Group aims to protect ancient area

PRESSURES on land surrounding an important wildlife and heritage site in Thornbury are set to lead to the creation of a support group to protect the area.

The medieval fishponds at Park Farm are thought to have been created around a number of natural springs in the mid-13th century at about the time the town was granted a charter.

But land at Park Farm is being considered for up to 500 new homes, a move being opposed by many people living nearby.

The area identified runs from the back of The Castle secondary school, past the ponds and towards Butt Lane.

A group of residents, local Avon Wildlife Trust volunteers and South Gloucestershire Council have now organised a public meeting with the aim of forming a community group, provisionally called Friends of Park Farm Medieval Fishponds.

Dave Rowley, of Manor Walk, said: “The nature and heritage area at Park Farm is a wonderful mixed woodland and wetland habitat.

“It supports a wide range of plants and animals that would not otherwise occur so close to the built-up area of Thornbury and is also a nationally important archaeological site.

“Its importance is highlighted by the current process, being undertaken by English Heritage, to schedule the site as an Ancient Monument.”

The meeting starts at 7pm on Thursday, March 10, in the Movement Hall at the Sheiling School, Park Road.