News / Environment
Council backs down on blackberry picking ban
Controversial plans to ban blackberry picking in Bristol’s parks have been dropped by the council.
Following a backlash against proposals to stop foraging the council said berry picking will continue to be allowed, “providing it does not cause real harm to wildlife or wildlife habitats.
But the new plans are not a carte blanche for professional foragers.
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In a statement the council said: “Even some instances of commercial foraging may be considered acceptable providing it is done in a responsible, sustainable manner.”
Foragers had previously told Bristol 24/7 that the plans were “draconian”.
Bristol City Council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, cllr Asher Craig, said: “These revised bylaws achieve the right balance between enabling people to enjoy our parks and being able to address inconsiderate or nuisance behaviour if we need to.
The council says it need the new bylaws to stop anti-social behaviour in parks. Between 2011 and 2013 there were 3,157 complaints about bad behaviour in more than 200 parks in the city.
24 new bylaws are set to be introduced which the council say will help them cut down anti-social behaviour:
Activities permitted with consent: erection of structures; grazing; pest control or culling by authorised professionals; lighting fires; overnight parking; archery; camping; field sports; provision of (chargeable) services; excessive noise; public shows and performance; take-off and landing of air balloon, flying of helicopters/hang glider etc.
Activities permitted in designated areas (subject to public consultation): barbecues (part of ‘lighting of fires’ byelaw); horse riding; golf; fishing; model aircraft
Activities not permitted: access outside site opening times; damage to structures and plants; throwing of ‘missiles’; interfering with life-saving equipment; cycling in a dangerous manner; driving motor vehicles; blocking watercourses; obstructing officers carrying out their work
Bristol City Council’s deputy service director for neighbourhoods and communities, Gemma Dando, said: “Sensible interpretation of these byelaws means that most activities people currently enjoy can continue across the large majority of parks and green spaces.
“In some cases the council might require that people seek consent for an activity, or some areas may become designated for a specific use, such as barbecues. But overall the emphasis will be on encouraging responsible use of parks, with enforcement only being used where efforts to educate and advise have run their course.”
The plans have been given the goahead by the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government. The final decision on whether to implement the byelaws will then be made by Bristol City Council at its Full Council meeting in March.