Wood Demolished in Eastville Park

Massacre of a private wood in one of Bristol's largest and most popular parks

The headline at http://eastvilleparkwood.blogspot.com/ says it all.
The area outlined in red in the photograph below shows the huge extent of the devastation. For those familiar with Eastville Park, this is a significant area of mature trees that forms a major part of the 'wild' half of the park, extending from behind the old swimming pool almost to the lake.

Like many residents I was surprised to learn that this was in fact private land. It has been freely accessible for many years and home to a wide variety of animals and birds. There is even a badger sett, supposedly protected, and a home to some of the bats that Eastville Park is famous for (at least among bat enthusiasts).

Somewhat after the fact, Council Officers have slapped tree preservation orders on the those still standing and the landowner faces prosecution from the Forestry Commission.

Please visit these blogs for further info:

• eastvilleparkwood
• Stapleton Conservation Society
• Steve Comer,Liberal Democrat Councillor for Eastville Ward on Bristol City Council