On Sunday 23 August, the Government announced that regional mayors across England are to be given 'call in' powers to take the most important planning decisions in their areas.

Under proposals to be published within days, a mayor will now be able to take over key planning applications which impact on local growth, and direct a council to take it forward or refuse it.

The national thresholds are being set outside of London for the first time: schemes with more than 150 homes, more than 15,000 square metres of commercial space, or any building over 30 metres or taller, roughly ten storeys will be in scope.

Mayors will also be able to grant up front permission for development, so that building can begin without a developer having to apply(!).

One small saving grace in the announcement seems to be that every decision must follow the planning rules, the local plan, and national policy (although national policy is eroding protection of the Green Belt). Applicants keep the right of appeal, and ministers retain a backstop power to intervene themselves.

Mayors outside London will also be able to charge a levy on development to fund major infrastructure.

This appears to be yet another step by the Government to remove the ability of local communities to have any real say in where development goes, even though it is communities that have to live with the damaging consequences of poor planning and transport decisions on their doorstep.

This represents a major challenge for communities wishing to defend their local area from damaging over-development that would lead to a loss of green space, parcels of the Green Belt and wildlife habitats.

Will WECA (the West of England Combined Authority) and our West of England Mayor be prepared to listen and act on the wishes of local communities outside of Bristol and Bath?

Or will decisions be made for the destructive urbanisation of the area continue at pace, traffic congestion made even worse, and the health and well-being of our rural communities put at further risk?

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New NPPF further stifles local democracy in development policy

August 2026

On 17th August, the Government published its latest iteration of the NPPF (National Planning Policy Framework), described by the County Councils Network as one of the biggest overhauls to the planning system in a decade.

The headline revisions to the NPPF are the introduction of a "default yes" for residential developments near well-connected stations, creation of a new "medium" site category for 10 to 49 homes (up to 2.5 hectares) to streamline approvals, and severe penalties - including a loss of local planning control - for councils delivering below 75% of their housing targets.

The controversial definition of 'grey belt' remains in the NPPF. Critics warn this term is vague and leaves the planning system open to misuse by developers.

In outlining its concerns, the County Councils Network has said the new NPPF will dilute local councils' and their communities' voice within the planning system. It will represent a shift from a locally-led, plan-based system towards a more nationally-directed, growth-focused framework and that these 'one size fits all' policies will have a detrimental impact on rural areas. Homes will be built in a piecemeal and unplanned way across the countryside, whilst the presumption of 'yes' to developments next to train stations, are suitable for urban areas but could permanently and dramatically change the character of a village.

In responding to the government's announcement, Roger Mortlock, CEO of the CPRE (the countryside charity), summed up what many are thinking. He said the new NPPF "appears to straitjacket local leaders, especially in rural England, with a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach that ignores the realities on the ground." CPRE Plans to publish a full response to the revised NPPF in due course.

BaNES Council is due to publish its draft Local Plan (2025-2043) in early September; whether that timetable will be unaffected remains to be seen but several of the changes to the NPPF had been anticipated from consultations and pre-announcements from the Government.

The nation's countryside, the Green Belt and our future food security has never faced a bigger threat from those who don't understand or care about the wider implications of their own policies and decisions.

SEG aims to publish further news on this topic as it unfolds.

The new NPPF can be found on the gov.uk website from this link.

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Government warns of fire risks as it bans the supply of disposable BBQs during 5th heatwave

August 2026

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On the evening of Friday 14th August, the government sent alerts to millions of mobile phones warning against setting light to anything that could spark a wildfire, including barbecues, firepits and fireworks.

Avon Fire and Rescue Service is urging people to take extra care during the current dry conditions and to avoid any activity that could result in an outdoor fire.

Nik Rice, Prevention Manager for Avon Fire and Rescue Service, said:

"We fully welcome the temporary ban on disposable barbecues and the advice to the public not to light any fires in the coming days.

We've had a busy few weeks dealing with numerous grass fires across our communities... once a grass fire begins to spread, the additional demand placed on our service is huge.

I'd encourage everyone listening to remember one thing this week: please do not light any open fires. It is simply not worth the risk. If you do see a fire, please call 999 immediately. The quicker we can get there, the more chance we have of stopping it from spreading and preventing it from becoming a much larger incident."

Disposable BBQ supply ban

In response to the current droughts and heatwave, the Government has introduced a ban on the sale and supply of disposable BBQs which have been the cause of a number of serious wildfires across the country over the summer months.

