NAILSEA
PEOPLE
2023
Saturday, March 4
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10am Nailsea Community Litter Heroes meet at 26 Somerset Square, Nailsea to collect rubbish bags, gloves and other gear. The February clean sweep was supported by members of the Rotary Club of Nailsea & Backwell, pictured
How green is my doctor's surgery?
In light of the climate crisis, employees across Tyntesfield Medical Group have come together to form a voluntary green team who communicate through virtual meetings.
Green team members have started initiatives like energy analysis, soft plastic recycling, cycling for home visits, and advertising how to recycle medication.
The next planned steps are to recycle inhalers, trial plant-based milk as an option for staff, and to swap their cleaning products to '0' waste alternatives.
Volunteers at each site take the plastics to their local participating supermarket for recycling.
The green team encourage you to do the same at home - put your food wrappers and crisp packets in a separate clear bin bag, and when it’s full, take them to a supermarket to prevent them from adding to landfill.
In Nailsea 26 Somerset Square has lots of recycling bins.
They even collect old mobile phones and tablets for recycling? Any condition. Simply drop them in Monday to Saturday 10am-12.30pm.
Unfortunately blister packs can no longer be recycled.
Here is the latest list we have:
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glasses (not cases)
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contact lenses and packaging
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pens
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felt tips
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highlighters
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correcting fluid
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BRITA water filters
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plastic toothbrushes
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toothpaste tubes
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Pringle tubes
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British and foreign stamps
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foreign coins (and notes) including obsolete currency
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old and broken jewellery.
Backwell Recycling Centre was saved from closure after North Somerset Council did a rethink following huge public protest on social media
PHOTO: From left at Tower House Medical Centre, Nailsea, are Dr Ed Mann, Kiara Jones and Dr Ed Griffiths, with two weeks of soft plastic recycling from one of the four sites.
Nailsea residents will soon be able to identify where their homes are losing heat so they can act to help the environment and reduce their energy bills.
The town council has invested £1,720 in a thermal imaging camera from Amazon to help residents reduce carbon emission from their homes.
The camera was a suggestion from residents following the Ask Nailsea consultation and was approved at the last town council meeting.
The council will be working with Nailsea Climate Action Group to help people in the community.
Town clerk Jo Duffy said: “Residents will be able to book an appointment for a group member to attend their property with the thermal imaging camera, which will show where heat loss is occurring.
“Anyone with a property identified with significant heat loss will then be given advice on changes they can make to help reduce the leakage and signposting will direct them to organisations that can help - including where they can apply for energy grants.”
Nailsea Town Council has been actively working on ways to reduce the town’s carbon footprint since 2019.
Mrs Duffy added: “Nailsea can reduce its emissions considerably if businesses, local organisations, residents and the town council all work to reduce their own emissions as well as coming together to look at collective ways we can do this.”
The camera has been purchased using some of the £50,000 put aside for smaller projects from Engine Lane Capital Receipts.
The heat is on
Improving our green access spaces costs
Improvements have been carried out to a shared bridleway in Nailsea to make is a safer for its users.
Work has been carried out to the Golden Valley Bridleway, which leads from Nailsea Park to Trendlewood Way.
The work, funded and organised by Nailsea Town Council, cost £1,485.60 and includes the filling in of pot holes and other surface repairs.
Five new posts have also been installed and new ‘shared bridleway’ signage has been put in place. It is hoped the new signage reminding users that the pathway is used by pedestrians, horse riders, runners and dog walkers, will help to make it a more pleasant space for all.
The path leads to Golden Valley Vets and it used by parents and children on route to Golden Valley Primary School.
Nailsea Town Council has also allotted £1,500 for the regeneration of Spilsbury Wood which had overgrowth problems. The council owns an acre of the Tickenham Ridge land.
The woodland is home to lots of local wildlife, and although no established setts there is evidence of visiting badgers.
Sadly, the effects of ash dieback has claimed many of the trees within the wood.
However, this has provided us with an opportunity to replant the area with mixed native species to complement the existing young hazel, yew, beech, sycamore, and spindle that are doing well there.
Any trees that are felled will be left as deadwood habitats.
GROUND ZERO: Bristol Airport Action Network is staging at rally on Saturday, February 4, from noon on College Green. A BAAN spokesman said: "Time to come together to show our support for people and planet and call for coherent planning laws that at the moment are out-dated in allowing a major carbon emitter like Bristol Airport."
2nd town green bid by council
Nailsea Town Council is urging residents to help it secure town green status for two pieces of land known as Trendlewood Community Park.
The land, on the west side of Trendlewood Way, either side of the road near the Farmhouse pub and restaurant, was sold by a London auction house earlier this year.
Despite Nailsea People applying to the Land Registry for the name of the purchaser it is still unknown and believed to be back on the market.
It is currently listed by McHugh & Co as Lot 140 to be auctioned on Thursday, December 8.
More details here https://www.onthemarket.com/details/12591155/.
Since the first freehold sale North Somerset Council has put a blanket TPO on all trees in the park.
Town clerk, Jo Duffy, said: “This area of land is extremely popular with members of the local community for all sorts of activities ranging from dog walking and running to picnicking and bird watching, with plenty in between - not to mention the community events that take place there.
"Nailsea Town Council wants it to remain available to the community and does not want to see the land developed, therefore it plans to submit a town green application to protect it.”
Town greens receive a considerable amount of protection under law and it is a criminal offence to undertake any act which interrupts the use of the area for exercise and recreation.
To enable the land to be registered as a Town Green, the council must prove it has been in use by the community for sports and pastimes for at least 20 years.
Jo added: “We need residents to demonstrate their support for the protection of this land and ask them to complete evidence forms to prove it has been in use by the community for more than 20 years “as of right”, without force, secrecy or permission.
"We need to act quickly to protect this land from any possible development, as if the new landowner submits a planning application before our application is processed our bid for it to become a Town Green will fail.”
Residents of all ages are invited to complete an evidence form, not just one per family but one for each family member who used to or still uses the park.
Evidence forms are available from No65 High Street, the Tithe Barn, or
TOWN GREEN: Gully off Trendlewood is a popular open space
downloaded from the town council website https://www.nailseatown.com/trendlewood-park-town-green-application
Photos taken of people enjoying Trendlewood Park, proving it has been used for 20 + years without exclusion, are also needed.
Time is of the essence so completed forms need to be returned to the council before Friday, December 23.
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An application in April 2022 to make the green slope between Nailsea and Backwell at The Perrings a 'town green' still hasn't been resolved after an objection by the land owners Persimmon. The site has been used as an open space since the development at The Perrings was built more than 40 years ago and the footpath is a shortcut to the railway station.
Has the rot set in?
Decaying wood and damp conditions has caused fungus to grow at the base of the sculpture on Nailsea village green.
Photographer Wendy Derrick spotted the mushroom like growth while out shopping on Saturday afternoon.
Sadly it is an indication of rot.
The towering oak tree which was a feature of Nailsea since the late 1800s was transformed into a new piece of art for the town in the summer of 2021.
Chainsaw sculptor Andy O’Neill created the woodland creatures’ artwork.
The oak tree on the village green on the High Street since 1897 had died and had to be removed.
