List of Bristol Parks Forum Members >>
Listing of Parks and Park Groups >>
BPF Parks & Green Spaces Strategy page >>
| Latest News | Contacts | Meetings | email list | Membership | Information for Park Groups |
Bristol Parks Forum
Bristol Parks Forum was established by Bristol Parks as an umbrella organisation for community park groups and organisations in the city with an interest in their local parks and green spaces.
The forum is supported by Bristol City Council but acts independently and is currently the only 'community voice' that is dedicated to all of Bristol's green spaces.
The forum's three main roles are:
- to offer an opportunity to share ideas and experience;
- to act as a consultation body for the Bristol Parks service and other agencies;
- to influence decision-making, including the allocation of resources.
Bristol Parks Forum Terms of Reference
Bristol 99 - 3rd May to 14th June 2013 - bristol99.org.uk
Six weeks of events and activities on some of Bristol’s best wildlife sites
The idea behind Bristol99 developed from the fact that there are 99 designated Sites of Nature Conservation Interest within Bristol.
BNHC wanted to do something a little bit different to celebrate Bristol Festival of Nature’s 10th anniversary, so decided it would be a great idea to try and run some sort of wildlife event on each and every one of them in the run up to the festival! Ambitious indeed!
This project is a great way to demonstrate the huge range of green spaces in Bristol and their importance for wildlife. Many members of Bristol Parks Forum are getting involved and our email updates will have regular news items about the project.
The Bristol 99 website has a listing of all the events at sites across Bristol; they include everything from bug hunts and bird watching to evening bat walks and bike rides, culminating in the Festival of Nature on the weekend of the 15th and 16th of June at Bristol’s Harbourside. .
bristol99.org.uk
Interested in starting a group? Contact the Bristol Parks Forum:
How do I find a park?
Map of all Parks & Green Spaces on Bristol City Council Website >>
Bristol City Council managed parks & green spaces are marked like this: 
Or use www.bristol.gov.uk/my-neighbourhoods enter your address and use the 'My Nearest' tab. Parks & Green Spaces are listed under 'Leisure & culture'.
To keep up to date with the latest news sign up to our mailing list >>
Management Plans | Monitoring | Mayor of Bristol | Investing in Parks | Neighbourhood Engagement Team | Planning Policy | Knowle West | Bristol's Trees | Events in Parks | Park Improvements & DDA Compliance | Town Green Applications | Bristol in Bloom | National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces |
Management Plans
Management Plans set out how the space is managed now and plans for the future. Having a Park Management Plan in place will help your group in putting together applications for funding and will also ensure that any projects make allowance for other planned improvements.
We now have a webpage with information for Park Groups who want to get involved with Bristol Parks in putting together Management Plans for their green spaces. It includes links to existing plans.
We are also planning a workshop session for anyone interested in developing a plan for their own green space. Details will be here soon.
www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/ManagementPlans
Monitoring
Our 'Monitoring' webpage provides information on how Park Groups can assist with monitoring the performannce of Bristol Parks contractors and in-house teams.
We have tried to make the process as simple as possible. We would like you to submit reports for your park or green space at least every three months.
You can report on the park overall, or on particular features, each feature is scored as good, fair or poor with a chance to add comments. Reports received will be passed to Bristol Parks each month.
www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/Monitoring
Explanation and report on Monitoring presented to Feb 2013 BPF meeting
Mayor of Bristol
The election of George Ferguson as City Mayor on 15th November marked a huge change in the way the Council is run.
www.bristol.gov.uk/mayor
Mayor's Views on Parks & Green Spaces
The BPF submitted questions to the mayoral candidates to establish their views on parks and green spaces.
• Reply from George Ferguson - Received 4 October 2012
• All candidate's responses
Candidates' Views on Trees in Bristol
• Mayoral Candidates responses to Bristol Tree Forum Questions
Investing in Parks
On 4 July 2012, the Council Cabinet agreed that £3.5 million be made available to invest into
Parks and Green Spaces citywide. This investment will contribute towards
meeting the policies and aspirations of the Parks and Green Space Strategy. As
part of this funding stream we will see a further 24 additional Children’s play
areas being improved within our parks and green spaces.
In total, 47 projects across all Neighbourhood Partnership areas were put forward
to cabinet for approval. Some of these projects were funded wholly through the
Capital Stimulus funding, while others were required to be match funded from the
Neighbourhood Partnership devolved S106 funding.
Work is now in prgress to confirm S106 funding, finalise the designs of these projects and let contracts as necessary. The documents below which were prepared for the BPF give the latest updates.
