Work has recently been done in the Park and a meeting held – I thought readers would like to hear more.

First of all, in the park itself, several trees were felled in the lawn area next to the junior play park, including the tulip tree, which had been irreparably damaged by vandalism and the new conker tree, which had bleeding canker. Sad to see them go, but delighted to welcome a new tree planted last week. Not quite clear at this stage what it it. Any ideas?

There has also been considerable work done to tidy up the formal garden and open up the entrance via St Luke’s Close ( near the Doctor’s surgery). There is now a nice view of the park as you enter from this direction.

Some people have asked me about the meeting held ten days ago. It was a small, informal and well run meeting with ample time to discuss things. Thank you, Jim, for that. There were only a few of us there, including some from Emersons Green Lane plus a contingent from Friends of Inspirational Life. We heard about Bug Life and the project to make the Park more pollinator friendly. Jim went through the results of a small consultation about the Park and, as a result, presented a proposal to put more trees on the path from Sainsbury’s, repair the zip wire and various other developments like notice boards.
A local resident pointed out that there was a tendency to antisocial behaviour within the hedge circle and Jim offered to lower the height of the hedge in response. Others were concerned about the drainage system and especially the blocked flat valve shown below.

The discussion that followed included Glyn Everett who is from UWE and interested in community interaction with flood water systems. It became obvious during this conversation that no one present understood precisely what the flood system is for or how it works. As a result I asked South Glos staff to let me have the plans of the drainage system, together with the research that lies behind the construction of our balancing ponds. I will report back on their response.

The tone of the meeting was overall very positive. Several people said how much they enjoyed the park especially in its variety and balance of formal and more natural spaces.

I can  forward the minutes of the meeting to anyone who would like them. There was no enthusiasm to create a constituted Friends group at this stage, though I am willing to do this, if there are five or six others who would share the load.

Enough about meetings, enjoy the park in its autumn splendour and best wishes for the coming season!
Chris