During the current drought and heatwave conditions, the government considers that the supply and subsequent foreseeable use of disposable barbecues poses a significant risk to the public, and the environment, and therefore cannot be considered a safe product. They should not be made available for supply either in store or online at the current time.

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River Avon Charter endorsed by BaNES Council

July 2026

At its full Council meeting on 16th July, BaNES Council unanimously gave its support to the River Avon Charter and agreed some actions the Council would take as a result of that endorsement, e.g. the Leader of the Council to write to Wessex Water to call for regular meetings and greater accountability measures to reduce the frequency and volume of overflow discharge of untreated or partially treated sewage and ensure improved health of the river and its riparian ecosystem.

The charter has been drawn up by an organisation called "We Are Avon" and states the following:-

Charter of Rights for the Bristol Avon and Bioregion

1. Right to exist, thrive, and evolve naturally
To maintain and support ecological function of the river at all stages along its life course from source to sea

2. Right to flow sustainably
Through naturally functioning patterns that support the resilience of the river's ecosystem where reasonably practical

3. Right not to be polluted
To achieve good ecological health, free from detrimental levels of known and emerging pollutants

4. Right to biodiversity integrity
To promote good biological health through the existence and flourishing of diverse species and unique habitats

5. Right to regeneration and restoration
To recover ecological function and be resilient to the ecological threats caused by human-derived climate instability

6. Right to cultural and community connection
To recognise the value and interconnectedness of all living entities, including human, with the river and the bioregion

7. Right to representation and advocacy
To have active and influential voices to speak on behalf of the river

The River Avon through Saltford is the reason why Saltford exists where it is and is an important wildlife habitat as well as being a place of calm, reflection and recreation for local people and visitors alike. SEG therefore hopes the River Avon Charter with its endorsement from BaNES Council can help enable our community's wish for the river to be cleaner and safer for users, visitors and wildlife.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Information about "We Are Avon", a place-based organisation and bioregional movement of river guardians and land stewards, working to regenerate the Avon catchment together, can be found on its website weareavon.com.

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Big Butterfly Count (17 Jul - 9 Aug)

July 2026

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Red Admiral. Copyright Elizabeth Cooksey.

The Big Butterfly Count is a UK-wide citizen survey aimed at helping us assess the health of our environment simply by counting the amount and type of butterflies (and some day-flying moths) we see.

Sir David Attenborough is President of the charity Butterfly Conservation that runs this important annual count, and Chris Packham and Nick Baker are joint Vice Presidents.

This year's big butterfly count is from 17 July to 9 August and could be something to also get younger members of the family engaged in over the summer holidays. Participants choose a place to spot butterflies and moths. Watch for 15 minutes. Then record which species they see. You can do as many counts as you want and will be able to submit records throughout July and August.

There's even a free smartphone app for the big butterfly count (and/or a handy butterfly ID chart to download) so that you can carry out and submit your count all in one go while out and about watching butterflies. Details at this link >>

SEG's wildlife page has photographs of all 25 butterflies that occur and have been observed in Saltford in recent years - see wildlife page - butterflies.

Thank you for taking part in the Big Butterfly Count.

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WECA exploring the possibility of a new railway station in Saltford

July 2026

According to the WECA (West of England Combined Authority) 'Have Your Say West' website WECA is "exploring the possibility of a new railway station in Saltford. A feasibility study for reopening Saltford railway station has been completed, with report publication expected by the end of this year [2025] or early next year [2026]." Clearly there has been slippage on this but SEG will publish news on the report's publication when that becomes known.

In the meantime, other proposals from WECA concerning travel on the A4 Bristol to Bath affecting Keynsham are due to be published on WECA's 'Have Your Say West' web page later in July for a summer public consultation (28 July to 22 September - dates TBC).

FURTHER INFORMATION

Saltford Parish Council's news story "Update from WECA on 'A4 Bath to Bristol' corridor transport proposals - July 2026" can be found on SPC's website from this link >>

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BaNES Council consults on new Climate and Nature Strategy

June 2026

BaNES Council is developing a new Climate and Nature Strategy, and wants to hear from residents. Climate change and nature loss are already affecting our area, and these impacts are expected to increase in the coming years.

The survey asks for your views on what matters most when it comes to tackling climate change and restoring nature. It builds on earlier feedback from community conversations and a residents' survey. BaNES says your responses will help test whether it has the right priorities and will shape the strategy, which it is planning to publish in autumn 2026.

