South Glos lagging behind on electric car charging points

South Gloucestershire Council is lagging behind its neighbours on delivery of electric vehicle charging points. That’s...

Posted by South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats on Monday, 18 January 2021

Council wrong to reject fines for idling engines outside schools

South Gloucestershire Liberal Democrats have condemned the decision of the Council’s Cabinet yesterday not to adopt rules to allow the Council to fine people leaving their car engines running unnecessarily outside schools.

A member of the Yate Sodbury Liberal Democrat  Focus team who is Shadow Cabinet Member for the Environment, Cllr Louise Harris said:

“It is deeply disappointing that the administration is unwilling to take this necessary action to clean up the air quality around our schools. In many other areas these powers have been used to bring about significant changes in behaviour.

 “Whilst South Gloucestershire’s Cabinet believes that a small number of fines being issued in some of those areas of the country which have adopted these powers represents failure, we see it as a sign of success – because it means that people are switching off their engines when they are waiting outside schools.

 “If the council was prepared to adopt these regulations, enforce them and run a serious publicity campaign to help drive a change in people’s behaviour, I have no doubt that this would help bring about the change we need – I am disappointed that the Cabinet as decided to ignore this opportunity.

 “South Gloucestershire’s Tories seem to think that you measure how clean the air is by how much money you can make from it, we think you measure how clean the air is by how clean the air is.”

Image credit: Ruben de Rijcke

WILD FLOWERS

Often councils get brickbats, but here's an email from a resident yesterday to one of the Focus Team Councillors. If your exercise has not taken you past the flowers, do look at the verges. All done by taking away the grass cuttings and spreading seeds. A public thank you to the staff who did this - and to the resident who took the time to email thanks, which have been passed on to the staff responsible.

WILDLIFE WRITING COMPETITION REMINDER

DEADLINE 15th May last chance 

Yate Wildlife Adventures

Writing Competition - deadline 15 May - REMINDER

GOOD NEWS FOR ROADSIDE VERGES AND THE WILDLIFE WHO THRIVE THERE

From March 2020, South Glos Streetcare will be trialling a new verges management policy using a pilot in the Yate area. This involves using a new ‘cut and collect’ mower which picks up cut grass instead of leaving it in situ. Collecting and tipping the grass nearby, helps to reduce the soil fertility of verges, which will encourage wildflowers to grow and in turn attract pollinating insects to the area. Cut grass will be carefully tipped in piles to provide shelter for hedgehogs and other wildlife.

Wellbeing activities alongside the river

There's a new opportunity to take part in some riverbank based wellbeing activities starting March 2018 in the Yate/Chipping Sodbury area:

• Sessions are free
• Sessions are for over 18s
• Sessions will be in the Yate/Chipping Sodbury area
• Sessions will last 2.5 hours and probably be Thursday or Friday afternoons (maybe 1-3.30)
• Activities will be linked to conservation and include river clearance, wildlife monitoring, litter clearance along with nature talks and lots of time to just enjoy the space and share a hot drink.
• Sessions will run for 6 weeks with 2 prior to Easter and 4 after
• Support with transport can be provided if an issue
• Ideally they want to recruit people who are likely to show improved well being after taking part

Please get in touch with Steve Spiers

Public Health Programme Lead (Mental Health & Emotional Well Being)

Tel 01454 864616

Planting for the future - tree and hedge planting events

Local environment groups are organising tree and hedge planting events over the next few weeks. New volunteers are always welcome - you can bring your children or grandchildren too. Major tools are provided.

Wapley Bushes Conservation Group has work mornings on Sunday 18 February (this coming Sunday) and Saturday 17 March. Volunteers will be planting a mixture of native trees in the main woodland as part of a three-year planting project. They will also be pruning the local variety fruit trees and doing a litter pick - there are different types of work to suit everyone.

Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the woodland, south Yate, BS37 8US, 10.00am. Please wear stout footwear, and bring gloves and a pair of secateurs if you have them. The Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve blog has lots of information about Wapley and other local wildlife events.


Lilliput Conservation Group will be planting short lengths of hedge and drifts of bulbs in Lilliput Park on Saturday 24 February and Tuesday 6 March, plus tidying up the hedgerows and planting and litter picking. Again there is something for everyone, and you can work at your own pace.


Meet at the Kingfisher Road gate at 10.00 am. Please wear stout footwear, and gloves if you have them. You can check out the Lilliput Conservation Group on Facebook for more information.

New date for Wapley Owl Prowl

The Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, which had to be postponed last Friday due to high winds, has now been rescheduled for Friday 10 November at 7 pm.

This Owl Prowl will be led by well-known local expert Ian McGuire. Ian's owl prowls are a night-time walk in woodlands for all the family where you can learn about British owls through his iPad video presentations and through the evening he will be calling wild tawny owls in the hope that one will call back and possibly fly in for everyone to view.