Capital Investment in Parks, Update Jan 2013
Capital Investment in Parks, programme update Jan 2013
Capital Investment in Parks, Update Oct 2012
Capital Investment in Parks, programme Oct 2012
BPF Parks & Green Spaces Strategy page >>
Neighbourhood Engagement Team
Area Environment Officers - the 1st point of contact for Park Groups at BCC
Environment and Leisure Services introduced Area Environment Officers from the 1st November 2011. There are seven Area Environment Officer posts, each covering a different area of the city.
The links below are to pdf documents giving more information.
Area Environment Officers - Map with names & contact details - April 2013
Neighbourhood Engagement Team Overview - October 2011
Neighbourhood Engagement Team - Questions & Answers - October 2011
Planning Policy
Bristol Development Framework (BDF) -
The BDF will set planning policy in Bristol until 2026.
Bristol City Council Webpage with links to all BDF documents - www.bristol.gov.uk/bdf
Bristol Development Framework update for Bristol Parks Forum 21 April 2012
BPF response to Central Area Action Plan Consultation
For more information on planning issues visit the Bristol Neighbourhood Planning Network (NPN) website >>
Knowle West Regeneration Framework
Bristol City Council is consulting on a Knowle West Regeneration Framework to guide the planned regeneration in Knowle West. This regeneration will impact on several parks and green spaces in the area.
More information at www.northern-slopes-initiative.co.uk
Knowle West Community Website - www.knowlewest.co.uk
Council's webpage for Knowle West Regeneration Framework
Proposed options for the Kingswear/Novers/Marksbury Road Masterplan
Presentation to BPF meeting 21 April 2012 by Len, NSI
Revised AGSP proposals for Knowle West
BPF Committee response on Knowle West 18 May 2012
Bristol's Trees
Trees are some of the most important features in our parks and open spaces and Bristol Parks Forum has always also had an interest in street trees.
The Bristol Tree Forum (formerly the Bristol Street Tree Forum) discusses issues relating to all trees in Bristol
Bristol Tree Forum Agenda, Minutes, Information >>
Planting a tree with the council’s TreeBristol campaign >>
Events in Parks
Bristol Parks Forum has formed a Working Group to work with Bristol Parks and the Events team to try and simplify the system for licensing events in parks and green spaces while ensuring that events can be held safely and without excessive impact on other park users. We are keen to see more community events held in Bristol's parks and we believe that events that are aimed at promoting the park or the park group should be lisensed by the Council without charge.
It is right that commercial events that use part of a park should pay charges for the 'hire' of the park. There also needs to be systems in place to ensure that all events are organised properly for the safety of those attending and other park users as well as making sure that the park is not damaged.
If you would like to join the Working Group please email
Rules for event licensing
All events in Bristol's parks where more than 50 people are expected to be on site at the same time need to be licensed through the City Council Events Licensing team (note, this does not include guided walks or volunteer work parties / task days - see below).
For small events with 50 to 200 people on site at one time you need to apply for a Park Permit. The cost is £30 per event (increased from £20 on 1st April 2011, but no increase April 2012). As well as the limit on numbers, there are restrictions on the type of event that can be covered by a park permit, eg events using bouncy castles, marquees, or stage are not covered - you will need a site licence. Update: Park Permit applications do not need a formal risk assessment form to be completed, but you do need to provide a statement about how your event will be organised to show that you have considered possible risks.
For all events with more than 200 people attending or with extensive site set ups you need a Site Licence. This is the landowner's permission, licences for selling alcohol or for entertainment have to be applied for separately. For details see the Event Application Toolkit. Licence charges depend on the size of the event, see below, but for small community events the charge is the same as for a Park Permit.
You may be asked for a bond to be held to pay for any damage to the site. Update: Groups that are members of the BPF and some other established community groups will not be asked for a bond for small events and if the event is supported by Bristol Parks the Park Permit fee might be waived.
For all events you need Public Liability Insurance, for Community Groups holding events with less than 200 people this can be provided by Bristol City Council and included in the park permit / site licence fee.
Email Parks.events@bristol.gov.uk to get the forms or for more information.
Volunteer Work Parties / Task Days & Guided Walks:
There is a separate system that allows you to lead guided walks or to lead a group of volunteers carrying out work to improve your park while being covered by Bristol City Council Insurance. In order to do this you need to complete a short training session which will qualify you as a 'competent person'. Then having agreed the work with your Community Park Officer you need to complete some simple paper work for each event.
You can get more information and download the Health and Safety Pack and Forms from the Bristol City Council website at www.bristol.gov.uk/parksafety.
Letter to BCC Events Team from BPF Working group 4th March 2011
Town Green Applications
Town and Village Greens developed under customary law as areas of land where local people indulged in lawful sports and pastimes. Anyone can apply to have land registered as a green if it has been used by local people for
recreation ‘as of right’ (i.e. without permission, force or secrecy) for at least 20 years.
Many groups that are members of the Bristol Parks Forum have applied for Town Green status for their sites. In the past the BPF has organised a workshop session and BPF meetings are an opportunity to exchange information.
