I maintain that a policy of benign neglect, with a minimum of interference and management would improve the Downs and Avon Gorge for people and the wildlife – both flora and fauna. In these financially constrained times it would also save the Bristol Council Taxpayers a lot of money!
Thus, this Blog shows some of my opinions and concerns about the way in which Bristol Downs and the Avon Gorge are influenced by others, particularly the Bristol City Council and its various committees. There is much to celebrate about this part of Bristol, particularly its changing beauty and wildlife throughout the year. However it attracts over management by a number of bodies and vested interests, at the centre of which is Bristol City Council and the Downs Committee. Whilst the region has developed over 150 years under human influences and pressures, the level of management and control by the aforementioned groups has accelerated during the last few years. Just look at the number of notices which have appeared around the Downs during the past year.
Concerns:
- Bristol Zoo: Use of ancient meadow Downland for car parking
- An “upgrade” to the path down to the Zoo
- Fencing and keeping goats in the Gully (Walcombe Slade)
- Goats Eating Rare Whitebeam in Cheddar Gorge
- Downland Tree Felling – such as one of the few remaining Huntingdon Elms on the Downs
- Clearance of Trees from Observatory Hill – I don’t believe BCC have given up on this idea