Commissioned by Nailsea Town Council environment and leisure committee and allotted a budget of £2,500 work began on the project initiated by the then newly elected council vice-chairman Emily Miller in May last year.
Nailsea People Facebook reader Steve Lewis said: "I understand that fungi thrive on oaks in warm, humid conditions.
"Perhaps this particular fungal affliction could be treated with a proprietary fungicide and the sculpture also stabilised through installation of some form of discrete supporting structure, what say you Nailsea Town Council?"
And Mick Graham said: "I'm sure it can be saved - if Nailsea Town Council do something about it with an uncommon haste."
But Sally Nailsea said: "It was there last year too, it’s called nature, it does what it does."
Frederic Le Francais said: "Truffles, exciting news."
Pat Parle took the photo of similar fungus growing at the base of a tree on the Tyntesfield estate, thanks.
Read the story of the sculpture here https://www.nailseapeople.com/mighty-oak.
Where have all the trees gone
BEFORE
AFTER
BEFORE
BEFORE
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AFTER
AFTER
Nailsea trees are disappearing at an alarming rate.
The re-wilding at Nailsea Park failed, the bungalow on the corner of Lodge Lane due for demolition has become an area of deforestation and diseased ash trees on the sheltered housing complex Bucklands Place have been cut down.
Resident Roger Smallshaw, of Redwood Close, said: “I'm afraid as far as Nailsea is concerned the rewilding is a fiasco as well as a total disaster.
“The disastrous failure rate of the ‘twiglets’ was because they were re-planted too young and small to expect survival without regular maintenance, attention and nurture, none of which happened.”
There are no saplings left on the open area - see photos.
Bucklands House manager Anne Scovell Hewetson said: “Following a tree survey, most of our ash trees will have to come down unfortunately due to ash dieback – a fungus called hymenoscyphus fraxineus.
“Some had to come down as a matter of urgency due to the proximity to footpaths and road crossing with regards to health and safety to the public.
“My homeowners have been quite upset at the removal of said trees and if anything, I am sure they would rather look out at trees rather than a road or roundabout.”
The property at the junction of Trendlewood Way and Lodge Lane is due to be replaced with two new detached homes.
Previously because of the foliage - see Google map image above - the bungalow wasn't visible from the road.
And after 100 years the mighty oak had to be cut on the village green and turned into a street art wildlife sculpture due to rot.
Unfortunately decaying wood and damp conditions has caused a black fungus to grow around the base of the sculpture on Nailsea village green.
Nailsea Town Council biannual tree survey is due to take place this month to look at the health of all trees growing on council land and advise on any remedial work needed.
North Somerset Council has successfully bid for £150,000 in funding from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) Woodland Creation Accelerator Fund (WCAF). This will be used to plant 31,000 more trees across the area by December 2025, in addition to trees for privately owned woodland.
In the past couple of years, the council has planted 30,000 young trees across the area as part of its commitment to rewilding and tackling the climate emergency.
The new trees will contribute to the council's wider aim, as set out in its Green Infrastructure Strategy, to increase canopy cover across the area to help mitigate the effects of climate change.
This will also address some of the expected tree loss due to Ash Dieback disease.
The funding will support the creation of two new roles – Wildlife and Woodland Expansion Officers – dedicated to increasing tree planting capacity.
Once in post, the new team will help the council to deliver the planting of:
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20,000 new trees on public land,
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10,000 additional trees to aid natural flood management, and
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1,000 additional new trees alongside urban roads.
In addition, the team will work with private landowners to encourage them to plant trees on land they own.
The council estimates that an additional 40-60 hectares of woodland could be planted on private land alone.
The Defra fund is designed to provide financial support to accelerate the delivery of tree planting and woodland creation commitments.
North Somerset Council executive member for neighbourhoods and community services Mike Solomon is the Independent ward councillor for Hutton and Locking
He said: “We’re working hard to address the climate and nature emergency.
"I’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the officers involved in securing this funding, which provides us with an opportunity to significantly boost our tree planting programme and expand on the success of our rewilding programme.
"This is key to delivering our ambitious Green Infrastructure Strategy.
“An important part of this will be the work we do with help from private landowners.
"This will be at locations we’ve highlighted where tree planting would improve quality of life, woodland connectivity, and flood risk alleviation.
"Our two new officers will be out talking to people from the summer and I urge anyone approached to do all they can to work with us on this.”
North Somerset Council executive member responsible for climate emergency Bridget Petty is the Green Party councillors for Backwell.
She said: “Tackling the climate and ecological emergencies is a key priority for the council.
"It’s vital not just in the longterm, but also important in the health, wellbeing and safety of our residents in the short term.
“Increasing the number of trees planted across North Somerset will help to make the area more resilient by purifying air, cooling our towns, combatting flooding, and all while enhancing the wellbeing of our residents and visitors.
“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to secure dedicated funds to help us make North Somerset greener and healthier.
"This is a real step forward in our ongoing work to tackle the climate emergency.”
Forestry Commission south west director James Fry said: “Trees make our local areas healthier and more pleasant places to be, helping to moderate temperatures, reduce pollution, decrease flood risk and improve people’s quality of life.
“Local Authorities, such as North Somerset Council, are uniquely placed to deliver the Government’s tree planting ambitions and we are proud to provide funding to support the trees the council will plant.”
To read more about the council’s strategy for tackling the climate emergency, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/climatechange. More information about the council’s Green Infrastructure Strategy can be found on its website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/greeninfrastructurestrategy.
31,000 more trees coming
Three years on, since the start of the coronavirus pandemic, more than 500 trees are being planted in public open spaces across North Somerset as memorial spaces for those who died.
The trees will all be planted in March at seven locations including Nailsea.
Every tree is a young specimen of a species native to the UK, with varieties including birch, oak, hornbeam, field maple, rowan, hazel, dogwood, crab apple and alder.
Each chosen space will have over 70 trees planted and include a sign to signify those who were lost during the pandemic.
It's hoped that the spaces may provide contemplative spaces for people to visit and remember those they've lost.
North Somerset Council deputy leader and the executive member for health Mike Bell is the Liberal Democrat ward councillor for Weston-super-Mare Central.
He said: "We felt it was important to do something to act as a lasting tribute to the people we lost during the pandemic.
“We felt that a living tribute and a series of contemplative spaces would be appropriate.
"There is tremendous power in nature, and we hope that people will find comfort and peace in these spaces.
“Some people will have lost loved ones, and everyone will have been affected in some way by their experiences during the pandemic.
“We hope that over the years our communities will get to see the trees mature and become part of the local landscape - a living memory to those we’ve lost.
"The pandemic was an incredibly challenging time for all our communities for many different reasons.
In memoriam: Pandemic planting
"As well as those we lost, people were isolated from friends and family, some worked under very difficult conditions, others were unable to work at all.
“Everyone was touched by it, and we saw the power of community spirit at its best.
"We hope that people will use these spaces to remember, to reflect and to benefit from the restorative power of nature."
However, sadly all the tree on Nailsea Park planted as part of the re-wilding scheme died due to lack of maintenance and vandalism.
The Woodland Trust' is offering free trees scheme for schools and community groups across the south west of England.
This is a chance to get saplings without charge and help to fight the climate and nature crisis.
A remarkable five million free trees planted across the United Kingdom since 2020 – by taking advantage of its latest tree-pack giveaway.
