Meeting over Bristol woods row

The owner of an ancient wood in Bristol has agreed to meet protesters to discuss the management of the land.

The move comes as a petition signed by more than 4,000 people was handed to the city council calling for it to compulsorily purchase 14-acre Grove Wood, next to the River Frome in Stapleton.

At last night's full council meeting Councillor Mark Bradshaw, cabinet member for sustainable development, made a surprise announcement that he would "facilitate a meeting between local residents, the landowner, local members and relevant officers to explore the potential for reaching agreement on a sustainable and viable estate management arrangement".

Landowner Lord Houshang Jafari contacted by the Bristol Evening Post after the meeting, said he knew nothing of the plans for a meeting but would co-operate.

He said: "If residents want to meet me I'd be happy to go to such a meeting. I've got nothing to hide."

Mr Jafari bought the wood for £39,000 at an auction last year and has since carried out a number of works including felling a row of 27 trees.

Nature lovers and residents were furious, as the area is known to be home to rare species such as otters and kingfishers.

There were protests outside the council buildings before last night's meeting, with about 50 campaigners holding banners and chanting "save Grove Wood".

There were also statements made by supporters of the petition in the meeting itself.

Former chairman of leisure at Bristol City Council, Alderman Paul Smith, criticised the lack of involvement by councillors in recent decisions about Grove Wood.

Mangotsfield resident Christine Williams told the council she had walked her dogs in the wood for 30 years and was concerned that Mr Jafari had restricted people's freedom to enjoy the land.

She said: "We want it preserved for Bristolians – please, please bring it back into public ownership."

Richard Taylor-Jones, a producer and director in the BBC wildlife department, said: "It needs protecting for wildlife, for people and for ever. The safest and most feasible way that can happen is for Bristol City Council to add to its portfolio of green spaces and buy Grove Wood."

Grove Wood is in the Frome Valley opposite Snuff Mills park and is in the Stapleton Conservation Area. It was in public ownership as part of the grounds of Blackberry Hill Hospital until it was sold at auction.

The meeting also saw a protest by Transport for Greater Bristol Alliance who want trams instead of the planned Bus Rapid Transit system.