Messages are welcome on any subject relating to Troopers Hill Local Nature Reserve; the surrounding area of St George and Crews Hole or any of Bristol's Parks and Green Spaces.
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| Viewing Page 1 of 1 (Total Posts: 26) |
| Author | Comment |
Rob
 Oct 25, 07 - 11:21 PM |
Winter Works 2007/8
The most important habitat on Troopers Hill is the acidic grassland and heathland, this covers the central area of the site and is the core of the reserve and the reason it was created. Our vision in the Management Plan is for this core habitat to be protected and where possible to be restored to areas where the surrounding scrub and woodland has encroached over the last twenty or more years. The extent of the encroachment can be seen in some of the photos on our Old Photographs page. This means it is necessary to remove some of the trees and scrub that has grown in that time. Some of this work was carried out in the winter of 2006/7 and further work is planned from November 07 to Feb 08. The link below is to a pdf document showing the major areas where work is planned. The work will be managed by Bristol Parks and carried out by their contractor Bristol Contract Services Troopers Hill Proposed Works Winter 2007/8 This work represents a further significant commitment of resources to Troopers Hill by Bristol Parks. This is of course driven in part by the desire to keep the Green Flag, but also by a genuine appreciation that Troopers Hill is unique and is something that should be protected. If you have any questions about this work please Contact Us, post your thoughts here or come to our next meeting. |
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Ian
Oct 26th, 2007 - 8:12 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
There are a couple of significant trees in these areas I would not want to loose them. One sits in the gully and is an Oak this tree has a fantastic shape and spread and is a delight to see all year round as it contrasts so well with the rock behind. The other tree is larger and is much older and faces Greendown - again it stands alone and has a great shape and spread. I am content in works that ensure that trees and scrub do not encroach such as removing seedlings and cutting back trailing bramble and even some bracken but cutting back trees that have matured is not something that should be encouraged. Where this has happened it has the effect of encouraging bramable and stinging nettle growth. I think that the hill currently has the right balance - the trees are home to a number of birds (Owls, Woodpeckers and smaller species)not to mention a host of insects. Continuing with this practice will remove what has become a striking balance of woodland, scrub and open heath. I say enough is enough. |
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Rob
Nov 1st, 2007 - 10:51 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Ian makes some very good points. In terms of balance though we should consider a much larger area than just Troopers Hill. There are many many trees along the Avon Valley - there is only one very small and decreasing area of acid grassland and heathland - indeed it is the only area in the Bristol conurbation. If the boundaries of the grassland / heathland had remained stable over the last 50 years then we wouldn't have a problem, but they haven't. For whatever reason - lack of rabbits?, reduced pollution?, global warming? - we don't know; the scrub followed by trees have spread. Some we know was lost to Council tipping. There is now a window of opportunity to stop this process while there is still a large enough area to be worth saving. We have lost the grayling butterfly from the hill and the status of the rare mining bee Nomada Guttulata that was found in 2000 is in doubt. Many other invertebrates that depend on the unique environment of Troopers Hill could also be lost to the area. Friends of Troopers Hill should give their full support to Bristol Parks and their contractors. Our activities have helped Bristol Parks and others to see the full potential of the site and to appreciate that doing nothing is not an option if the site is to remain for future generations to enjoy. There will be an article about the proposed works in the next edition of 'The Hill' which is out soon. We will also be putting signs up on the hill to ensure that as many people as possible are aware of what is happening and why. |
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Ian
Nov 2nd, 2007 - 7:38 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
As I said I have no concerns about maintaining what there is by removing seedlings and saplings but the trees in question are not harming anything and the wooded area is growing over infill that was tipped in the 1960's so that ground is not natural. The tipped area extends into the hill itself and starts from the field gate onto the hill itself and along the entire edge so cutting these trees won't encourage a change in plant growth. One has to be very careful about what is needed as opposed to aesthetic! The two trees I mentioned earlier are I think important to the hill and I would like these preserved. They may be worthy of a TPO. |
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Rob
Nov 2nd, 2007 - 10:01 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
I can assure you that none of the work is being done for reasons of aesthetics. It is all based on sound ecological advice. Whatever insects or birds live in an oak tree on Troopers Hill, they will also be found in many other oak trees in the Avon Valley. The heathland / grassland is unique and many of the insects that live in it are not found anywhere else in Bristol. Oak trees shade the ground and the leaf drop each year gradually improves the soil. Eventually the area of heath under the tree would be lost. In terms of the tipped area the ideal position would probably be for the trees and shrubs to be cleared back to 4 or 5m beyond the edge of the tipping so that the maximum possible area of natural ground is clear and not over shadowed. We will be monitoring the cleared areas and again will take the advice of qualified ecologists as to how much to clear in future years. |