Applications for the charity’s ever-popular free tree-packs scheme are open now and schools and community groups are needed to push up the numbers of trees planted by 800,000 to reach a whopping five million.
Woodland Trust senior project lead Vicki Baddeley said: “We’re so proud of the numbers of free trees we’ve been able to give away, knowing they’ll be planted where they can really make a difference – in school grounds and out in the community.
“We’re in the grip of a climate and nature crisis which can’t be overcome without concerted action, so I’d urge every school or community group who can, to get involved and plant more trees!
“Applying is easy and all saplings are fully funded for those receiving the trees in our autumn delivery in November. All you need is time and a small piece of land to plant on.”
The last round of the Trust’s free tree-packs scheme in the spring of 2023 delivered a total of 540,630 saplings to 3,272 organisations across the UK, including 54,255 trees to 320 schools and community groups in the south west of England:
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Bristol – 3,495 trees to 29 organisations
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Cornwall – 10,065 trees to 62 organisations
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Devon – 13,500 trees to 81 organisations
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Gloucestershire – 4,785 trees to 36 organisations
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Somerset – 13,740 trees to 71 organisations
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Wiltshire – 8,670 trees to 41 organisations.
Free trees
Trees are one of our strongest defences against the climate and nature crisis.
Evidence shows they combat the devastating effects of flooding, pollution and extreme weather and temperatures.
They are the ultimate carbon stores.
They are essential havens for wildlife and people. And they make the planet a healthier, happier place for everyone.
The Woodland Trust is committed to planting another 50 million native trees across the UK by 2030 and is urging people to get behind our mission to plant more trees and help us create a greener world.
Vicki Baddeley added: “In just a few years, your trees will have grown big enough to lock away carbon and be a thriving habitat for wildlife.
"They’ll offer free shade and shelter and help make the community space or playground, and the people who have access to it, happier and healthier.
“It would be incredible if we can reach a total of five million since 2020 this year – what an achievement and contribution that would be.
"There’s no time like the present, so sign up and take advantage of the scheme.”
The Woodland Trust’s tree packs have been generously funded by lead partners Sainsbury's, Lloyds Bank, OVO Energy, Bank of Scotland and Sofology.
The UK’s largest woodland conservation charity has given away 13.9m trees since 2010.
"And if schools and communities can rise to the challenge and claim 800,000 saplings in the current round, that figure will be approaching a staggering 15m, an average of more than 1m every year.
SPRING SHOW: Nailsea Horticultural Society spring show traditionally a host of daffodils of many different hues is on Saturday, April 1, at Nailsea School. Doors open to the pubic from noon-5pm. There are nearly 200 classes and many trophies to be won. The golden daffodil featured was taken by Backwell photographer Cynthia Miller. To download the schedule with entry form click HERE
Nailsea Horticultural Society spring show was a host of daffodils of many different hues on Saturday, April 1, at Nailsea School.
There were nearly 200 classes in total.
However, it was a green-fingered gardening expert from Berkshire who swept the board with his daffodils to win five trophies and a handful of diplomas including best in show.
Terry Miller is well-known for his brilliant blooms and also wins prizes in his home town of Hailsham for his allotment.
He is also a contributor on a gardeners' question time on the local radio.
Joint chairman Martyn Davis said: "The show itself was great.
" The number of daffodil entries from the specialist growers was down compared to last year, probably due largely to the difficult growing season.
"There were good numbers of entries in all the other sections – members’ daffodils, other plants, cookery, handicrafts, photography and children’s, and there were high standards in all classes.
"The school was full of colour and well over 200 people came to the show in the afternoon.
"They enjoyed an excellent performance by the Filton Community Brass band and plenty of teas and homemade cakes."
Spring show April 2023
BARBARA RANDALL TROPHY most points in members’ classes, Bill Knight.
DAFFODIL SOCIETY CENTENARY TROPHY best exhibit in class I, Terry Miller.
THELMA HOWES MEMORIAL TROPHY most points in daffodil classes, Terry Miller.
JIM TIGWELL TROPHY best exhibit in class 2, Terry Miller.
FRANK CALCRAFT MEMORIAL TROPHY best exhibit in class 3, Jennifer Phillips.
RN COATE CUP winner of class 4, Terry Miller.
TOM GREENWOOD TROPHY most points in horticultural classes other than daffodils, Christine Foster.
DOROTHY LUCAS TROPHY most points in domestic classes, Jane Knight.
PHOTOGRAPHY TROPHY most points in photography classes, Liz Youngs.
DON EVERRITT TROPHY most points in floral art, Carol Tovell.
ZENA HART TROPHY most points in handicrafts, Cathy Graeme-Wilson.
LITTLE EGYPT WI TROPHY best exhibit in children’s classes, Ada Winks.
CHILDREN'S TROPHY u5, Jack Mason; 5-7 years, Isabelle Barlow; 8-11 years, Cleo Winks; 12-16 years, Kathryn Morgan.
DAFFODIL SOCIETY BRONZE MEDAL best exhibit in daffodil classes, Jennifer Phillips
DAFFODIL SOCIETY DIPLOMAS best bloom in daffodil classes, Terry Miller; best vase of 3 blooms in daffodil classes, Basil Billinger; best daffodil exhibit in members’ classes, Val Davis.
NAILSEA SOCIETY DIPLOMAS best bloom division 1, 2, 3, 4, 5-12, all Terry Miller; best miniature bloom, Basil Billinger; best bloom in members’ classes, Bill Knight.
Nailsea & District Horticultural Society spring show 2023 trophy winners
It all began as Better Nailsea metamorphised into Community Litter Heroes and still every month brave souls venture out to pick up rubbish discarded on our streets.
In ‘soggy conditions’ Nailsea Climate Emergency Group joined the April ‘outing’ and spent 90-minutes litter picking. They collected eight bags of rubbish, a car wheel, deep fat fryer and some pots of paint.
I you’d like to join the litter heroes they usually go out on the first Saturday of the month.
Nailsea Community Group provide all the equipment. If you can’t make the date, you are more than welcome to borrow the equipment at a time that suits you!
Jules Richardson said: “While on the subject of litter-picking I’d like to say a big thank you to the gentleman that has been clearing up all the litter on Pound Lane near Kingshill and Ravenswood schools.
“Yet another Community Litter Hero.”
The next date is moved to Saturday morning, May 13, starting out from 26 Somerset Square, as the first Saturday is the coronation.
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On Saturday, April 22, 2-3pm WOWSA the Grove and Hannah More schools PTA has organised an Earth Day Litter Pick. Meeting at the Whiteoak Way school to collect equipment all children taking part with be rewarded with a well-done certificate.
Litter pickers dates
The Friends of Trendlewood Park volunteer group in Nailsea (FoTP) in collaboration with North Somerset Council and local community groups arranged the installation of a much- needed new noticeboard for the park.
Recent Green Flag judges have drawn attention to the need for such an interactive notice board, which enables the group to share its activities and events with park users.
The volunteer group took the lead in designing and commissioning a noticeboard, which was supplied by Wards of Bristol.
It has a freshly reprinted interpretation panel and a lockable cabinet for community information.
