News / Bristol Zoo Gardens
Activists rally over Bristol Zoo Gardens sale
The proposed sale of the former Bristol Zoo Gardens site is “a scandal happening in plain sight”, according to campaigners who protested outside the offices of the developer set to purchase the land.
Acorn Property Group has denied claims linking its planned development of the Clifton site to an official warning notice from the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), saying it relates to a separate part of the business and does not affect the deal for the zoo site.
Justin Morris, chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, said the notice “has no bearing on the sale”.
In a statement, Morris described the redevelopment of the historic land as an opportunity to open the gardens to the public for the first time and fund the charity’s conservation and education work.
Tom Jones (right), founder of the Save Bristol Zoo Gardens campaign, said the sale would permanently damage an important part of Bristol’s heritage – photo: Rob Browne
Around 50 people gathered outside the company’s Clifton Down Road offices on Wednesday afternoon to oppose the sale and plans which include nearly 200 homes, a cafe, a playground and free public access to the gardens.
Acorn Property Group said it closed its the offices during the protest to protect the welfare of staff.
The plans for the former zoo site in Clifton include building 196 new homes – image: Bristol Zoological Society
The FCA released a warning notice for “RST Group Holdings Ltd (t/a Acorn Property Invest / Acorn / Acorn Property Group)” in December 2025 warning prospective investors that the companies are not authorised by the FCA to “carry out or promote financial services in the UK”.
The Acorn Property Group spokesperson said the warning relates only to wording previously used in marketing materials for its investment arm and “does not amount to any finding of fraudulent activity”. The company added it is working with the FCA to remove the notice.
“We remain fully committed to delivering the scheme, which will include a mix of housing, a cafe, playground and free public access to the gardens for the first time in history,” the spokesperson told Bristol24/7.
Bristol24/7 has contacted the FCA for comment.
Campaigners believe there is still time to reverse the historic zoo’s closure – photo: Rob Browne
Morris addressed concerns over tree removal at the site: “There are 218 existing trees, 45 groups of trees and four hedges.
“Under the planning consent, 80 trees and three hedges will be removed, 44 trees will be translocated and 470 new trees will be planted.
“This work is scheduled to finish before the bird nesting season.”
Morris added: “The Society continues to be committed to the sale of Bristol Zoo Gardens to Acorn Property Group, and we expect to complete the sale shortly.”
Dr Justin Morris is the chief executive of wildlife conservation charity Bristol Zoological Society – photo: Bristol Zoo Project
Bristol Zoo Gardens closed to visitors in 2022 after 186 years and after the zoo relocated its main animal collection to Bristol Zoo Project in South Gloucestershire.
The redevelopment scheme approved by Bristol City Council includes 196 homes.
Main photo: Rob Browne
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