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Ian
Nov 21st, 2007 - 7:30 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
The valley screamed as the roots were ripped from the soil - This work is not warranted!!! There is no reason to be clearing the area nothing grows in this area never has apart from the hawthorns which have provided shelter for animals. This really is too much! |
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Rob
Nov 21st, 2007 - 8:49 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Ian, I can only repeat what has been said above. The hawthorn and bramble was spreading through the gully and oak trees were growing that would have shaded out the heath. When I took the monitoring photos in 2006 it was impossible to get exactly the same view in the gully as in previous years because the bramble meant I couldn't stand in the same place. There are many many acres of scrub and woodland in Bristol; there are only 12 or 13 acres of acid heathland and grassland and it is all on Troopers Hill, I believe it is our duty to do all we can to make sure it is protected for future generations. |
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Ian
Nov 21st, 2007 - 1:16 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
I'm sorry but this area won't grow heath it's the old quarry and only ever grew shrubs and weeds and a bit of grass - at the far end where the coal type soil is that's all there was until the trees took root admittedly the brable up against the quarry face is new so that can go - I have been in the area all my life so I do know what it was like! |
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Rob
Nov 21st, 2007 - 6:47 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Bare earth, exposed rocks, some grass and a few 'weeds' (such as mouse eared hawkweed and cats ear) is the ideal habitat for the rare invertebrates that live on the hill. Heather will spread into some of the areas and even if it doesn't we will have stopped the spread of the bramble into the area where the heather is now. A side effect is that some wonderful rock faces are being uncovered. There will be a Geology walk on Sunday 2nd March when we will be looking at the rocks and learning about the 300 million year history of Troopers Hill. |
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Ian
Nov 28th, 2007 - 6:00 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
I am spitting feathers this morning at the loss of a substantiial mature tree that has been cut down in the old quarry. This has gone far enough and I am now considering ways to prevent further destruction. |
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Ian
Nov 28th, 2007 - 5:23 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
I winder how many invertebrates have been killed in the process of removing trees and scrub (trees in particular). Has anyone heard of treading lightly?? Looks like a vehicle has been used to remove the evidence in wet weather - that's a no no!! The metal bridge is interesting to say the least - don't tell me it's for safety reasons!! Pity its mesh - dogs hate that and in the dark it's just the right height to walk into and do damage! |
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The Green Man
Nov 28th, 2007 - 6:22 PM |
Wanton Vandalism
I had intended to enter the photographic competition, but I cannot do so now, it seems that the tree I considered (along with many others) to be the most photogenic on the hill has been destroyed by an act of cretinous vandalism. It appears that the vandals were the Fiends of Troopers Hill or their agents, how very sad to see it go. Troopers Hill was a pleasant place to stroll but so much of it's beaty has now been destroyed in the name of 'ecology'. Ian, I share your pain my friend, I really do. |
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Rob
Nov 28th, 2007 - 8:44 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
The work has indeed been done in the name of ecology - Troopers Hill is a Nature Reserve because of the heathland / grassland and the invertebrates that live there. If they are not to be protected then there is no point it existing. The work was carried out by Bristol Parks in accordance with the recomendations of various ecologists. Having said that everyone is entitled to their point of view and this website and the Friends of Troopers Hill meetings are a way for these issues to be discussed and fed back to Bristol Parks. We are trying to be as open as we can and to give everyone a chance to have their say. The majority view has been that as a Nature Reserve the site should be managed in the best interests of its unique heathland and grassland, and I am pleased that that is what Bristol Parks are now doing. |
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sub-sanders
Nov 28th, 2007 - 10:22 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Saw the much vaunted bridge 4 badgers this afternoon. saw the workers carrying it in this morning. presume it's to avoid further erosion of this very popular, you can tell by the amount of dog's mess you tread in, path. several dogs skipped merrily and cleverly past on the grassy slope above avoiding the mesh. let's just hope it's allowed to mellow in, if it does become a walking in the dark hazard then some bright spark will insist it's lit or painted fluorescent yellow! has anyone wandered off the old crumbling path and down the slope in the dark? (torch might be an idea?) maybe that's why they're cutting down all the pathside trees, people keep bumping into them! the sett is beginning to pile up heavily against the wooden fence and will soon perhaps collapse it and spill across the road, removing a valuable parking space, possibly causing people to call for it's removal. maybe a wall is needed to hold it back, or will MAFF sort the problem? anybody keep cows nearby? |
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The Green Man
Nov 29th, 2007 - 12:18 AM |
Fiends Of The Hill Strke Again