Funding came from grants donated by Rotary Nailsea & Backwell, Waitrose and Nailsea Town Council. The town council already provides the FoTP with an annual grant to plan continuous improvements to the park.
At the end of April, on one of the few sunny days during this month, FoTP members met with representatives from the donor organisations to show them the noticeboard and thank them for their support and generosity.
FoTP chairman Pat Gilbert said: "We would in particular like to thank Rotary Nailsea & Backwell community lead Ken Rock and Nailsea Waitrose community partner Isobel Williams for their personal interest and support."
If you would like to find out more about FoTP and Trendlewood Park, you can visit the website, which has constantly updated photos of park wildlife to enjoy at friendsoftrendlewoodpark.org.uk.
If you would like to join, membership of the group is free and open-ended.
Pat added: "You can be an 'armchair naturalist', or come out to help us look after this beautiful park on regular workdays.
"The park is there for the enjoyment and relaxation of all, and to provide many semi- wild spaces for plants, birds and animals to flourish. "At this time of year, there is plenty of blossom, colourful meadows and abundant wildlife to enjoy."
Four of North Somerset's parks and green spaces have been officially recognised as some of the country’s best parks and will proudly fly the Green Flag again this year:
Nailsea park people get noticed
They are:
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Abbots Pool in Abbots Leigh
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Watchhouse Hill in Pill
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Trendlewood Community Park in Nailsea
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Prince Consort Gardens in Weston-super-Mare.
The Green Flag Award scheme is managed by environmental charity Keep Britain Tidy under licence from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.
It recognises and rewards well-managed parks and green spaces, setting the benchmark standard for the management of green spaces across the UK and around the world.
BUG'S LIFE: Flora and fauna detailed on FoTP website
North Somerset Council is to trial new bigger waste bins.
This is one big black bin divided into four compartments.
Using a sample of households, the initial trial is planned to start on Monday, May 15, for four weeks.
Residents taking part in the trial will use these new style bins instead of their existing multiple recycling and waste containers.
The bins will be collected by a specialist recycling vehicle which features a unique lift mechanism that matches the bin’s four compartments to the lorry’s four collection chambers.
It is shorter than the council’s current standard waste lorries.
It is hoped that the new system which is a first for the UK could provide a range of benefits including increased recycling capacity and ease of sorting, an easier to move bin and reduction of litter.
If the trial is successful and the new system implemented, the council would reduce the number of journeys needed to collect household recycling and waste – reducing pollution, congestion on the roads and saving the council money.
The Quatro system has been used in Scandinavia for approximately 20 years.
Quattro (UK) Ltd blurb on is website says it is a progressive organisation, providing a truly sustainable service to London and the Home Counties.
Adding 'with an enviable client list in the construction industry, including groundworkers, local authorities, demolition contractors, refurb and utilitycompanies, it is our guarantee that you can rely on Quattro for quality, safe performance;.
Recycling rates for 2021-22, published by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) in March, named North Somerset Council as the fourth best performing English unitary council, and 12th best council in the country overall.
For more information go to www.n-somerset.gov.uk/quatro.
Bigger bins less waste
In June 2023 on our front page Nailsea People told about the disgusting number of discarded vapes found littering our streets.
And only this week North Somerset Recycling and Waste operatives reported of a serious incident when a domestic waste vehicle almost caught fire because a vape was thrown away in a black bag.
North Somerset Council has not been accepting single use disposable vapes in kerbside recycling.
However, it has been widely reported that Tesco stores and some retailers of vapes have introduced take back schemes and now North Somerset Council has agreed to collect them with small electrical appliances.
A council email to environmentally concerned groups which says ‘…failing that, residents can put vapes in their kerbside boxes with the small electricals, which need to presented in a loosely tied bag. We have updated our contact centre staff with this information and put some information out on social media. We will also update our website shortly.’
More than 1.3 million vapes are disposed of weekly in the UK and are a real problem in waste bins or tossed away.
Bin fire averted
FLOWER POWER: Nailsea Horticultural Society summer show is on Saturday, August 5, at Nailsea School. Doors open to the pubic from noon-5pm. There are nearly 200 classes and many trophies to be won. Joint show secretaries Martyn Davies and Jane Knight say as well as the exhibits there will be stalls, raffles, refreshments and the Filton Concert Brass Band. To download the schedule with entry form click HERE. A fortnight later on Saturday, August 19, it is the turn of Tickenham Flower Show. This is in the village hall and in a marquee on the village field from 12.30-5pm. With 200 classes it includes a new art and baking section for care homes. There are craft stalls, refreshments including ice-cream, hog roast and beer tent. Chairman Ann Loader said; "We welcome back the Portishead Town Band and singing group Waves of Harmony." To download its schedule which includes an entry form click HERE.
RUBBISH PARTY: September's litter pick produced a lot of rubbish, including what looks like the remnants of a party as there was lots of empty Thatcher's cider cans. Between Saturday and Tuesday, September 2-5, somebody felt it was okay to off load a dustbin full of rubbish in the Clevedon Road car park. A Nailsea Climate Emergency Group spokesman said: "It is very hard to fathom the mind that allows someone to think it is acceptable. It also feels pointless to clean it up. Who was the ancient British king who tried to stop the tide coming in." The next organised litter pick is on Saturday, October 7, meeting at Somerset Square at 10am
North Somerset Council is now collecting vapes in its kerbside collections.
Nailsea resident John Belton said: “I had thought we had got the agreement of the council to take vapes in kerbside recycling in the summer and it was agreed for a short time before the advice was withdrawn.
“Apparently this was to enable training of the crews.”
North Somerset recycling and waste team technical officer Tony Merrett said: "I can confirm that householders are now able to place their vapes in their kerbside recycling boxes.
“Full guidance on how to recycle vapes is now available on our website.”
An accidental fire last October at Backwell Recycling Centre was blamed on a battery left in a mobile phone and has made officers even more aware of the need for cautious when collecting such items.
The advice is:
Disposable vapes
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kerbside collections - place out for collection in a clear loosely tied bag (like batteries, or together with batteries)
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household waste recycling centres - only place in the batteries container on site. Please do not put in the small electrical, or general waste skips due to the increased risk of fire
Rechargeable vapes
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If recycling in your kerbside box, or at the recycling centre, please remove the battery and recycle with batteries. The rest should be recycled with small electricals.
Please remember at kerbside, batteries and small electricals must be presented in a clear loosely tied bag.
BOX ONE (green)
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plastic including all white, clear, coloured or opaque plastic packaging
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metal including foil, tins, cans, lids from jars, tin trays and empty aerosols
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paper including newspaper, magazines, catalogues, white or coloured paper, but excluding brown paper which goes with cardboard in box two
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Keep paper separate from your plastic and metal packaging.
BOX TWO (black)
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all types of cardboard (flattened), including brown paper
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cartons including Tetra Paks (wash and squash)
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glass bottles and jars (rinse and make sure they are visible in your box and not in plastic bags)
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Cardboard and cartons may be mixed together but should be separate from glass.
ITEMS THAT CAN GO IN EITHER BOX
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small electrical appliances including all household appliances smaller than a standard domestic toaster. For example, kettles, radios, clocks, keyboards, cables, irons, watches, hair dryers, phones
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spectacles
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sunglasses
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textiles and clothes (suitable for reuse)
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shoes (tied in pairs)
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mobile phones
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batteries
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disposable vapes
FRONT PAGE: From our Nailsea People front page June 2021 HERE
Rubbish recycling update
A Bristol man has been ordered to pay more than £1,500 following a prosecution for fly-tipping brought by North Somerset Council.