BPF notes & list of Town Green Applications in Bristol (pdf)
Growth and Infrastructure Bill - Information on Open Spaces Society website
Second reading of Growth and Infrastructure Bill November 2012
Growth and Infrastructure Bill details - includes proposed changes to TGV law
Minutes of PROWG meeting - 20 February 2012
BPF Statement to PROWG meeting - 20 February 2012
Report to PROWG, revised BCC Town Green Procedure following consultation - February 2012
BPF Response to BCC Town Green Consultation - December 2011
Bristol City Council Consultation on Town & Village Green Applications (closed on 13th December 2011)
BPF Committee Statement to Public Rights of Way and Greens Committee
Meeting 18 April 2011
Details of Public Rights of Way and Greens Committee
Meeting 18 April 2011
Defra Town Green Consultation, Summary of responses - 14th November 2012
BPF Response to Defra Town Green Consultation - agreed 15th October 2011
Defra Consultation on Town & Village Green Applications (closed on 17 October 2011)
Filwood - Inspector's second report
Evening Post report on rejection of Filwood Park application
BCC Press Release on Judicial Review 4 May 2012
Ashton Vale Report by Jan Ormondroyd, Chief Executive, BCC for PRW&G Committee Meeting 16 June 2011
Ashton Vale Applicants' Submission dated 30 Nov 2011 (posted on bristol.indymedia.org)
BCC webpage with links to Ashton Vale Town Green Inspector's Report
defra - Town & Village Greens information
Guidance on the Open Spaces Society website
Common land and village green information on BCC website
Links to BPF member groups making Town Green Applications
Ashton Vale Fields - www.ashtonvaleheritage.co.uk
Easter Garden - www.eastergarden.moonfruit.com
Grove Wood - snuffmills.blogspot.com
Okebourne Park - www.saveourpark.moonfruit.com
Wellington Hill - www.friendsofhorfieldcommon.com
Bristol in Bloom
The Bristol in Bloom Community Association are members of the BPF. They work with Bristol City Council to run 'Bristol in Bloom' and Bristol's entries in 'Britain in Bloom' and in 2012 the international 'Entente Florale' - at which Bristol won a Gold Award.
Part of Britain in Bloom is the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' programme which gives support to community projects across the UK. Many of Bristol's Park Groups took part in this programme in 2012. If you would like to enter in 2013 visit the Bristol in Bloom website via the link below.
Bristol in Bloom website >>
Bristol It's Your Neighbourhood Awards 2012 >>
Report on 2012 Entente Florale, including judges comments >>
National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces
Bristol Parks Forum is a member of the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces (NFPGS) which is the federation of area forums and networks of local Friends and User groups for Britain's green spaces. Roland represents the BPF at the NFPGS
NFPGS Website Home page - www.natfedparks.org.uk
Links to websites of other NFPGS Members
NFPGS leaflets
Contacts
Bristol Parks Forum
Bristol Parks Forum officers (as elected 13 Oct 2012):
Chair - Nancy from Kingfisher Group & Windmill Hill Community Orchard
Vice Chair - Fraser from Friends of Brandon Hill
Other committee members:
Rob, Friends of Troopers Hill;
Roland, Mina Rd Park Group; Hugh, Mina Road Park Group; Mark, Snuff Mills Action Group; Derek, Friends of Stoke Lodge; Lesley, Friends of St George Park.
You can email the committee via .
Please note that we are all volunteers and most of us do paid jobs during the day, we will respond to emails as soon as we can but please do not expect an instant response during the day.
Bristol Parks
Bristol Parks or 'Parks and Estates' manage all parks and green spaces in the City of Bristol. If you would like more information about the parks or wish to report any problems or issues relating to your park please contact Bristol Parks directly. Email: or phone 0117 922 3719 - this is available Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5pm (4.30pm Fri). You can also visit the Bristol Parks website at www.bristol.gov.uk/parks.
See also the information about the 'Neighbourhood Engagement Team' in the news section above. The Neighbourhood Engagement Team should be the first point of contact for Park Groups.
Green spaces in Bristol are managed through four administration areas with the large 'Estates' being managed separately. Park maintenance in the North and East areas (and also Estates) is carried out directly by Bristol Parks. Parks in the South and Central areas are maintained by external contractors managed through a Contracts Manager.
The South Contract is run by Quadron and the Central area by English Landscapes. Our Listing of Parks and Park Groups shows which area each park is in.
Bristol Parks Structure and Contacts - does not include Estates
Maps of Administrative Areas
Quadron Structure for South Contract
English Landscapes Structure for Central Contract
Meetings
The forum meets at least four times a year. In addition the BPF committee meet senior managers at Bristol Parks prior to each meeting and at other times if it is considered necessary.
