RESIDENTS living near King George V playing fields have complained to the parish council after a “wildlife haven” full of plants in full bloom was cut down.
The plants were growing alongside the footpath that runs between Sutherland Avenue and the playing fields, behind homes in Farm Court, Farm Gardens and Sutherland Avenue.
The verge beside the path was completely levelled before the start of the school summer holidays in July by ground staff working for Downend & Bromley Heath Parish Council.
Ruth Mogg, who lives nearby, took photos of the flowers just over a week before they were cut down and was “shocked and saddened” to find the ground “completely stripped”.
She said: “Normally at this time of year, plants are in full bloom and it’s an abundance of colour. “The area is bursting with life and provides a sanctuary for many birds, small mammals and insects. “It is a beautiful space.
“Whilst we appreciate that some stinging nettles etc., need to be cut back slightly, this is normally done at the end of the summer season and in a sympathetic manner. What occurred last week, was devastating, completely senseless and I believe a true ‘crime against nature’.”
Ruth said she and other residents had raised their concerns with the parish council.
She said: “Any trimming back that has taken place there in past years has been carried out with some care. Unfortunately because of the severity of the cutting back, it’s possible some of the plants may not return.
“The loss of the plants is only the tip of the iceberg. The dry-stone wall, which is usually covered by the plants, provides a habitat for numerous insects and smaller creatures, including frogs.
“I am desperately hoping that common sense will prevail and that future cutting back will take place quite a bit later, in September, perhaps.”
Parish clerk Kevin Spratt acknowledged that the plants had been cut back further than usual but said there were concerns about the number of stinging nettles by the path and the potential for children playing there to get hurt if they fell in.
He said: “It was a health and safety issue for a time and the grounds staff were being proactive in cutting it back, to make it safer for kids walking down to the park.”
Mr Spratt said it was difficult to balance safety concerns and biodiversity.