Blackberry Hill, Bristol - this well known and beloved viewpoint captures the essence of this conservation area. Like so much of Bristol this entails wood lined river gorges, let alone the distinctive pennant stone architecture. However, the Council have given permission for these iconic trees to be felled in planning application 08/02173/DC - 27 in total. Whoever fells these trees is guilty of not only destroying the immediate area but will be diminishing the very character of Bristol. If you are the tree surgeon approached by the landowner please weigh up the environmental and moral values against any financial gain and consider whether these trees would be better pruned rather than chopped down. There is also currently an official complaint against the Council regarding undemocratic procedures and possible maladministration. If there is enough continued public support these trees will be saved. Please inform environmental bodies, news agencies and campaign groups who operate within the law and let's get this ridiculous decision overturned before we loose a very important nature haven. It is common knowledge that bats roost in these trees but a proper investigation has still not been conducted. An independent CAVAT assessment valued these trees at over £640,000, far exceeding the purchase of Grove Wood (£39,000). See the list of benefits these trees currently provide.
Photo : 16th June 2008
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