Our meetings are organised by the BPF, with the support of Bristol Parks. The meetings are for
representatives of member groups, they are not public meetings.
If you have not been to one of our meetings before any of our members will be pleased to
welcome you and to explain the format and who is who. Please do introduce yourself to
anyone in the room when you arrive.
2013 meeting dates: Sat 29 June - Sat 12 October - Both 9.30am at Windmill Hill City Farm.
2014 meeting dates: Sat 25th Jan - Sat 12th April (venues tbc)
Last meeting:
Sat 13 April 9.30am to 1.00pm - Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here - Workshop notes
Previous meetings:
Sat 9th February (re-arranged date, due to snow) - Minutes here
Papers & Links:
Justin Smith: Tree Felling - Coppicing
BNHC Bristol 99: bristol99.org.uk
Park Monitoring: Explanation and report on Monitoring - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/Monitoring
Management Plans: www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/ManagementPlans
TreeBristol: Update on park planting plans - Guide for Tree Planting Events
Sat 13th October - St Werburghs Centre - Minutes here
Papers relating to issues to be discussed:
Green Flag Awards
Capital Investment in Parks, Update - Capital Investment in Parks, programme
Proposed changes to BPF Terms of Reference
Bristol It's Your Neighbourhood Awards 2012
Area Environment Officers - Update with names & contact details - October 2012
Area Environment Officers - Map with names & contact details - October 2012
Ash trees under threat
Report on 2012 Entente Florale, including judges comments
Slide show of Community Payback in Bristol
Sat 14th July - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Sat 21 April - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Information on issues discussed:
Open Public Services White Paper - www.openpublicservices.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Knowle West Presentation by Len, NSI - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/NSI21April2012.ppt
Revised AGSP proposals for Knowle West - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/AGSP_KWest_April2012.pdf
BPF response to Central Area Action Plan Consultation - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/BPF_CAAP.pdf
National Planning Policy Framework update - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/NPPFApril 2012.pdf
Bristol Development Framework update - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/BDFApril2012.pdf
Flow Chart - approving features to be installed in parks - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/FlowChartApril2012.pdf
Area Environment Officers, Update & contacts - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/AEONoteApril2012.pdf
Sat 14 Jan - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Sat 15 Oct - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Papers on Neighbourhood Engagement Team - Committee as elected
Saturday 16 July - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Saturday 16 April - at at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Agenda Note - BPF Position on the P&GSS
Agenda Note - Current Rules for Events on Bristol Parks
Saturday 29 January - at at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Saturday 9 October - at Netham Pavilion - Minutes here
Saturday 17 July 2010 - Netham Pavilion - Minutes
The main subject of discussion was the Area Green Space Plans.
The minutes include links to the various appendix documents.
Saturday 10th April 2010 - Netham Pavilion - Minutes here.
The following papers give information on topics discussed:
1. Note on Organisational Change
2. List of Park Keepers
3. Events Briefing Note
4. Proposal for Park Group Agreements
5. List of Section 106 money available for Parks
Saturday 16th January 2010 - Vassall Centre, Fishponds BS16 2QQ - Minutes here.
This meeting was followed by a very interesting visit to Snuff Mills hosted by the Snuff Mills Action Group.
Saturday 31st October 2009 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes; Events Workshop Notes; Play Pathfinder Display;
Saturday 25th July 2009 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes; App 1 - Events; App 2 - Parks' Support to BPF
Saturday 16th May 2009 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
BPF Saturday 24th January 2009 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
BPF Saturday 11th October 2008 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Meeting with Bristol Parks 7th October 2008: Notes of meeting
BPF Saturday 12th July 2008 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
BPF Saturday 19th April 2008 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
BPF Saturday 19th January 2008 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Email List
Between meetings we keep Park Groups informed of issues of interest via email.
Please email if you would like to be added to our mailing list or use the link below.
Sign up to our mailing list >>
We are happy to have more than one email address for your group - we will not publish these addresses or pass them to anyone else.
There is also a separate list of Park Groups kept by Bristol Parks which includes postal addresses and is used to send out meeting agendas and minutes.
The content of previous email messages can be seen via the links below, each pdf file contains all the messages sent that month - note it may take sometime for emails to be posted here, join our mailing list if you want to keep upto date! Some links in older updates may no longer work.