Owl prowls are suitable for all age groups from 5 to 95 and usually involve a limited amount of walking. They are fun and fascinating and will leave participants much more aware of how amazing owls are and what they need to survive in the wild.

No captive owls are used at this event but Ian's success rate for calling in wild owls is approximately 60% so the anticipation of seeing a wild one is always very great. We're hoping that the tawny owls we saw last time on the edge of Wapley Common may put in an appearance once again.

Fri 10 November, meet 7 pm at the Shire Way entrance to the Nature Reserve. Please wear sensible footwear and bring a torch.
(Organised by Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, sponsored by South Gloucestershire Council)

Wapley Owl Prowl and Dog Walk POSTPONED

This evening's Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes is being postponed due to forecast high winds.

We have a provisional date of Friday 10 November at 7 pm - we will confirm here.
EDIT - THIS NEW DATE HAS NOW BEEN CONFIRMED

Sorry for any inconvenience - the Conservation Group will be at the gate this evening to tell anyone who doesn't know it's cancelled.

The Dodington Dog Walk at Wapley tomorrow morning has also been cancelled for safety reasons due to continued high winds.

Go wild at Wapley this weekend - dog walk and owl prowl

There's a dog walk with a difference at Wapley this Saturday - you don't have to have a dog! If you fancy a morning stroll in the countryside, with or without a dog, please join the Discover Dodington Dog Walk at 10.00 am from the Shire Way entrance to the Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, opposite the road entrance to Cherington.

And as we've previously told you, there's an Owl Prowl at Wapley Bushes Reserve this Friday,  20 October 2017. You'll be able to join local expert Ian McGuire for a twilight owl prowl through the Wapley Bushes nature reserve. Please wear warm clothes and sturdy footwear and please bring a torch too. Meet at the Shire Way entrance at 7.00pm.

Owl prowl at Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve - Fri 20 October

This Owl Prowl will be led by well-known local expert Ian McGuire. Ian's owl prowls are a night-time walk in woodlands for all the family where you can learn about British owls through his iPad video presentations and through the evening he will be calling wild tawny owls in the hope that one will call back and possibly fly in for everyone to view.

Owl prowls are suitable for all age groups from 5 to 95 and usually involve a limited amount of walking. They are fun and fascinating and will leave participants much more aware of how amazing owls are and what they need to survive in the wild.

No captive owls are used at this event but Ian'sy success rate for calling in wild owls is approximately 60% so the anticipation of seeing a wild one is always very great. We're hoping that the tawny owls we saw last time on the edge of Wapley Common may put in an appearance once again.

Fri 20 October, meet 7 pm at the Shire Way entrance to the Nature Reserve. Please wear sensible footwear and bring a torch.
(Organised by Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, sponsored by South Gloucestershire Council)

Talk: the Wild Owl TV Garden – A Wildlife Haven in Suburbia - Fri 6 October

A fascinating illustrated talk by local expert Ian McGuire, who shows what can be done in an ordinary suburban garden. There will also be displays from our local wildlife groups.

Fri 6 October, 7.30 pm at Dodington Parish Hall, Finch Road, Chipping Sodbury
(Organised by Dodington Parish Council)

Busy environmental weekend coming up

Lots of green things to do this weekend - all free!

Fri 22 September
The Conservation of British Owls – illustrated talk by local expert Ian McGuire
7.30 pm at Yate Library
(Wapley Bushes Conservation Group, sponsored by South Gloucestershire Council)

Sat 23 September
Kennedy Way Pond work morning
The Southwold Group of the Avon Wildlife Trust will be working at local wildlife haven Kennedy Way Pond, on the corner with Link Road, Yate, carrying out vegetation clearance and general management. Meet at the pond (near the cinema end of the Riverside car park) at 10am.
(Southwold Group of Avon Wildlife Trust)

Sun 24 September
Bicycle Safari – discover local nature on two wheels with expert Ian McGuire. Family friendly, under 12s must be accompanied by an adult.
Bicycle Safari sets off at 11.00 am from Riverside car park next to cinema BS37 4AY
(Joint Cycleway Group)
Come along and meet Dr Bike from 10.15 am to have your bike checked or find out more about safe cycling with family and friends (South Gloucestershire Council Bikeability Team)

Community Spaces Network Celebratory Event 2017

Are you involved in a community spaces volunteer group? Then come along to the annual Community Spaces Network Celebratory Event on Wednesday, 27 September 2017 from 17:30 to 21:00 at the Nest Cafe and Community Centre in Page Park, Staple Hill, BS16 5LU.

It's a good event and an excellent opportunity for networking and getting new ideas.

You'll need to register - if your group hasn't received an invitation, please email the Community Spaces Team 

Beating the Bounds of Yate Common

After all the problems on Yate Common lately, here's some good news - an event for all the family.