Victor Rotundu, of Cobham Road, entered a guilty plea at North Somerset Magistrates' Court on Friday, Decedmber 15, for fly-tipping waste on Yanley Lane in Long Ashton in June 2023.
The fly-tipped waste consisted of 11 domestic fridge freezer appliances.
The offence was witnessed by a local resident who reported it with the vehicle registration number of the vehicle used.
Officers found that Mr Rotundu had hired the vehicle at the time the offence took place.
Mr Rotundu was ordered to pay a total of £1,518: a fine of £200 and North Somerset Council’s full costs of £1,318.
Welcoming the outcome of the prosecution,
North Somerset Council Green Party ward councillor Winford Annemieke Waite welcomed the result.
She said: “Fly-tipping is completely unacceptable. It has a negative impact on our local environment and communities.
“North Somerset Council will vigorously investigate all fly-tipping incidents and issue fixed penalty notices or prosecute individuals when sufficient evidence is found.
“I’d like to remind residents using private companies to collect their waste of the importance in checking that they’re registered with the environment agency.
"Waste carriers should always provide paperwork showing their full contact details and a description of the waste taken.
"It’s also useful if residents make a note of the vehicle the waste carrier used, including the registration number.
"This information allows officers to trace the keeper of the vehicle if the waste ends up being fly-tipped.”
Follow these simple steps to make sure your waste is disposed legally:
S - Suspect all waste carriers. Don't let them take your waste until they have proven themselves to be legitimate. A professional waste carrier should happily answer reasonable questions.
C - Check that a waste carrier is registered on the Environment Agency's website.
Man caught dumping 11 fridges in North Somerset country lane
R - Refuse any unexpected offers to have your rubbish taken away.
A - Ask what will happen to your rubbish and seek evidence that it is going to be disposed of appropriately.
P - Paperwork must be obtained - a proper invoice, waste transfer note or receipt, including a description of the waste being removed and the waste carrier’s contact details.
North Somerset residents can dispose of their household waste at any of the council’s recycling centres at Backwell, Portishead and Weston-super-Mare.
Residents who find fly-tipped waste should report it to the council as soon as possible at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/flytipping.
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Priscille Lesne took these more recent examples of fly-tipping on Backwell Common in mid-December. We are told more was left later! It is not known if the culprit has been caught.
COLD STORAGE: 11 fridges left in Long Ashton
Before we see the old year out here is the latest news from our admirable Nailsea litter pickers.
Keen environmentalist John Belton said: “We did a litter pick of Clevedon Road car park just before the festive break and collected a good pile of rubbish.
“Not wanting to add too much to the Christmas kerbside collection decided to keep hold of it and dispose of it gradually.
“Wondering what could be done with it while storing it we came up with the idea of a litter tree like one decorated at the village green.
“The littering scene in Nailsea has changed quite a lot since the heady days when it was at 65 High Street and good numbers would turn out once a month.
“Now the group that meets is made up of a couple of Rotarians, our group Litter Free Nailsea and other public-spirited individuals.
“We are usually approximately 10 in number but this varies.
“There is a particular issue with the Clevedon Road car park as young people gather there and although I cleared three sides completely, when l visited a week later there were plenty of bottles and cans back again.
“It is a puzzle because during the day there are rarely any spaces and it gets dark by 4pm.
“Currently I am working with the Nailsea Town Council on their Tidy Nailsea initiative headed by councillor Antony Hobbs.”
North Somerset Council recycling centres including Backwell
Litter grows on our trees
Green peeps
Nailsea and District Horticultural Society, Nailsea Climate Emergency Group and other environmentally-friendly 'green' groups, litter picking, fly-tipping, recycling and other 'save the planet' news all on this page...
2024
Noah’s Ark will be recycling Christmas trees for 2024,
Run in conjunction with North Somerset Council and other local charities, the scheme has gone from strength to strength in the four years it has been collecting the festive timber.,
The Christmas tree recycling initiative has grown fro approximately 1,000 trees in their first year in 2021 to more than 3,000 trees in 2023.
Noah’s Ark has been using recycled and repurposed Christmas trees for animal enrichment for several years.
Chippings from the Christmas trees are popular with many animals at the Wraxall zoo. The woodchips are used in the Andean Adventures exhibit, providing different scents and enrichment for resident spectacled bears, Madidi, Rasu, Tuichi and Beni.
We all know the familiar smell of a fresh Christmas tree filling our homes, and just like us, the bears at Noah’s Ark get the same joy!
The rhinos and meerkats also thoroughly enjoy the seasonal enrichment, their keepers bury food under the mulch, which stimulates the animals’ natural foraging instinct.
The largest residents at the zoo are also involved in the post-Christmas fun!
The elephants devour the Christmas tree branches, and also enjoy searching their way through piles of chippings for buried treats.
The elephants enjoy willow and other tree branches as part of their regular diet, so this is a festive spin on a staple they already enjoy.
Noah’s Ark site manager Jon Jutsum said, “The Christmas tree recycling scheme forms part of Noah’s Ark’s Green Zoo initiative, which aims to create a sustainable future for all.
"The scheme enables the public to dispose of their Christmas trees in a responsible and sustainable way, and also benefit from the knowledge that their tree will be repurposed for good.
"This year, we have had a record year of selling our locally sourced wonky Christmas trees at the zoo.
"We are proud to offer a full service of enabling people to purchase their tree from us, and then recycling it with us too.
"This means the trees start and end their journey here at the zoo.”
North Somerset Council’ executive member for climate, waste and sustainability Annemieke Waite is the Green Party ward councillor for Winford.
She said, “North Somerset Council is very happy to support the Christmas tree recycling scheme at Noah’s Ark zoo again this year."This is part of a wider recycling scheme that we run in partnership with St Peter’s Hospice and Weston-super-Mare Rotary Club for Weston Hospicecare.
A tree is not just for Christmas
"Taking part is a great way for people to support local communities and charities – last year’s collections raised over £37,350 – while following a sustainable approach.
"Instead of becoming another waste item after the festive period, it’s positive to see the trees being repurposed and used again as a valuable resource.
"As this is all done locally, it helps cut down on transportation and carbon emissions, while supporting our commitment to tackle the climate emergency.”
Noah’s Ark managing director Larry Bush said: “We all love the Christmas tree recycling program as much as our animals do, and our partnership with North Somerset Council and other local charities has allowed us to effectively support local green initiatives while finding a good use for the preloved Christmas trees.
"As we became a charity in April, this year, for the first time, we are inviting those using the Christmas tree recycling scheme to make a donation to Noah’s Ark’s vital conservation efforts. We are looking forward to seeing how much we can grow the scheme on previous years, and hope this is the biggest year yet!”
People wishing to donate their Christmas tree can do so between Wednesday and Sunday, January 3-21, when the zoo is open from 10:30am-4pm.
The recycling is for individual households to benefit from.
North Somerset Council is facing unprecedented pressure to reach the end of the financial year with balanced books.