I have to admit to seeing the funny side of this, either this 'Rob' Character actually believes that destroying nature is good, such that 'bees' can flourish or he is totally bonkers, this is not a sane person to be in charge of a major urban nature reserve let alone a compost bin. You CANNOT destroy nature in the name of 'ecology' or 'conservation' no way, no how. The public, as Ian says, want to to see a balanced piece of open ground, conserved as is. What would happen if 'Rob'decided that 'during the cretacious' the hill was a habitatat for tasmanian tigers, well. I guess, things would change. Half baked ideas seem to be ruining a well known local beauty spot. The site, apparantly was a chemical wreck for many years, and it is fairly certain that the chemical dumping contributed to the current nature of the site, apparently 'Fiends Of The Hill' may be arranging to have a regular dump of toxic waste to maintain the ecological balance - far fetched?? ~ I think not. Carry on with the destruction, the local populace is against you, can you count on the support of any 'true locals'? How much longer can you actually carry on? Rather difficult to press on when ones wife is actually in charge and you are just the dogs~body :-) Ecology, MY 4RSE, wanton destruction in the pursuit of making a (cr4p) name for ones self is more like it. Personally, I would like to see Ian in control, he seems to actually like the hill. |
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sub-sanders
Nov 29th, 2007 - 4:52 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Bitchy! what's that phrase? "if you can't play the ball, play the man!" this is the democratic age. they seem to hold regular public meetings. and the hill belongs to the corporation. and weren't we a bit further south in warmer climes during the cretaceous age? and damper? |
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Ian
Nov 29th, 2007 - 7:09 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
The Green Man - Thank you. I am in agreement with conservation but I feel things are going to far and I am looking to do a survey of my own. The tree that you saw as well was a probably the best natural feature on the hill. It was fantastic to see the contrasts of colour and shape against the rock face throught the day and seasons. It's canopy didn't shade the ground benetah it to the extent that the nothing grew under it. (the argument for cutting it down). You will see elsewhere that I asked for two trees in particular to be spared any damage - but alas it fell on deaf ears. There are meetings and I have commented on plans via this media - if I attended a meeting I don't think I could keep calm especially at this moment in time. I have walked the hil for almost 50 years and apart from the tipping that created the wood this is the worst vandalism ever seen. Not only are they cutting down trees grubbing out other areas but they are actually driving a vehicle across ground when it's wet - that is totally unacceptable. On one hand they wish to conserve the ecology and the next cut it down and to add further insult literally drive straight through and over it! I am seriouslythinking of a survey of the real locals to see what their views are. |
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Rob
Nov 29th, 2007 - 12:13 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
If the above personal comments had been written about anyone else they would have been deleted, but I have decided they should stay in place. Anyone reading this board and looking at the rest of the website can come to their own conclusions as to whether they agree. |
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Ian
Nov 29th, 2007 - 1:39 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
I don't beleive I made any personal comments! I am extremely annoyed and saddenned by the supposed conservation work - especially the tree in question. The use of motorised vehicles across wet ground and the lack of thought for others. In earlier corresspondence there were supposed to be notices explaining what work was being undertaken - it seems to me that despite my concerns and possibly those of others, there was little time in which to do anything about it. If I have insuulted anyone then I apologise but as far as I am aware I have just reported my feelings, what I have seen and what I beleive to be wrong. |
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Ian
Nov 29th, 2007 - 2:41 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Ets look at a few things; THE LOSS OF THE GRAYLING BUTTERFLY Habitat - Graylings inhabit heathland, open woodland, dunes and coastal cliffs; Diet - Adults feed from flowers such as thistle. Caterpillars feed on grasses; Behaviour Graylings can be seen flying from June to September. When this butterfly settles it closes its wings and tilts them so as to minimise the shadow cast by them. It also tucks the orange upperwings down behind the drab underwings so that when it lands it seems to vanish. Reproduction - During courtship the male will land near the female and begin fluttering his wings rapidly. Eggs are laid singly on the stems or blades of grass and hatch after about two and a half weeks. This species has only one brood per year. So what's changed - loss of thistle, loss of grasses due to mowing and increased heather growth - Hmmmm I wonder how that's happened? TREES - Yes they are to be found everywhere in the Avon Valley but for how much longer, increased development fro the end of Crews Hole Road off of Lamb Hill and Stawberry Lane across in St Ann's and back towards Hanham is destroying trees at an increased rate. The development off Niblet's hill that had badger sets and other widelife was also destroyed in the name of development. All approved by Bristol City Council and no doubt with advice from their ecologists. So all in all a decreasing amount of space for animals. The deer are no longer seen on the hill due perhaps to a loss of cover and safe routes to the hill. Already small mamals have been found dead in the areas where conservation work is taking place. There may well be more but they will never be accounted for. Life in an Oak Tree - Few places support such a variety of life as an English oak tree. Its soft leaves rot quickly in autumn, forming rich leafmould for insects and earthworms. The oak's open canopy allows plenty of light to reach the ground, so that many other plants, including primroses, violets, bluebells and ferns, can grow here. The tree itself is home to many birds, small mammals, insects, mosses, lichens and fungi. I can go on but anyone reading this must question the advice given by the ecologists! |
