The case for protecting Weston Big Wood in perpetuity should be straightforward. It is a glorious ancient woodland, designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, surrounded by Green Belt pasture that acts as a buffer zone mapped out almost 40 years ago. Yet, with increasing frequency, Avon Wildlife Trust and the local community have to make the urgent case for its survival.

However, this time around there are some significant differences. 

Firstly, the Green Belt land that cushions the Wood, including Portishead Down, has been earmarked for development in the North Somerset Local Plan. Despite firm, evidence-based objections from the Trust and the community to several consultations, the proposals remain in the Plan, driven by a high quota for housing across North Somerset. 

Secondly, the response from the community has been huge. More than 11,000 people have signed a petition, organised by the Save Weston Big Wood campaign, calling for the removal of the Tower Farm and Black Rock allocations from the Plan. Action on this scale sends a strong message to decision makers of the value of the Wood to the local community.

Ancient woodland is in decline in the UK, becoming increasingly fragmented, and covers less than 3% of the land area, around 600,000 hectares. Weston Big Wood has faced significant challenges in recent years particularly from the effects of ash dieback, a disease that kills ash trees. People pressure is also a big issue, as more of us take woodland walks to connect with nature but stray from the recognised pathways, accelerating soil erosion and affecting plants on the woodland floor. Avon Wildlife Trust continues to manage these challenges while ensuring that nature has every opportunity to recover and flourish.

Weston Big Wood supports an amazing array of species and autumn brings a fantastic fungal display. From candle-snuff, earth star and dead-man’s fingers to lilac bonnet, turkey tails and King Alfred’s cakes, there is much for the fungi enthusiast and those who are keen to learn more. Lime trees, oak and cherry provide a dappled canopy as you stroll through the woodland. 

On my most recent visit, I was treated to great views of a buzzard overhead, and a treecreeper flitting between trees, before a noisy flotilla of long-tailed tits surrounded me briefly and then headed off through the glade. This ancient woodland is nature-rich but, unless there are changes to the Local Plan, its prospects are poor.

So, what happens next?

The community-led petition has been delivered to Downing Street calling for changes to the Local Plan. In November, examination hearings about the Local Plan will be taking place, at which Avon Wildlife Trust, Portishead Town Council, and the local community will be attending. A public meeting is being held in Portishead on 21^st October to discuss the proposed developments, followed by a community-led gathering at the lower field of Merlin Park on Saturday 31^st October, from 10am.

With the groundswell of community action and ecological evidence, the next few weeks will be pivotal. It’s time to save Weston Big Wood, for good.

Discover Weston Big Wood