The increasing costs of care, especially for vulnerable children, means that the council is currently forecasting that expenditure will exceed the available budget by £2.3 million.
This is despite bringing in a number of measures already to reduce the budget gap.
On Wednesday, February 7, at 2.30pm the council executive which has no Nailsea councillors will make a decision on whether to consult residents on proposals to switch to three-weekly collections of non-recyclable (black bin) waste, in a bid to increase recycling rates and cut costs.
The move to three-weekly black bin collections would be in line with the council’s Recycling and Waste strategy, which aims to reduce non-recycled waste and reach a recycling rate of at least 70 per cent by 2030.
This would significantly reduce the annual carbon emissions and costs associated with collecting and treating waste in North Somerset.
The council introduced weekly kerbside recycling collections of a wide range of materials including food waste in 2010.
However, an analysis of the waste North Somerset households put in their black bins found that almost half (45 per cent) could have been recycled.
Last year households in North Somerset generated a total of approximately 90,000 tonnes of waste, 40,000 tonnes of which was put in black bins. 18,000 tonnes of this could have been recycled instead, cutting emissions and saving money.
Treating and disposing of black bin rubbish costs local council tax payers around £130 per tonne.
North Somerset Council’s separated kerbside recycling collections result in a high quality of recycling material, which can be sold and made into new materials. This generates an income of around £30 per tonne.
Several other local councils in the south west have already successfully made the switch to three-weekly non-recyclable rubbish collections, including Somerset, East Devon, and Mid-Devon. All have seen an increase in recycling rates, a reduction in non-recyclable waste, and a financial saving.
North Somerset Council executive member for climate, waste and sustainability Annemieke Waite is the Green Party ward councillor for Winford.
She said: “We want to make North Somerset a thriving and sustainable place, and we know many people are supportive and enthusiastic about recycling as much as possible, putting out their sorted recycling, including food waste, each and every week.
“This year, we will need to spend around £5 million to dispose of black bin rubbish. Almost half of this waste could instead be recycled and generate an income to help pay for vital local services.
“North Somerset residents already do a lot of hard work to recycle but it’s important we do more. Not only will that save council tax payers’ money, it will also help protect our environment. We’re also keen to introduce the collection of soft plastics, such as crisp packets and vegetable packaging, to help local people recycle more.
“We know there will be some households in North Somerset where a three-weekly black bin collection may not work.
"Our proposed public consultation will be an opportunity to understand the feasibility of these changes for people, particularly around any concerns about storing and dealing with waste.
”Of the total waste put in black bins, over a quarter (27 per cent) was food waste, and almost half of this was unopened food still in its packaging.
"As well as being a waste of natural resources, it’s very important that food
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waste is disposed of correctly, to prevent the harmful climate change gas methane being released.
The waste analysis also found that 18% of black bin rubbish could have instead been recycled using the council’s kerbside collections.
The materials currently collected each week in North Somerset includes paper, cardboard, cartons, textiles, batteries, metal, glass, electrical items, hard plastic packaging and food waste.
As part of any change, the council would aim to introduce the collection of soft plastics, such as crisp packets and vegetable packaging, as part of its weekly kerbside recycling service, to help residents recycle more.
If the executive decides to carry out the proposed public consultation into the introduction of three-weekly black bin collections, residents will be asked about how much they currently recycle, and how the service could be improved to make it easier to recycle more.
The report containing the proposals is at https://n-somerset.moderngov.co.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?CId=152&MId=1069.
Final proposals for the three-weekly black bin collection service will be based on the feedback from the proposed public consultation, and will return to the executive for decision this summer 2024.
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You can watch this council meeting which could introduce car parking fees for Nailsea live at https://youtube.com/live/-ju9FqEWRoo
Balancing North Somerset budget with fewer bin collections and car park fees
North Somerset Council and Avon Fire and Rescue Service have partnered on a campaign to help prevent fires caused by the incorrect disposal of batteries, after three fires broke out in North Somerset during the past year.
From Monday, February 5, 102,000 properties across North Somerset will each receive a hanger for their black (general waste) bin, about how to dispose of batteries, vapes and gas canisters responsibly, as well as advice on how to keep their homes safe from fire.
Lithium-ion batteries are found in many of our everyday household items, such as phones, laptops and vapes. While these batteries are not dangerous when used properly, they can present a significant risk if they are not disposed of correctly.
If batteries are damaged or crushed, such as in the back of a bin lorry, they can explode and start fires. To help prevent fire starting, you should never put batteries, vapes or gas canisters in your black (general waste) bin.
When disposing of electrical items in kerbside recycling boxes, remove batteries first and put them in a clear plastic bag on top of your recycling box.
Gas canisters and larger battery packs, such as those for cars and power tools, should be taken to your local recycling centre.
This is a nationwide issue, but it also directly affects North Somerset. In the past year, three fires have broken out locally - two in the back of waste collection vehicles and one at Backwell recycling centre - which were all believed to have been caused by batteries that weren’t disposed of properly.
North Somerset Council executive member for climate, waste and sustainability Annemieke Waite is the Green Party ward councillors for Winford.
She said: “This is a deeply important campaign that should help keep our waste collection crews and our residents safe.
“Especially with items like vapes continuing to be popular, it’s crucial that we dispose of batteries in a safe and proper way. Recycling these items helps us look after our community and secure a greener future for North Somerset.”
Avon Fire and Rescue Service group manager Russ Mitchell said: “We’re thrilled to be partnering with North Somerset Council for this campaign, as waste fires caused by batteries have been a cause for concern across the area.
“Not only can these fires be particularly dangerous to victims and firefighters, but they also cause significant damage to properties.
“Properly disposing of batteries is an important way that residents can help reduce the risk of fires starting.”
What to do with old batteries
To find out other ways to help keep your home fire safe, use our Home Fire Safety Checker at: tinyurl.com/22a8zfxs.”
More information can be found on the council’s website at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recycling.
North Somerset Council is inviting people to Weston town hall to talk about whether it should continue to use weedkillers.
A Weed Management Inquiry Day is planned for Thursday, February 29, is looking at the council’s weed management practices.
The council currently uses weedkillers to:
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reduce trip hazards and improve access on pavements and paths
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maintain leisure and sports areas
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meet legal duties to control invasive species.
The council is reviewing its weed management policies and practices, and is considering whether there are viable alternatives to weedkillers.
The council is keen to hear the views of the community.
Starting at 10am, the event is in the New Council Chamber.
During the event, which is set to last until approximately 4pm, councillors will be hearing evidence from council officers, representatives from other local authorities and some local groups, before an open roundtable discussion around potential areas for improvement in managing weeds.
Councillors are particularly keen to hear from key local stakeholders, including environmental groups, volunteer groups and North Somerset town and parish councils, to help shape policy in this area.
North Somerset Council executive member for climate, waste and sustainability Annemieke Waite is the Green Party ward councillors for Winford.
She said: “As we work towards creating a greener North Somerset, it’s crucial that we review how we’re looking after the land the council is responsible for, and particularly the use of weedkillers.
“Weedkillers are a controversial issue.
"We’re considering a range of alternatives, and we want to find an approach that benefits the environment and our residents, while allowing us to maintain our land in a practical and realistic way.”
North Somerset Council transport, climate and communities policy and scrutiny panel is organising the event.
