Local green spaces
We are blessed with many green spaces in and around the parish.
1 - St Luke’s church
2 - Bloomfield open space and allotments
3 - Two Tunnels Greenway (Linear Park)
4 - Moorlands estate and schools
5 - Englishcombe Park
6 - Englishcombe Lane field (Tufa flushes)
7 - Entry Hill golf course
8 - The Tumps
9 - Alexandra Park and allotments (Beechen Cliff)
10 - Watery Bottom
11 - Beechen Cliff school
Each of these green spaces provide opportunities for people, nature and planet, and each is special in its own way. This has been especially evident in recent times, when we have been told to stay close to home. For many, the local exercise walk has been the highlight of the day.
It is also the cumulative impact of these green spaces that matters. A number of diverse habitats provide:
carbon capture services
nature highways for insects, birds and animals
a critical mass of food sources, nesting sites and places to find safe refuge
Two of these green spaces are currently in the news.
6 - Englishcombe Lane field (Tufa flushes)
The area behind 89-123 Englishcombe Lane, and bordered by Stirtingale Road is being considered by the council for development, including 37 houses and 88 car parking spaces. A local action group is opposing the planning application for two main reasons - the destruction of a rare ecology (tufa flushes), and the perceived contradiction with the council’s declaration of a climate and ecological emergency last year.
So, housing or slow worms? Of course, nothing is quite as simple as that. Especially if you live locally, do find out more and get involved. See https://tufafield.ddns.net/.
7 - Entry Hill golf course
The golf course at Entry Hill has closed, and you can find out more about the plans for this green space at https://www.pedalprogression.com/bbp-news/. The plans include a bike park alongside open-access community space. play park and allotments.
There will be volunteer opportunities for local people to get involved. See the council press release.