Come and join the Friends of the Common and the Yate Town Mayor. On Rogation Sunday each May, an ancient custom, Beating the Bounds is practised on The Common in Yate.

The Reverend, Town Mayor, Friends of the Common and local residents will walk the boundaries of The Common this coming Sunday, 21st May 2017.

Traditionally, children are turned upside down at the corners to teach them the boundaries of their Common, which they must protect.

Beating the Bounds of Yate Common starts at 3pm from the St Briavels Drive entrance of Yate Common. The walk is suitable for pushchairs and takes about 60 to 90 minutes.

Wildlife in your garden and nearby - new group for Shire Way and area

If you live off Shire Way or Rodford Way, you could be interested in a new group aimed at encouraging wildlife in gardens and nearby.

Local residents Clare and Mat Woodman said "The group will be launched to give people the chance to share ideas, tips and suggestions in helping to make the area more wildlife friendly and a wonderful place to live.  From backdoor wildernesses to public open spaces we all can play a part in helping to protect and nurture our outdoor areas.  In our busy lifestyles we sometimes lose contact with nature and our projects will be a chance to step back and enjoy the basics again"

"Gaining volunteers to help put up bird feeders and nest boxes along Shire Way will be one of our many initiatives. We're going to have the first meeting of the Shire Way Conservation Group on Tuesday 9th May 2017 at 7.00pm at Shire Way Community Centre - everyone will be welcome"

"The area already plays host to a variety of birds and animals including green woodpecker, tawny owl and goldfinch.  Part of our work will be to ensure the continuing protection of these species plus the additional support needed for the declining number of bees and hedgehogs affecting us nationwide"

"In collaboration with local councils we will be actively looking to develop roadside 'micro meadows' as well as working towards projects in other areas."

Dodington Parish Councillor Paul Hulbert, who is supporting the project, said "I've always concentrated on larger scale projects like Wapley Bushes Local Nature Reserve, but I'm keen to find out more about these important small scale initiatives closer to home"

"As well as our gardens we have a lot of green spaces in our part of the town, perfect for wildlife. This very local initiative could also be a way for families to get even small children interested in the natural world on their doorsteps"

"This will very much be an ongoing community based project, aiming to reach out to local schools, organisations and existing conservation groups to develop awareness and support. We're hoping to get local experts to come and speak to the group"

For further details please contact either Clare or Mat Woodman by phoning 07907 733056, by emailing clare_woodman@yahoo.co.uk or by checking out Shire Way Conservation Group on Facebook.

Flood risk plans now online

Cllrs Tony Davis and Claire Young at the flooding exhibition

At the Environment Agency's drop-in exhibition on the risk of river flooding in the Yate and Chipping Sodbury area in March, local councillor Claire Young asked them to make the plans available online for those who couldn't attend.

They have now published the plans on their website. If you would like to make comments, you can email them to mark.goldingay@environment-agency.gov.uk

Abbotswood Clean-Up Day 8 April, wildflower preparation 25 March

There are just 3 weeks to go until the Abbotswood Clean-Up Day on Saturday, 8th April at 11 am.  As well as the usual litter picking, Abbotswood Action Group and friends are hoping to trim shrubs, paint benches, plant plants and generally make the area more attractive.  The more people that come along, the more can be achieved so please spread the word.

Next Saturday - 25 March from 11 am - they will be preparing for wild flower planting near the underpass by lifting the turf. Your help would be very much appreciated!

Help with tree planting and litter picking at Wapley Bushes

There will be a tree planting, litter picking and conservation morning at Wapley Bushes on Saturday 25th March 2017 from 10am until 12 noon.


We will be planting some young trees in the woodland and doing a "spring clean" of the Nature Reserve and Common.

Meet at the Shire Way entrance to the Nature Reserve. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Litter pickers, black sacks, disposable gloves will be provided. Please wear walking boots or wellies.

River Frome flood risks - exhibition 1st March

The Environment Agency is looking into the risk of river flooding in Yate and Chipping Sodbury and what options there might be to reduce this. Their study is at a very early stage.

They are holding a public exhibition in the Charter Suite at Chipping Sodbury Town Hall on Wednesday 1st March from 2.30 to 7.30 pm.

The area involved runs from St Johns Way through the centre of Sodbury, The Elms, The Ridge, then right past the Riverside complex, and out along Greenways Road and Cranleigh Court through to Stover Road. So anyone living in those areas might want to come along - if you're not at risk of flooding yourself, you might still be interested or concerned about potential flood works along the river.

Come along to their public exhibition to find out more about your current flood risk and what might be possible as part of a future flood alleviation scheme.

Your views and your local knowledge really matter! At the exhibition they would like to hear your views on:
• any flooding problems in the past
• their initial plans and options

You can call in at any time during the exhibition. They will be on hand to answer your questions, hear your views and to give you more information about flood protection, flood warnings and community flood plans.