Should council use weedkiller?
Its chairman Steve Bridger is the Independent ward councillor for Yatton.
He said: “The council’s use of weedkillers has significantly reduced in recent years, with minimal use in parks and open spaces, but it’s vital that we get our approach to weeds right.
“We know people have strong opinions about the use of weedkillers, so it’s really important that we work with the local community and use their views to help shape policy.
“I’d urge those who are interested in this topic to join us at the inquiry day on February 29th.
"We’re keen to understand your thoughts on the subject, so if you would like to share your views or insights related to weed management as part of the proceedings, please do get in touch as we would like to listen.”
North Somerset Council is making recycling easier for residents and collection crews, as people can now recycle paper and cardboard together in the same recycling box.
Sorting recycling boxes is now simpler than before:
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Place plastic bottles, pots, tubs and trays, metal tins, cans and foil in box 1.
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Cardboard and paper can now be mixed together in box 2. Place any glass bottles and jars to one side of this box, so they can be seen.
By having paper and cardboard in the same box, people have less sorting to do. It also speeds up collections for the crews, as paper and cardboard can go in the same compartment on the collection vehicle.
The council are also reminding residents that recycling should be loose in the box. Please do not place items in bags, as this slows the crews down and causes problems during the recycling process.
Residents can update their recycling knowledge through the new guide to recycling and waste that has been sent out with paper council tax bills this year, or included as a PDF for those who are signed up to e-billing.
Mixing recycling boxes for collection
For more information about what people can recycle and how to put recycling out for collection, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/recycling
Nailsea Methodist Church’s first ever community Eco Fair brought together 20 organisations involved in different aspects of environmental work.
Avon Wildlife Trust, Bristol Ornithological Club, Yatton & Congresbury Wildlife Action Group, and Friends of Trendlewood Park are all involved in the management of local nature reserves and rewilding projects while Nailsea & District Horticultural Society, Fagus Gardening Club and North Somerset Master Composters were on hand to offer advice and guidance to gardeners.
South West Dry Stone Walling Association is busy preserving traditional countryside skills while the Nailsea Shedders focus on repairing, recycling and repurposing cherished or broken items and you could also buy a Somerset Wildlife Products birdbox made out of reclaimed materials.
Burnham and Weston Energy and the Centre for Sustainable Energy were on hand to offer advice on clean energy and energy saving.
The climate crisis featured on the Greenpeace, Nailsea Climate Emergency Group and Christian Climate Action campaign stalls with other Christian groups like Green Christian and A Rocha also represented.
Nailsea Methodist Church also had a display telling the story of its journey to becoming a Silver Award winning Eco Congregation.
The fair attracted more than 170 visitors visiting the stalls, enjoying the free refreshments and attending six environmentally themed talks.
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Great fair by green church
Jenny Rasmuseen, pictured, was the lucky winner of the free draw for an Organic Veg box donated by The Community Farm.
Fair organiser on behalf of the church Eco Group Richard Lancaster said: "This was the first time we’d tried an event of this kind and we were delighted with the positive feedback we received from both the groups taking part and the visitors.
"There was a very positive vibe in the hall, lots of opportunities for networking and many great conversations on the environmental challenges ahead”
People living in North Somerset can now subscribe to receive garden waste collections between beginning of April 2024 and end of March 2025.
The easiest way to sign-up, or for existing customers to renew, is online at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/gardenwaste.
The subscription rate is £60 for each garden waste bin, with a maximum of two per household.
Those unable to have garden waste bins pay the same cost of £60 for three garden waste sacks. Households can have a maximum of six sacks.
Customers who renew will receive a new permit sticker for each bin.
This should be received through the post within 15 working days.
Addresses will again be printed on permits to help crews identify which households have signed up.
Garden waste sack customers will receive one permit tag for every three garden waste sacks.
Those customers are asked to write their address on the tag before attaching it to one of their bags.
The cost of subscription is subsidised for the most financially vulnerable households.
Customers eligible for a discount will pay £15 for each bin or three sacks. This 75 percent discount is automatically applied at sign-up or renewal.
North Somerset Council is unable to take this payment in person, so customers are asked not to visit council offices.
Instead, existing garden waste customers who are unable to renew online are encouraged to ask a friend or relative to help, or to visit a library.All North Somerset libraries have free WiFi and computers that can be used to access the internet.
How green is my garden waste collection?
Those who don’t renew their garden waste subscription for 2024-25 will automatically stop receiving collections after Sunday, March 31.
Garden waste customers can check their collection dates on the council’s website at: www.n-somerset.gov.uk/calendar.
More information about the garden waste scheme can be found at www.n-somerset.gov.uk/gardenwaste. To read North Somerset Council’s Recycling and Waste Strategy 2021-2030, visit www.n-somerset.gov.uk/wastestrategy.
LION IN WINTER: Nailsea Town Council environment and leisure committee discussed back in January fears that a termite infestation had rotted the wooden sculpture on Lions Green. Then someone pointed out we don't have termites in this country. But the rot has set in at Lions Green off Stockway South. Nailsea People had gone along to take photos of the daffodils but there weren't any. The centre of the large lion was totally rotten while the smaller lion was saved. Councillors recognised wood carvings have only a limited life and were subject to damage by weather and insects; they could not be preserved indefinitely. However, we have a daffodil slideshow from Mizzymead Road and other areas here https://www.nailseapeople.com/gallery-2024
Brambles and bracken takeover
Re-wilding is supposed to restore open land to its natural state but in Nailsea it has proved a bit of a disaster.
Firstly, hundreds of young saplings planted all over the town by North Somerset Council have died due to lack of maintenance and the plastic sleeve that encased the ‘twigs’ cause a major litter mess.
Now the space on what was green plots has been invaded by brambles making no-go areas for walkers or children to play.
Vivian Parsons said: “Unfortunately NSC only look short-term at fulfilling its eco credentials with no regard for local needs or having any provision for maintenance of this planting.
“These photos at Old Church show just a couple of years of the spread of the brambles, soon it will all look like Morgans Hill, which has been left to grow wild.
“I have seen what the rewilding that has been done to Morgans Hill and quite frankly I nearly cried.
“Nearly 1,000 trees had been planted in that small area including 270 oak whips.
“This means that for the residents of Nailsea between The Perrings and Hannah More Road the open space we have left of about the size of two tennis courts.
“To me the planting is an act of vandalism spoiling a beautiful field.
“No longer will we be able to enjoy the blossom in the spring as it will be marred by long grass and bramble.
“These open spaces are used all the time for walking, exercising dogs and places for children to run and play and have been particularly vital during lockdown when we were all trying to keep fit and stay in the open.
“In some areas at least 60 per cent of the land has been densely planted with forest trees including many oaks leaving residents with small areas to walk on.
“It is obvious that within a year these planted areas will be a mess of long grass, bramble and bracken and within 10 years 99 per cent of the trees will have to be felled due to overcrowding and disease.
“As Nailsea is surrounded by miles of hedgerows, ancient oaks and woodland the wildlife is well catered for, unlike Nailsea residents who will now have smaller and smaller areas to stretch their legs.
“We are constantly being told that North Somerset does not have sufficient funds to meet the demands of running a council but they somehow can find money to ruin our few beautiful necessary open spaces.