May/June 2008 - July 2008 - August 2008 - September 2008 - October 2008 - November 2008 - December 2008
January 2009 - February 2009 - March 2009 - April 2009 - May 2009 - June 2009 - July 2009 - August 2009 - September 2009 - October 2009 - November 2009 - December 2009
January 2010 - February 2010 - March 2010 - April 2010 - May 2010 - June 2010 - July 2010 - August 2010 - September 2010 - October 2010 - November 2010 - December 2010
January 2011 - February 2011 - March 2011 - April 2011 - May 2011 - June 2011 - July 2011 - August 2011 - September 2011 - October 2011 - November 2011 - December 2011
January 2012 - February 2012 - March 2012 - April 2012 - May 2012 - June 2012 - July 2012 - August 2012 - September 2012 - October 2012 - November 2012 - December 2012
January 2013 - February 2013 - March 2013 - April 2013
Membership
Membership is open to all community park groups and similar organisations with an interest in protecting and enhancing green space in Bristol. New groups are always welcome to join us, membership is free but groups must comply with the criteria set out in the Bristol Parks Forum Terms of Reference.
The current list of groups that are official members of the BPF together with information about the groups can be seen via the link below.
List of Bristol Parks Forum Members >>
Groups wanting to become members of the BPF should complete our Membership Record Form. These can be downloaded from the links below in pdf or in Word format so that it can be filled in and emailed back to us. The form is also used to give us details to be published in the 'Bristol Parks Forum Directory'.
Membership Record Form in pdf format
Membership Record Form in Word format
The 2010 version of the BPF Directory can be downloaded here: Bristol Parks Forum Directory 2010.
We also have a list of all Bristol's parks and park groups.
The current list can be found here: Listing of Parks and Park Groups >>
Information for Park Groups
The following information and links are provided as a resource for Park Groups but may also be useful to anyone who uses Bristol's parks.
Who to contact:
For general issues relating to your park or green space contact the Bristol Parks Neighbourhood Engagement Team.
You can also use the general Bristol Parks email address at or phone 0117 922 3719 Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5pm (4.30pm Fri). Alternatively you can contact Bristol Parks by text on 0771 039 6713.
For removal of drug and sex related litter call the rapid clean up hotline on 0117 922 2100 - this is available Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.00pm. You will need to tell them the location and the type of litter.
If you witness anti social behaviour in a park or green space in Bristol, please report it to either the 'It's Your Call' action line on 0117 922 2500 or the non-emergency police line on 101. Whilst a police response will not always be possible, these calls will help build up a picture of hotspots and issues in your area and are extremely valuable in helping reduce antisocial behaviour. More information on the Council's website.
In our experience Bristol Parks generally respond to queries promptly and try to help where they can, however, if you are not satisfied with the response you receive from Bristol Parks please contact us via and we will try to help resolve your problem.
You can also contact your local councillors and discuss local problems with them, many councillors attend meetings of local park groups.
What land does Bristol City Council own?
The mapping system on the Council's website will show you.
Go to www.bristol.gov.uk/explore-bristol-city and then tick 'Council managed land' in the panel on the left.
Redirectors (shortcuts) to Bristol City Council Web pages
These shortcuts allow you to reach individual sections of the Council's website without going through all the menus. They are also very useful for using in emails or publicity material to direct people to individual pages.
Listing of website redirectors
Community Action Toolkit
Bristol Parks have produced this very informative document which is available for download from their website via the link below. The toolkit is mainly aimed at new groups but contains information that all groups will find helpful.
Download Bristol Parks Community Action Toolkit
Parks Monitoring Forms
New system coming soon.
Word Versions of Health & Safety Forms
The links below take you to Word versions of the most commonly used forms in Bristol Parks Health & Safety Pack which you can download as a pdf from at www.bristol.gov.uk/parksafety. The Word versions allow you to complete the forms and submit them by email.
Attendance Sheet - AttendanceSheet.doc
Health and Safety Plan - HealthandSafetyPlan.doc
Site Risk Assessment Form - SiteRiskAssessment.doc
| Latest News | Contacts | Meetings | email list | Membership | Information for Park Groups |
BPF Parks & Green Spaces Strategy page >>
List of Bristol Parks Forum Members >>
Listing of Parks and Park Groups >>
Trees are some of the most important features in our parks and open spaces and Bristol Parks Forum has always also had an interest in street trees.The Bristol Tree Forum (formerly the Bristol Street Tree Forum) discusses issues relating to all trees in Bristol
Bristol Tree Forum Agenda, Minutes, Information >>
Planting a tree with the council’s TreeBristol campaign >>
Bristol Parks Forum has formed a Working Group to work with Bristol Parks and the Events team to try and simplify the system for licensing events in parks and green spaces while ensuring that events can be held safely and without excessive impact on other park users. We are keen to see more community events held in Bristol's parks and we believe that events that are aimed at promoting the park or the park group should be lisensed by the Council without charge.It is right that commercial events that use part of a park should pay charges for the 'hire' of the park. There also needs to be systems in place to ensure that all events are organised properly for the safety of those attending and other park users as well as making sure that the park is not damaged.
If you would like to join the Working Group please email
Rules for event licensing
All events in Bristol's parks where more than 50 people are expected to be on site at the same time need to be licensed through the City Council Events Licensing team (note, this does not include guided walks or volunteer work parties / task days - see below).
