News / Trees
‘Tree brides’ return to Baltic Wharf
Three years after 70 women “married” the 70 trees on Baltic Wharf, many of them returned.
The anniversary was coincidentally on the day after Bristol City Council pulled out of the housing scheme due to be built on the site of what is currently a caravan park overlooking the Floating Harbour.
But despite the council no longer being involved, another developer could still build on what is officially described as a brownfield site, with planning permission granted for 166 new flats.
The ‘tree brides’ were angry that the Environment Agency had dropped its objections to building on what they say is one of the UK’s most dangerous flood areas – photo: Rob Browne
The person who came up with the ‘tree brides’ idea was Siobhan Kierans, who said that it has become “even more important to save these trees when you see what’s happening across Europe, where one day it’s 30-degrees in Vienna and the next day they’re having snowstorms”.
Kierans said: “Trees protect us from raging floods and storms, keep the inner cities cool, serve as flood barriers.
“This council land should be turned into a public park. It’s a place where people come together, to walk and enjoy nature.
“We need somewhere for children to play, for disabled adults to feel free.”
Campaigners say that during both a climate and a housing emergency, all empty homes and buildings should be used to rehouse the homeless and those on the social housing waiting list – photo: Rob Browne
Professor John Tarlton of Bristol Tree Forum called on the Green Party, who now have the most councillors in City Hall, “to stand by its promises that important green spaces will be protected, and endorse alternative plans to turn the site into a community park, to benefit present and future residents in this nature-depleted part of Bristol”.
Main photo: Rob Browne
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