the Masterplan believe that the birds and plants can be moved, a viewpoint to which we have constantly objected).

Bristol City Council decided that this special place is so important for wildlife that they designated it a Site of Nature Conservation Interest, protected by Local Plan policies. Now it seems likely to disappear as just another development site, in the Masterplan for the redevelopment of this part of South Bristol.

Our Vision for the Site

• Designation as a Local Nature Reserve to protect its wildlife for the local community

• Use of Hengrove Park Nature Reserve by local schools as an education resource

• Events and activities on the site to increase enjoyment and understanding

*Red listed are the most endangered birds of conservation concern