As the autumn colours appear in the park, we come to the end of an eventful growing season. Much has been accomplished in the park this year with considerable credit to those involved in the Friends group.

At our initial meeting with South Glos and councillors, we highlighted a string of concerns, many of which have now been dealt with. Here is the latest update.

I am delighted to report that Joy and the litter team’s campaign for a new regime on the bins has been successful and there is now a collection three times a week.

The second attempt at desilting works was completed with great efficiency and we now have our ponds back, complete with moorhens and mallards. We can expect the ground around the north pond (Langley end) to recover over the next few months.

Our concerns about the depth of the culvert near the footbridge have been met by placing stones at the mouth so that there is no slack water and there will be no further erosion here. I have asked South Glos to remove the orange fencing.

Simon pointed out that the bridlepath West of the orchard had overgrown and horses were going round on the main path. I had a go at this at one of our orchard sessions. I hope it is now satisfactory.

I have also heard on the grapevine that some investigations have been made about the waste that was finding its way into the water under the footbridge. This issue may now have been dealt with. I hope to receive confirmation of this.

It seems to me that it is a already proving a good thing to have a team of friends looking out for what is happening in the Park. Enjoy the autumn!

And finally, a researcher from UWE, Glyn Everett, is looking for some people to take part in a survey about parks and how they interact with flood water defences. If you would like to talk to him , he would be very pleased. Contact him by email to Glyn.Everett@uwe.ac.uk . I have done it. It is just a phone call of about 15 mins and is not intrusive in any way.

Chris Sunderland October 27th 2014