Wildlife UK Forum - Discuss the UK countryside and wildlife

Hi there

I don't know if anyone lives near Bristol but the council are planning to turn a much used bike path into a bus lane. This would mean widening it to 14 metres which means getting rid of all the trees and vegetation that houses birds, foxes, badgers, hedgehogs etc. It literally is a green vein through the city, or a very long thin wood.

I would be very grateful if anyone could sign this petition against this: http://epetitions.bristol.gov.uk/petition.php?id=161

More information can be found at: http://www.bristolbathrailwaypath.org.uk/home.shtml
http://www.bathcyclingcampaign.org.uk/node/183
http://www.tfgb.org.uk
http://www.bristolcyclingcampaign.org.uk/
http://www.bathcyclingcampaign.org.uk
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=9158152428
I have already written to three MPs and the Council - its really horrible because every square inch in Bristol is being developed into nasty little tiny flats with no regard to wildlife. No body seems to appreciate just how much impact this has on our wildlife. Alone these past few months in my road, one lovely garden full of clemetis and bushes was chopped down and replaced with gravel, one hedge has been turned into a horrid breeze block concrete, and someone has chopped down half the ivy on a lampost (going to look really attractive when the top half is dead and hanging off!)

Thanks

It sounds like a very bad idea to widen the path. I'm all for bus lanes and encouraging people to use public transport, but there is little point if so much wildlife habitat is going to be destroyed. I've signed the petition and I hope it helps! Writing to MP's is usually the most effective thing to do, so let us know how it goes.

Petition signed. I'm a keen cyclist and there is little enough provision made for cyclists in the country without adversly impacting what already exists (plus the additional impact it will have on wildlife, people's leisure, pollution and the overall quality of life along the route). I'm all for people being encouraged to use public transport but not at the potential cost.

Unfortunately, most councils appear unable to see beyond approving more and more development (more flats = more revenue through council charges). Surprisingly this additional revenue doesn't seem to convert into improved community services.

Thank you both for signing. There is a lot of opposition and the local liberal democrats are not supporting the idea - crazy, there id such an abundance of life there. All the birds can come and live in my garden!