News / St George Park
Upset as ‘terrible’ bramble clearance destroys wildlife habitat
Residents local to St George Park are concerned that scrub clearance, which some suggest could have been illegal, may have disturbed nesting birds.
Members of the Friends of St George Park group shared photos of a visibly cleared area around the park’s lake, asking why the work had been carried out given the bramble patch was not obstructing any paths.
Residents said government guidance states brambles should not be cut between March 1 and August 31, and that this “absolutely terrible” action goes against Bristol City Council’s own guidelines.
is needed now More than ever
Bare patches can be seen round the lake of the park where the bramble patch had been growing
“The wildlife is finally coming back to our park and now they are destroying their habitats!” said Amy, a keen local wildlife photographer who has seen blue, long tailed and great tits, robins, wrens and a pair of willow warblers amongst the brambles.
“These birds are busy building nests at this time of year, and any nests being built are now destroyed,” she added.
Another group member labelled the council an “absolute joke” for removing the habitat of nesting birds.
Local resident Claire Robinson contacted the council this month after she saw another stretch of scrub being removed on waste ground near Avon Street.
She said, “The chattering of birds coming from there was wonderful… Of course they will be gone now. I can’t believe that works are being done around greenery where birds are during nesting season. What policies are in place to protect wildlife?”
The council’s response stated ‘any vegetation clearance was done outside of bird nesting seasons’ and that contractors work under an agreed environmental management plan as part of their planning conditions.
A pair of migratory willow warblers had made the brambles their home and could have been building a nest in the patch
Ailie Tam, a Friends of St George Park committee member, contacted a conservation officer at the council to ask about the bramble removal.
After a conversation with the operational team, the officer confirmed that the clearance was due to contractors misunderstanding the council’s directive.
“I am also very shocked by this. Unfortunately it was a communication error,” she said. “The grounds maintenance team was asked to cut back the brambles overhanging the path adjacent to the lake, but ended up clearing the entire patch.”
She apologised, saying, “I have been told that the maintenance staff will be briefed on the new nature conservation proposals. We have reiterated these works should not have been carried out at this time of year anyway due to the risk of nesting birds.
“The area will be left to rejuvenate. I have asked them to avoid mowing in this section which should allow the brambles to come back.”
Ailie pointed out the contradictory nature of the work taking place: “That area has been listed as a section of the park to foster for local wildlife,” she said.
“We’re really upset that the contractors made this mistake. It seems like a small error but it’s a massive loss for wildlife.”
She has been working with the conservation officer to develop a biodiversity plan for the park which includes bulb planting and a new meadow area. The plan has been approved by the council and will go out for public consultation shortly.
Amy has observed wrens, robins, blackbirds, willow warblers and other birds using the brambles for shelter and nest building
Some residents approved of the bramble clearance as, they said, contractors were “trying to make the park look nice” and the patch was “getting abit of an eyesore.” Another said wildlife “needs to be in the right place…not where people are walking all the time and letting their dogs run loose disturbing it.”
But Martyn Cordey said, “The park is a place for both humans and nature – and nature isn’t always tidy.”
Ailie hopes St George Park can continue to be enjoyed as a place that “brings people together,” while also creating more space for wildlife.
She said small changes such as leaving tufty grass to grow has encouraged creatures like voles to thrive, meaning owls are now nesting in the park.
She hopes the biodiversity plan will help shift public perspective so wild areas are no longer seen as untidy, but rather as vital, vibrant and beneficial.
All photos: Amy C.
This piece of independent journalism is supported by the Bristol24/7 public and business membership.
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