For small events with 50 to 200 people on site at one time you need to apply for a Park Permit. The cost is £30 per event (increased from £20 on 1st April 2011, but no increase April 2012). As well as the limit on numbers, there are restrictions on the type of event that can be covered by a park permit, eg events using bouncy castles, marquees, or stage are not covered - you will need a site licence. Update: Park Permit applications do not need a formal risk assessment form to be completed, but you do need to provide a statement about how your event will be organised to show that you have considered possible risks.
For all events with more than 200 people attending or with extensive site set ups you need a Site Licence. This is the landowner's permission, licences for selling alcohol or for entertainment have to be applied for separately. For details see the Event Application Toolkit. Licence charges depend on the size of the event, see below, but for small community events the charge is the same as for a Park Permit.
You may be asked for a bond to be held to pay for any damage to the site. Update: Groups that are members of the BPF and some other established community groups will not be asked for a bond for small events and if the event is supported by Bristol Parks the Park Permit fee might be waived.
For all events you need Public Liability Insurance, for Community Groups holding events with less than 200 people this can be provided by Bristol City Council and included in the park permit / site licence fee.
Email Parks.events@bristol.gov.uk to get the forms or for more information.
Volunteer Work Parties / Task Days & Guided Walks:There is a separate system that allows you to lead guided walks or to lead a group of volunteers carrying out work to improve your park while being covered by Bristol City Council Insurance. In order to do this you need to complete a short training session which will qualify you as a 'competent person'. Then having agreed the work with your Community Park Officer you need to complete some simple paper work for each event.
You can get more information and download the Health and Safety Pack and Forms from the Bristol City Council website at www.bristol.gov.uk/parksafety.
Letter to BCC Events Team from BPF Working group 4th March 2011
Town and Village Greens developed under customary law as areas of land where local people indulged in lawful sports and pastimes. Anyone can apply to have land registered as a green if it has been used by local people for
recreation ‘as of right’ (i.e. without permission, force or secrecy) for at least 20 years.
Many groups that are members of the Bristol Parks Forum have applied for Town Green status for their sites. In the past the BPF has organised a workshop session and BPF meetings are an opportunity to exchange information.
BPF notes & list of Town Green Applications in Bristol (pdf)
Growth and Infrastructure Bill - Information on Open Spaces Society website
Second reading of Growth and Infrastructure Bill November 2012
Growth and Infrastructure Bill details - includes proposed changes to TGV law
Minutes of PROWG meeting - 20 February 2012
BPF Statement to PROWG meeting - 20 February 2012
Report to PROWG, revised BCC Town Green Procedure following consultation - February 2012
BPF Response to BCC Town Green Consultation - December 2011
Bristol City Council Consultation on Town & Village Green Applications (closed on 13th December 2011)
BPF Committee Statement to Public Rights of Way and Greens Committee Meeting 18 April 2011
Details of Public Rights of Way and Greens Committee Meeting 18 April 2011
Defra Town Green Consultation, Summary of responses - 14th November 2012
BPF Response to Defra Town Green Consultation - agreed 15th October 2011
Defra Consultation on Town & Village Green Applications (closed on 17 October 2011)
Filwood - Inspector's second report
Evening Post report on rejection of Filwood Park application
BCC Press Release on Judicial Review 4 May 2012
Ashton Vale Report by Jan Ormondroyd, Chief Executive, BCC for PRW&G Committee Meeting 16 June 2011
Ashton Vale Applicants' Submission dated 30 Nov 2011 (posted on bristol.indymedia.org)
BCC webpage with links to Ashton Vale Town Green Inspector's Report
defra - Town & Village Greens information
Guidance on the Open Spaces Society website
Common land and village green information on BCC website
Links to BPF member groups making Town Green Applications
Ashton Vale Fields - www.ashtonvaleheritage.co.uk
Easter Garden - www.eastergarden.moonfruit.com
Grove Wood - snuffmills.blogspot.com
Okebourne Park - www.saveourpark.moonfruit.com
Wellington Hill - www.friendsofhorfieldcommon.com
The Bristol in Bloom Community Association are members of the BPF. They work with Bristol City Council to run 'Bristol in Bloom' and Bristol's entries in 'Britain in Bloom' and in 2012 the international 'Entente Florale' - at which Bristol won a Gold Award.
Part of Britain in Bloom is the 'It's Your Neighbourhood' programme which gives support to community projects across the UK. Many of Bristol's Park Groups took part in this programme in 2012. If you would like to enter in 2013 visit the Bristol in Bloom website via the link below.