The survey is open from 3rd June until 5pm on Friday 24 July. Completing the survey should take around 15 to 20 minutes (according to BaNES) and can be found from this link BaNES Climate and Nature Strategy survey >>

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THOUGHT FOR THE WEEKEND

June 2026

Posted by SEG on Facebook, Saturday 6th June after the deadline had passed for submitting comments on the Manor Road Green Belt paddocks planning application:-

The only housing shortage is for affordable homes & these should be built where the jobs are, on city/town brownfield sites. Building on green field sites in the Green Belt is short-sighted economic madness.

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SPC & over 500 say "NO" to 90 houses on local Green Belt

June 2026 - last updated 22nd June

At its meeting on 2nd June, Saltford Parish Council discussed and resolved a robust and detailed evidence based objection response to the outline planning application 26/01700/OUT from Crest Nicholson Operations Ltd and the landowner(s) to build up to 90 houses on Saltford's precious Green Belt, on the fields/paddocks south of Manor Road.

SPC said it strongly objects to the planning application and reminded BaNES Council that in March 2014 the Secretary of State had concluded that the (similar) proposals from Crest Nicholson were inappropriate development in the Green Belt. The proposed development was in the Secretary of State's opinion harmful to the Green Belt's openness and harmful to the Green Belt's purpose of preventing encroachment into the countryside that, represented considerable harm, to which he attributed substantial weight.

Due to the fact that this parcel of land was NOT included in the Options Menu from BaNES Council for the draft Local Plan 2025-2043, SPC said BaNES Council should take into account its own landscape value and protection reasons for the exclusion of the land from the Options Menu.

The SPC set out the reasoning for its strong objection response under 5 subject headings:-

Green Belt & the correct use & interpretation of the grey belt policy definition

Protecting the landscape setting & wildlife (& Environmental Impact Assessment request)

Housing need & Saltford's historic growth

Transport including safety, access & traffic congestion

Other matters including flood risk management & sensitive archaeology

As supporting evidence, SPC also included with its response two key papers:-

"The Saltford Area of Great Landscape Value - Planning Policy and Character Appraisal by Saltford Parish Council (March 2024) + Annex (Photographic Record)", and

"Landscape and Heritage Sensitivity Assessment of Saltford South of the A4" (June 2024).

SEG fully supports the detailed and strong case presented by SPC. You can find the full text and content of SPC's response on the SPC website by clicking on this link >>

Local MP for NE Somerset and Hanham, Dan Norris MP, informed SEG on 5th June that he had sent his own objection response to BaNES and its receipt had been acknowledged. The BaNES Council deadline for responding to the planning application was Friday 5th June 2026.

Over 500 objections were submitted to BaNES Council to this planning application (519 objections + 12 from couples = 531 as on 19 June)*.

*Note: There has been a delay in responses appearing on the BaNES website as they need to be validated to ensure there are no breaches of Data Protection nor any unacceptable language before posting online and there was a high volume of objection responses. Some responses are not added sequentially.

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SEG submits its objection to 90 houses on Saltford's Green Belt

May 2026

Saltford Environment Group has submitted a strong OBJECTION to the outline planning application to build up to 90 houses on Saltford's precious Green Belt, on the fields/paddocks south of Manor Road opposite Saltford School's rear entrance, and has asked BaNES Council to refuse consent.

Don't forget to make your response by the 5th June deadline! Our response guide in the news story below can help you.

In its response to planning application 26/01700/OUT Parcel 8966, Manor Road, Saltford, from Crest Nicholson Operations Ltd & the landowner(s), SEG has reminded BaNES Council that it properly refused planning permission to Crest Nicholson for this site in 2013. That decision by BaNES earned the gratitude of the local community including SEG. It was greatly appreciated that BaNES had recognised the inappropriateness of a new housing development on this green field, Green Belt site, a site that was also then, as now, not included in the Local Plan.

After the application went to appeal in August 2013, the Secretary of State on examining the evidence given at the Appeal Inquiry in August 2013 and the Inspector's report itself, agreed with BaNES Council and the local community and concluded that the proposed development was harmful to the Green Belt's openness and harmful to the Green Belt's purpose of preventing encroachment into the countryside that, represented considerable harm, to which he attributed substantial weight.

Since the Secretary of State's decision in 2014, there are no new exceptional circumstances to devalue the importance of the paddocks to the setting, character and openness of Saltford's Green Belt at this location.

