Ancient hedgerow destroyed at Bristol’s last working farm

There is now a gaping hole in an ancient hedgerow at Yew Tree Farm after contractors took chainsaws to the 12-foot-deep row of bushes.

Farmer Catherine Withers, whose family has farmed the land in Bedminster Down for almost 60 years, watched in horror as about a dozen private workers including an ecologist cleared part of hedgerow close to Bridgwater Road in Bedminster Down.

Withers was joined by a handful of family and local residents who came to the third-generation farmer’s aid when she heard the whir of machinery at around 8.30am on Tuesday.

“It makes me weep that it’s such an important site but it can’t be protected,” Withers told Bristol24/7 as she looked out onto the destroyed hedge.

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A decision made in spring permits the removal of the hedgerow because Bristol City Council officers did not respond in time to save it.

“This has come as a huge shock and it’s obviously devastating,” continued Withers. “I’m completely broken with the other things I’m having to battle at the farm.”

“The people that want to destroy anything green and natural are winning and people that want to protect the natural world are losing.

“I’m absolutely gobsmacked that’s where we are with Bristol City Council’s planning department.”

Onlookers at Yew Tree Farm as part of its hedgerow was destroyed

A spokesperson for Bristol City Council said: “Officers are investigating whether works undertaken by the landowner are in accordance with the planning permission in place and conform to the ecological method statement agreed with the consultant ecologists.

“No evidence has been submitted at present to suggest any breach of planning permission. Officers will continue to monitor the works to ensure they remain in line with the agreed plans in place.”

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Read more: Dozens of protesters form human chain at Yew Tree Farm

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Withers’ son-in-law Josh Roberts came to Yew Tree Farm when he heard contractors with chainsaws had moved onto the field.

“The council have admitted it was never supposed to have been approved in the first place but subsequently said there was nothing they could do about it,” said Roberts.

“It’s so disheartening to see it destroyed after Catherine has worked so hard to protect the farm.”

Farmer Catherine Withers has fought to save the ancient hedgerow which is home to wildlife including butterflies and bats

The privately owned land in Bedminster Down has been the site of a long-running battle between the landowner and Withers.

Attempts to build new homes there have been thwarted so far with the council’s latest Local Plan, its 15-year housing blueprint, protecting it from future development.

It was also recently designated a Site of Nature Conservation Interest (SNCI) after local wildlife experts discovered an insect as yet unknown to science on the land.

Speaking about the significance of the hedgerow, Withers added: “It’s not just about the gap in the bush, because I suppose a hedgerow could survive a four-meter gap.

“This hedgerow is ancient and protected because it has so much biodiversity.

“There are hundreds of butterflies as well as birds nesting and bats, all known to use the hedgerow.”

Withers with a handful of supporters looking onto the destroyed hedge

All photos & video: Betty Woolerton

Read next:

• ‘Will councillors honour their promise to protect Bristol’s green spaces?’
• Labour councillor lambasts mayor over Meadows
• In Their Own Words: Catherine Withers

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