Bristol in Bloom website >>
Bristol It's Your Neighbourhood Awards 2012 >>
Report on 2012 Entente Florale, including judges comments >>
Bristol Parks Forum is a member of the National Federation of Parks and Green Spaces (NFPGS) which is the federation of area forums and networks of local Friends and User groups for Britain's green spaces. Roland represents the BPF at the NFPGS
NFPGS Website Home page - www.natfedparks.org.uk
Links to websites of other NFPGS Members
NFPGS leaflets
Chair - Nancy from Kingfisher Group & Windmill Hill Community Orchard
Vice Chair - Fraser from Friends of Brandon Hill
Other committee members:
Rob, Friends of Troopers Hill; Roland, Mina Rd Park Group; Hugh, Mina Road Park Group; Mark, Snuff Mills Action Group; Derek, Friends of Stoke Lodge; Lesley, Friends of St George Park.
You can email the committee via .
Please note that we are all volunteers and most of us do paid jobs during the day, we will respond to emails as soon as we can but please do not expect an instant response during the day.
See also the information about the 'Neighbourhood Engagement Team' in the news section above. The Neighbourhood Engagement Team should be the first point of contact for Park Groups.
Green spaces in Bristol are managed through four administration areas with the large 'Estates' being managed separately. Park maintenance in the North and East areas (and also Estates) is carried out directly by Bristol Parks. Parks in the South and Central areas are maintained by external contractors managed through a Contracts Manager.
The South Contract is run by Quadron and the Central area by English Landscapes. Our Listing of Parks and Park Groups shows which area each park is in.
Bristol Parks Structure and Contacts - does not include Estates
Maps of Administrative Areas
Quadron Structure for South Contract
English Landscapes Structure for Central Contract
Our meetings are organised by the BPF, with the support of Bristol Parks. The meetings are for representatives of member groups, they are not public meetings. If you have not been to one of our meetings before any of our members will be pleased to welcome you and to explain the format and who is who. Please do introduce yourself to anyone in the room when you arrive.
2013 meeting dates: Sat 29 June - Sat 12 October - Both 9.30am at Windmill Hill City Farm.
2014 meeting dates: Sat 25th Jan - Sat 12th April (venues tbc)
Last meeting:
Sat 13 April 9.30am to 1.00pm - Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here - Workshop notes
Previous meetings:
Sat 9th February (re-arranged date, due to snow) - Minutes here
Papers & Links:
Justin Smith: Tree Felling - Coppicing
BNHC Bristol 99: bristol99.org.uk
Park Monitoring: Explanation and report on Monitoring - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/Monitoring
Management Plans: www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/ManagementPlans
TreeBristol: Update on park planting plans - Guide for Tree Planting Events
Sat 13th October - St Werburghs Centre - Minutes here
Papers relating to issues to be discussed:
Green Flag Awards
Capital Investment in Parks, Update - Capital Investment in Parks, programme
Proposed changes to BPF Terms of Reference
Bristol It's Your Neighbourhood Awards 2012
Area Environment Officers - Update with names & contact details - October 2012
Area Environment Officers - Map with names & contact details - October 2012
Ash trees under threat
Report on 2012 Entente Florale, including judges comments
Slide show of Community Payback in Bristol
Sat 14th July - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Sat 21 April - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Information on issues discussed:
Open Public Services White Paper - www.openpublicservices.cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Knowle West Presentation by Len, NSI - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/NSI21April2012.ppt
Revised AGSP proposals for Knowle West - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/AGSP_KWest_April2012.pdf
BPF response to Central Area Action Plan Consultation - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/BPF_CAAP.pdf
National Planning Policy Framework update - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/NPPFApril 2012.pdf
Bristol Development Framework update - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/BDFApril2012.pdf
Flow Chart - approving features to be installed in parks - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/FlowChartApril2012.pdf
Area Environment Officers, Update & contacts - www.bristolparksforum.org.uk/AEONoteApril2012.pdf
Sat 14 Jan - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Sat 15 Oct - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Papers on Neighbourhood Engagement Team - Committee as elected
Saturday 16 July - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Saturday 16 April - at at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Agenda Note - BPF Position on the P&GSS
Agenda Note - Current Rules for Events on Bristol Parks
Saturday 29 January - at at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Saturday 9 October - at Netham Pavilion - Minutes here
Saturday 17 July 2010 - Netham Pavilion - Minutes
The main subject of discussion was the Area Green Space Plans.
The minutes include links to the various appendix documents.
Saturday 10th April 2010 - Netham Pavilion - Minutes here.
The following papers give information on topics discussed:
1. Note on Organisational Change
2. List of Park Keepers
3. Events Briefing Note
4. Proposal for Park Group Agreements
5. List of Section 106 money available for Parks
Saturday 16th January 2010 - Vassall Centre, Fishponds BS16 2QQ - Minutes here.
This meeting was followed by a very interesting visit to Snuff Mills hosted by the Snuff Mills Action Group.