A North Somerset Council spokesperson said: “ We believe that the land will still be enjoyed by the public despite the rewilding.
“We will continue to maintain areas to allow people to walk, children to play and for exercise.
“The changes to the land do not alter its accessibility.
“We will be maintaining, by mowing, areas of open space and paths through the areas of tree planting and tall grass.
“When planning our rewilding sites, we considered several factors including how the areas can create links to the open countryside.
“Often wildlife fares better in more built-up areas where there is a variety of garden plants and open spaces.
“We hope to encourage more diverse habitats in our built-up areas by changing selected sites from amenity grass which is regularly mowed to a more diverse mix of woodland and tall grass.
“We will always carry out the relevant maintenance for each of our sites but we do anticipate the earmarked areas will develop following minimal intervention and although this may result in the growth of brambles, we do not consider this to be a negative development.
“We are confident that the rewilding plans will enhance local areas as well as biodiversity as they develop.”
In March 2022 North Somerset MP Liam Fox made a site meeting, pictured, to hear the complaints of Nailsea Park residents about the re-wilding of the corner of Hawthorn Way.
"This area became a litter strewn mess with many of the saplings failing to take root and now is a barren walkway.
Dr Fox said: “Re-wilding done well is a good thing, this is not it.”
Local resident Roger Smallshaw said previoulsy: “The planting went ahead, without any involvement by or consultation with residents, undertaken entirely and badly by council contractors Glendale and not the community as claimed.”
In the year since planting Mr Smallshaw said there has been no maintenance of the saplings, some 850 unidentified species, all planted too close together and hidden in the long grass.
He added: “The result being a complete mess of dead, dying twigs, collapsed and collapsing support sticks and a litter of discarded, broken plastic tubes and untended footpaths which have turned into impassable quagmires at the merest drop of rain.”
The re-wilding of North Somerset began in February 2020 with hundreds of tree saplings being planted across the district.
The aim was to plant 50,000 trees, resulting in 25 hectares of new woodland, and create around 40 hectares of tall grass areas where the grass is allowed to grow.
Together, these initiatives will provide more habitats for wildlife to flourish and increase biodiversity, helping to mitigate the effects of climate change and address the nature emergency.
Spring has arrived at Trendlewood Park.
The area on the east side of Nailsea between the housing developments has had Green Flag status since 2012.
Cared for by voluntary group Friends of Trendlewood Park it is managed in partnership with North Somerset Council.
The Friends are always looking for more volunteers and meet on the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 10am-1pm at The Old Farmhouse.
Pop along if interested or email contact@friendsoftrendlewoodpark.org.uk.
Alternatively there is a contact form on the website https://friendsoftrendlewoodpark.org.uk/contact-us/.
The park comprises of four acres of woodland, well-equipped play area and 10 acres of grassland, trees and hedges with a network of public footpaths and a bridleway.
The attached map details the location of the park.
Much of the woodland in the park originates from Trendlewood Quarry, which produced Pennant Sandstone from the 1850s to the 1930s.
Remains of the quarrying can be found in the area of the park known as Nowhere Wood.
The Pennant Sandstone exposure in the wood is listed as a Regionally Important Geological Site (RIGS).
A geologist member of the Friends has written an informative article describing the site, its geology and quarrying history. His article includes photographs of the many ways in which Pennant Sandstone has been used in the local area.
Andrew Town, one of the volunteers for the park is a keen photographer and is out and about on the park almost daily.
He takes and circulates a selection of lovely photos to members every few weeks.
Andrew has a particular skill in taking photos of the colourful great spotted woodpeckers who are permanent residents of the wood.
Friends chairperson Pat Gilbert, pictured, said ‘We are really looking forward to more Nailsea residents using this wonderful park now that spring has arrived.
"The park provides a home for a wide variety of birds, plants, mammals, insects and other invertebrates and so you never know what wildlife you can spot on your walks and exploring.
"Please contact us if you would like to support the amazing work we do in this park."
A walk in the park now spring is here
GOOD EARTH: Working on the allotment at Whitesfield Road, plots are rented from Nailsea Town Council
Joint show secretaries Martyn Davis and Jane Knight, pictured, at the 50th anniversary of the Nailsea & District Horticultural Society spring show which has traditionally been called the 'daffodil show'.
With 163 classes and lots of trophies to be won as well as flowers, vegetables, floral art, handicraft, home-baking and photography there were also some amazing entries from the Nailsea Community Trust sponsored children's varied section which included novel paper pizza design to cardboard model making.
The months leading up to the April show tested the gardeners skills with wind, rain, some sunshine but a lot more rain.
Martyn and his wife Valerie said their blooms had peaked early as the show is very late in the season but others admitting popping their flowers back in the fridge to compete in other local flower shows.
The first spring show was held in 1974 but the society dates back to 1853 and is steeped in village traditions.
Martyn and Jane agreed that 'our spring show soon became established as one of the best in this part of the country and we are proud to continue those traditions'.
Martyn added: "At Saturday's show there were excellent quality entries and good competition in all classes.
"Despite the weather and the very early season growers displayed some excellent daffodils and there were lots of other entries from floral art, cookery, handicrafts and photography.
"The whole show enjoyed a very friendly atmosphere with visitors catching up over plenty of homemade tea and cakes.
"There were lots of local stalls and entertainment was provided by the Filton Community Brass Band.
"Attendance was almost 300 (approximately 280-290)."
Visitors enjoyed delicious refreshments and the sounds of the brass band before the prize giving.
The summer show also at Nailsea School is on Saturday, August 3, noon-5pm.
150th anniversary spring show
TROPHY WINNERS
BARBARA RANDALL TROPHY
most points in members’ classes – William Knight
DAFFODIL SOCIETY CENTENARY TROPHY
best exhibit in Class I – Ivor Clark
THELMA HOWES MEMORIAL TROPHY
most points in daffodil classes – Terry Miller
JIM TIGWELL TROPHY
best exhibit in Class 2 - Ivor Clark
FRANK CALCRAFT MEMORIAL TROPHY
best exhibit in Class 3 – Jennifer Phillips
RN COATE CUP w
inner of Class 4 – Terry Miller
TOM GREENWOOD TROPHY
most points in horticultural classes other than daffodils – M Newton
DOROTHY LUCAS TROPHY
most points in domestic classes – Jane Knight
PHOTOGRAPHY TROPHY
most points in photography classes – Graham Parsons
DON EVERRITT TROPHY
most points in floral art – Carol Tovell
ZENA HART TROPHY
most points in handicrafts – C Graeme-Wilson
LITTLE EGYPT WI TROPHY
best exhibit in children’s classes – Elin Armstrong
CHILDRENS TROPHIES
u5s Mabel Plaver; 5-7 Jack Mason; 8-11 Henry Morgan, 12-16 Kathryn Morgan
DAFFODIL SOCIETY
bronze medal Ivor Clark: diplomas: best bloom in daffodil classes Ivor Clark; best vase of 3 blooms in daffodil classes Ivor Clark; best daffodil in members’ classes William Knight.
NAILSEA SOCIETY
diplomas: best bloom in Division !, 2, 3 and 4 Ivor Clark; best bloom Divisions 5-12 Jennifer Phillips; best miniature bloom and best bloom in members’ classes William Knight