Knowle West is perhaps known for its proliferation of red brick public housing. But the property, which sits on a raised plateau above Bedminster, should also be acclaimed for having some of the best green space in Bristol.
The Northern Slopes, a nature reserve north of Knowle West, offers spectacular views over the city. As is the Western Slopes, a natural paradise that forms the western boundary of the South Bristol Council Estate, which the Avon Wildlife Trust describes as a ‘Vital Wildlife Corridor’. Meanwhile, Filwood Playing Fields to the south of the property is protected by an endowment and provides important play space.
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But recently, much of the green space that has been central to Knowle West’s identity since its inception in the 1930s has come under threat. To the fury of local residents, hundreds of whom have objected, developer Lovell Homes has applied to build 157 homes on part of the Western Slopes – although its plans now appear highly unlikely.
Meanwhile, plans for a further 34 homes on part of the Northern Slopes have been approved despite opposition. There are also concerns about an £8.4million youth center planned on green space in Knowle West.
Community efforts to come together and fight for underdeveloped green spaces have received the media attention they deserve.
But at the same time, new community gardens have been planted in previously neglected locations — which is fitting considering much of Knowle West is built on garden city principles, with comfortable homes separated by green spaces and trees. The Cable visited three such green spaces that have been revitalized thanks to recent community action.
From the garbage dump to the community garden
As you enter the cul-de-sac of Belfast Walk, don’t expect to find an entrance to a hidden garden.
The Knowle West Community Garden occupies a plot of land between three streets and will open in late July 2022 after it took a community group just months to transform the former landfill site.
A path takes you around the grounds, the centerpiece of which is a fish-filled pond surrounded by fresh fruit and vegetables.
Carol Casey, interim chair of the Filwood Residents Association, says she felt it was important to plant the garden to prevent the site from being built on.
“Mental health is a big problem on this property – the communal garden gives people space to relax and also to learn new skills.”
Carol Casey, Filwood Residents Association
“It’s a space that can be used by kids and adults with clean air, and there aren’t many of those around now,” says Carol, who was born and raised in Knowle West.
The site at Belfast Walk had been neglected for years and was an overgrown mess when the residents association took it over in late 2021.
However, it is now a haven for wildlife, full of fruit trees planted in memory of the locals who passed away.
It’s not the only local green space that Carol has helped protect, either. Twenty years ago the local activist campaigned successfully for Filwood Playing Fields to be protected by a trust, meaning it cannot be relied upon. She also founded the Let’s Grow Community Allotment while she was Chair of the Knowle West Health Association in 2012.
For Carol, the positive impact of green spaces on well-being is why they are so important in Knowle West. “Mental health issues are very common on this property,” she says. “It gives people space to relax and learn new skills.”
Restoration of land to historical use
A medieval tower stands proud over the community garden at the rear of the Inns Court Community & Family Centre.
“It’s a beautiful place and I just thought it screamed out to be tended to,” says horticulturist Chris Boddington, who created the Inns Court Kitchen & Wildlife Garden with a team of volunteers.
Horticulturist Chris Boddington, who helped design the garden at Inns Court (Credit: Charlie Watts)
Vines climb up columns in the garden, a greenhouse is full of tomatoes and a flower shed is created.
Each week the garden is used by a group of men and a group of women – and recently also for vocational courses.
“The whole idea is that volunteers can come along, work as much as they want, enjoy the social side, and take some products home,” Chris continues. “We live in a very alienated society where people are separated from each other and it’s also difficult to get healthy food here.”
Gardens like Inns Court go beyond addressing the difficulties people can have in accessing fresh produce, he adds. “You save on all that transportation, all that packaging — we grow organically, there’s no pesticides.”
Before the rear of the center at Inns Court was remodeled in March 2021, it was full of grass and weeds. But now it is enjoyed by locals as much as it is enjoyed by wildlife such as bees, bugs and butterflies.
“Everyone needs reasons to get out of the house and socialize with other people, and that’s what Gardening is all about,” adds Chris.
The 15th Century stair tower which overlooks the garden was once part of a manor house when the Inns Court was farmland. It is therefore fitting that food is being grown again in this area as it was centuries ago.
“Hands-on approach is really appreciated”
Looking out over the Let’s Grow Community Allotment you are greeted with an excellent view of Bristol.
Late last year it was unclear what would happen to this beautiful spot after the charity that ran it, the Knowle West Health Association, said it could no longer afford it.
Steve Griffiths, a volunteer at Let’s Grow Community Allotment (Credit: Charlie Watts)
But fortunately, the Knowle West Alliance, a collective of residents and organizations, came together to save the place and took it over in June 2022.
Since then, Alliance member organization re:work and a local volunteer family have been making the site safe again.
In September, locals were invited to see what was being done to the site, and it has transformed from an overgrown area into a food-growing paradise.
It includes three large foil tunnels, one of which is currently filled with pumpkins for the fall season. There is also a hen on part of the plot, which will soon be joined by some friends to provide fresh eggs for the community. And there are plans to restore an old pizza oven so it can be used for cooking classes.
“The community garden is a quiet and beautiful place,” says Lucy Holburn, Alliance Network Development Manager. “It offers something special in the heart of the city, stunning views and a place to just be. We know how much it means to many people who have used it over the years.”
Lucy highlights the fact that a number of local green spaces in the area are being saved as a result of positive community action. She adds, “People can just keep going, and I think Knowle West really appreciates that hands-on approach.”
First opening in 2012, Let’s Grow is part of the larger Springfield Allotments property, which consists of 38 lots.
“Knowle West was conceived as a garden city [where] People have had the opportunity to grow their own in large gardens – that spirit still exists and green spaces like Springfield offer opportunities to connect with nature, cultivation and community so that those skills are shared,” Lucy continues.
The terrain is also part of the north slopes, three green areas with meadows, hedges and forests. A local group, the Northern Slopes Initiative, maintains, preserves and enhances the space. Lucy Wyatt, the initiative’s chair, says: “It is now a vital green space for animals and humans, but the more we can do the better we can shape it.”
View from the Northern Slopes across Bedminster towards Bristol city center (Credit: Charlie Watts)