Saturday 31st October 2009 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes; Events Workshop Notes; Play Pathfinder Display;
Saturday 25th July 2009 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes; App 1 - Events; App 2 - Parks' Support to BPF
Saturday 16th May 2009 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
BPF Saturday 24th January 2009 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
BPF Saturday 11th October 2008 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Meeting with Bristol Parks 7th October 2008: Notes of meeting
BPF Saturday 12th July 2008 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
BPF Saturday 19th April 2008 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
BPF Saturday 19th January 2008 - at Windmill Hill City Farm - Minutes here
Please email if you would like to be added to our mailing list or use the link below.
There is also a separate list of Park Groups kept by Bristol Parks which includes postal addresses and is used to send out meeting agendas and minutes.
The content of previous email messages can be seen via the links below, each pdf file contains all the messages sent that month - note it may take sometime for emails to be posted here, join our mailing list if you want to keep upto date! Some links in older updates may no longer work.
May/June 2008 - July 2008 - August 2008 - September 2008 - October 2008 - November 2008 - December 2008
January 2009 - February 2009 - March 2009 - April 2009 - May 2009 - June 2009 - July 2009 - August 2009 - September 2009 - October 2009 - November 2009 - December 2009
January 2010 - February 2010 - March 2010 - April 2010 - May 2010 - June 2010 - July 2010 - August 2010 - September 2010 - October 2010 - November 2010 - December 2010
January 2011 - February 2011 - March 2011 - April 2011 - May 2011 - June 2011 - July 2011 - August 2011 - September 2011 - October 2011 - November 2011 - December 2011
January 2012 - February 2012 - March 2012 - April 2012 - May 2012 - June 2012 - July 2012 - August 2012 - September 2012 - October 2012 - November 2012 - December 2012
January 2013 - February 2013 - March 2013 - April 2013
The current list of groups that are official members of the BPF together with information about the groups can be seen via the link below.
List of Bristol Parks Forum Members >>
Groups wanting to become members of the BPF should complete our Membership Record Form. These can be downloaded from the links below in pdf or in Word format so that it can be filled in and emailed back to us. The form is also used to give us details to be published in the 'Bristol Parks Forum Directory'.
Membership Record Form in pdf format
Membership Record Form in Word format
The 2010 version of the BPF Directory can be downloaded here: Bristol Parks Forum Directory 2010.
We also have a list of all Bristol's parks and park groups.
The current list can be found here: Listing of Parks and Park Groups >>
For general issues relating to your park or green space contact the Bristol Parks Neighbourhood Engagement Team.
You can also use the general Bristol Parks email address at or phone 0117 922 3719 Mon to Fri 8.30am - 5pm (4.30pm Fri). Alternatively you can contact Bristol Parks by text on 0771 039 6713.
For removal of drug and sex related litter call the rapid clean up hotline on 0117 922 2100 - this is available Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 6.00pm. You will need to tell them the location and the type of litter.
If you witness anti social behaviour in a park or green space in Bristol, please report it to either the 'It's Your Call' action line on 0117 922 2500 or the non-emergency police line on 101. Whilst a police response will not always be possible, these calls will help build up a picture of hotspots and issues in your area and are extremely valuable in helping reduce antisocial behaviour. More information on the Council's website.
In our experience Bristol Parks generally respond to queries promptly and try to help where they can, however, if you are not satisfied with the response you receive from Bristol Parks please contact us via and we will try to help resolve your problem.
You can also contact your local councillors and discuss local problems with them, many councillors attend meetings of local park groups.
What land does Bristol City Council own?
The mapping system on the Council's website will show you.
Go to www.bristol.gov.uk/explore-bristol-city and then tick 'Council managed land' in the panel on the left.
Redirectors (shortcuts) to Bristol City Council Web pages
These shortcuts allow you to reach individual sections of the Council's website without going through all the menus. They are also very useful for using in emails or publicity material to direct people to individual pages.
Listing of website redirectors
Community Action Toolkit
Bristol Parks have produced this very informative document which is available for download from their website via the link below. The toolkit is mainly aimed at new groups but contains information that all groups will find helpful.
Download Bristol Parks Community Action Toolkit
Parks Monitoring Forms
New system coming soon.
Word Versions of Health & Safety Forms
The links below take you to Word versions of the most commonly used forms in Bristol Parks Health & Safety Pack which you can download as a pdf from at www.bristol.gov.uk/parksafety. The Word versions allow you to complete the forms and submit them by email.
Attendance Sheet - AttendanceSheet.doc
Health and Safety Plan - HealthandSafetyPlan.doc
Site Risk Assessment Form - SiteRiskAssessment.doc
BPF Parks & Green Spaces Strategy page >>
List of Bristol Parks Forum Members >> Listing of Parks and Park Groups >>