It would be extremely harmful to local communities if the Government's raised national housing target is used as a blunt instrument by developers or landowners to try and build what they want where they want regardless of the negative consequences for local communities and their local green spaces. It is premature and even more unjustified when it ignores a new (draft) Local Plan that is currently being actively progressed by BaNES Council and is intended to deliver housing alongside the appropriate infrastructure in a planned way, rather than an ad hoc approach from speculative planning applications. The local primary school, for example is already full, and demand for local essential services (e.g. GP) already exceeds current capacity.

To build the new homes the nation needs, the Government has stated it is committed to a brownfield-first approach, to protect sensible use of the Green Belt, and that only genuine brownfield sites such as disused petrol stations and abandoned car parks will be developed. This particular Green Belt site, chosen by the developer despite a previous failed attempt, ignores the need to build affordable housing near employment.

SEG's detailed response included many important points and issues, including:-

SEG supports the Parish Council's evidence-based application for a protective landscape designation for this area of our rural setting and welcomes its acceptance by BaNES Planning Officers for why this parcel of land is NOT included in the draft Local Plan options for development list.

Residents already feel trapped in their own village for large parts of the day due to traffic congestion and increasingly frequent grid-locks in Saltford on the A4. Saltford's residential side-roads and back-lanes have become severely blocked at peak times due to the level of new developments by or near the A4 in recent years.

The incremental growth of housing due to recent new housing developments in the area mean our residential roads have become "Park and Ride" car parks for users of the main bus services to Bristol and Bath.

New homes here will not be affordable but will create yet more commuter travel on roads that are already beyond their carrying capacity at peak times. Saltford is rural and not a centre of employment. New affordable homes should be built in Bristol and Bath close to future employment.

This parcel of land is immediately east of Longwood, one of only two mature woodlands in Saltford. The proposal, if consented, would result in the removal of approximately 200m of mature hedgerows (including over 25 mature trees) along the fringe of Manor Road and the hedgerow running north to south through the site; that would be a substantial loss of mature vegetation and would result in irreversible harm to habitat connectivity, wildlife corridors and the ecological function of the site.

Loss of this green open landscape area will be harmful to residents' health and well-being, an important factor that should not be under-estimated. Furthermore, therapy animals for people with mental and physical health needs are kept and used in the paddocks for health support work commissioned by social services. The therapy provided is a very valuable service to the wider community and should be protected.

In summary, SEG asks BaNES Council to deliver on its responsibilities for protecting its rural communities, green spaces, future food security, wildlife habitats, nature and the crucial contribution to health and well-being that the Green Belt between Bristol and Bath provides, by rejecting this planning application. Saltford's Green Belt provides a useful buffer zone that helps keep Bristol, Keynsham and Bath from merging into one large urban sprawl. Incremental developments in the Green Belt, including speculative planning applications from developers if permitted, undermine all our futures and slowly eradicates the "countryside next door" for both rural and city dwellers.

You can download the full text (pdf) of SEG's objection response from this link >>

Don't forget to make your response by the 5th June deadline! Our response guide in the news story below can help you.

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Crest Nicholson applies to build up to 90 houses on Saltford's Green Belt - SEG's guide can help you respond

May 2026

On 1st May, Crest Nicholson applied to BaNES Council for outline planning permission to build up to 90 houses on Saltford's precious Green Belt, on the fields/paddocks south of Manor Road opposite Saltford School's rear entrance (see picture). The previous attempt by Crest Nicholson in 2013 to obtain planning permission to build 99 houses on this parcel of land led to over 400 objections from residents submitted to BaNES.

In 2013 BaNES refused planning permission. After a local campaign & the appeal inquiry in August 2013, the appeal was dismissed in March 2014 by the Secretary of State & planning permission was refused. The paddocks were confirmed as important Green Belt.

This is a speculative application to develop land additional to current BaNES draft Local Plan options for development.

You can download response guide (below) from SEG to help you make an effective OBJECTION response if you care about protecting the Green Belt that surrounds our rural village. The deadline for responding to BaNES Council is 5 June 2026 - make sure you submit your response before then.

Don't leave it to others to respond - the more objections submitted, the greater the likelihood of stopping this unwelcome attempt to develop land in our Green Belt. If permitted, other attempts to destroy the Green Belt landscape we value for wildlife & for our health & well-being are inevitable.

You can download the guide here (in word, click on blue link) or if this is easier for you, the guide is also reproduced below this link to our guide:-

Manor Road Paddocks - RESPONSE GUIDE (doc, opens in new window)

Please display a SAVE OUR GREEN BELT poster (see our Green Belt page) in your window to show you care about your local countryside.