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Rob
Nov 29th, 2007 - 4:42 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Ian, I was not refering to your posting, but to that by 'Greenman'. I respect your views and they are always intellegently put - you use this forum exactly as I hoped it would be used. In the end it is Bristol Parks who make the decisions about how the site is managed. They have persuaded me and other members of FoTH that what they are doing is right, they have obviously not persuaded you. They read this Forum and take the views expressed seriously. They are also happy to repond to anyone who contacts them directly, the details are on the Contact Us page. I share your concerns about the risk of development removing areas of woodland in the Avon Valley. There are 28000 new homes planned to be built in Bristol over the next 20 years. As an LNR and somewhere that ecologists say should be protected Troopers Hill is not at risk. If in ten years time it has become woodland and scrub that ecologists consider to be of no more importance than any other area of woodland or scrub, then who knows? |
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Ian
Nov 30th, 2007 - 4:04 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
I have contacted the City Counciland will discuss the issues with them |
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Rob
Dec 2nd, 2007 - 12:38 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Ian, I'm pleased about that, I look forward to hearing how it goes. |
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Ray
Dec 3rd, 2007 - 5:19 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
I would like to support the reasoning for the management work that has been carried out on the Hill, which Rob has explained very well. The importance of the site for natural history, and hence its protection as an LNR (a protection which is very strong compared to many other sites) is based upon its acidic grassland which has enabled a diverse and rare community of plants and animals to colonise and become well established. The Grayling butterfly was one very obvious representative of that community which died out on the site around 1994, before the management was introduced that is now proving controversial. Indeed the work on the site is likely to make it more suitable for this rare butterfly to potentially recolonise. Bristolians should be immensely proud and protective of the uniqueness of the grassland habitat at Troopers, brought about originally by artificial means, but now a treasure for the unusual plants and animals that it supports. Such species are not found in the rather sterile "countryside" which surrounds our connurbations. To give another example, the Bristol Downs and the Gorge are internationally famous for the unique plants and rare animals that live there. That reputation (and hence protection) was based on plants such as the Bristol Rockcress and Bristol Onion, species which can be easily lost as trees and scrub shade them out. The aesthetics of a site and its importance for its biodiversity are hopefully two things that can be reconciled, in this case by enjoying and valuing a grassland which supports nationally rare insects (important facets of the environment we all rely on). |
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Ian
Dec 4th, 2007 - 8:06 AM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
I have lived in the area all my life as have my family. I know the site and surroundings very well (like an old friend) and what the site was like and how it's changed over 50 years. I am not saying that it should be left completely alone but that there needs to be more thought and sensitivity given to how and what works are done. Have you seen the work that has taken place in the last few weeks? When I was young there were no houses in Troopers Hill road! The hill then had a wide variety of grasses and fauna not currently seen and unlikely to return because the heather and broom appears to be more important! There were trees despite the pictures some fell to vandalism others to tipping and a couple managed to cling on and it is one of them, that was probably the best, that was lost to a chain saw recently. I think you will find that the Grayling was lost when the grass area was mowed every year (twice and once at completely the wrong time) and the heather increased - this species prefers grasses and can easily be wiped out when long grasses are lost. There needs to be a happy balance and at the moment I am not seeing that. |
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Rob
Dec 4th, 2007 - 1:18 PM |
Re: Winter Works 2007/8
Ian, When was the grass mown? The only area that I know to have been cut is that near Greendown which is much richer grassland and not the right habitat for the grayling. We had a debate at our meeting in May 2005 about the possibility of trying to reintroduce the the grayling, but decided that we needed more information about the reasons as to why it might have disappeared. We also agreed that we needed to know what other invertebrates lived on the hill now and what management was required to prevent them also disappearing. It was this that led to David Gibbs being commisioned to do a further surveys in 2006 and 2007. His report on the 2006 survey is on the Hill Information page. His report for 2007 will be published early next year. You will see that much of the work now being carried out is in accordance with his recommendations. |
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