Text from our guide (including link to application for responding):-

To see the planning application on the BaNES website visit this link: shorturl.at/LKA5B

1. Enter the planning application reference no. 26/01700/OUT in the search box (make sure there are no spaces) & click on SEARCH.

2. Click on the application. The first page for the planning application will appear. Click on the "Comment on this application" link button.

3. Read the "Before you start" advice then click the "Start now" button & follow the instructions.

In your own words give planning reasons why you object to the proposed development. Your reasons could include points from this list:-

Traffic congestion & increasingly frequent grid-locks in Saltford on the A4: Our residential side-roads and back-lanes have become severely blocked at peak times due to the level of new developments by or near the A4 in recent years. As a result, residents now already feel trapped in their own village for large parts of the day.

Recent new housing developments in the area mean our residential roads have become "Park and Ride" car parks for users of the main bus services to Bristol and Bath.

Loss of this green open landscape area will be harmful to residents' health and well-being.

Access to the Bath Road A4 and bus services will be past the adjacent primary school's rear entrance, along the walk/ride-to-school route, and via residential roads already badly affected by peak time congestion and parking. This area cannot take any more vehicular traffic.

New homes here will not be affordable. Saltford is rural & not a centre of employment. New affordable homes should be built in Bristol & Bath close to the predicted jobs.

I support the Parish Council's application for a protective landscape designation for this area of our rural setting which has been accepted by BaNES Planning Officers.

I agree with the Parish Council's assessment in January 2025 that this land is not Grey Belt; it is undeveloped land in the Green Belt.

In March 2014 the Secretary of State determined that this land was not suitable for development which, if permitted, would result in an unacceptable reduction of the Green Belt in that area and would represent "considerable harm".

This site is not in the draft Local Plan and as such this application should be refused.

Therapy animals for people with mental and physical health needs are kept and used in the paddocks for health support work commissioned by social services. The therapy provided is a very valuable service to the wider community.

UPDATE 21 May 2026: The text of SEG's formal response to BaNES Council can be found in our news story "SEG submits its objection to 90 houses on Saltford's Green Belt".

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St Mary's Churchyard - A peaceful haven for nature

May 2026

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Like many churchyards in England's rural villages, St Mary's churchyard forms a small and peaceful haven where visitors can experience nature and wildlife.

Insects abound, especially in areas where grasses have been uncut and allowed to grow tall. Several species of bees and hoverflies provide a gentle background hum on warm spring and summer days whilst the Purple Hairstreak butterfly, for example, is attracted to the large oak tree that itself provides an important eco-system used by many species of birds, mammals, invertebrates and fungi.

Yew trees are known to be favourite habitats for Britain's smallest bird, the Goldcrest, and the churchyard's large Yew near the entrance is no exception, providing food and cover for many species of the birds that we regularly observe in our gardens - and Tawny Owls too.

Slow-worms, hedgehogs, foxes and Little Owls are other noteworthy visitors to the churchyard. On late summer evenings, bats can be seen feeding on moths and other insects around the trees and church tower.

Old stone walls, and other exposed stonework, are often colonised by plants and other wildlife in a similar way to cliffs and scree. The churchyard's boundary wall, due to the traditional use of lime mortar, provides good habitat potential for specialised plants so it is worth watching out for interesting flora there in the summer months.

SOURCE: From an article published on our Gardening page.

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Large surplus of new homes built in England since 2000, but for whom?

April 2026

According to ONS published data, from 2000 to 2025 England's housing stock grew by 4.5 million whilst England's population grew by 7 to 8 million. England's average household size is 2.35 persons/household (English Housing Survey 2021-22). Thus, 4.5 million new homes times 2.3 persons per household provides new capacity for 10.35 million persons, representing a built capacity "surplus" for 2.35 million persons more than the population growth.

Where is the "need" claimed by the Government for 1.5 million new homes by 2029? Surely the need now is for new homes to be affordable and near centres of employment, not developer-led housing developments in the Green Belt and green field sites away from employment, creating more commuter traffic, reduced habitat for nature and less food security from English/British sourced and farmed produce?

If the 1980s privatisation of social housing (right to buy) created a reduced affordable housing stock, forcing more households into the private sector, creating long-term supply challenges, where is the strategic approach in planning policy to correct this anomaly?

Land and its ability to provide a healthy environment that also supports ecology is a fundamental need that underpins the economy, but it is a finite resource. Its care and its development should be based on sustainable development principles and not lost to short term political fixes or for temporary economic growth benefiting a few landowners or developers but worsening everything else including the nation's health and economic well-being for the future.

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2026 Big Garden Birdwatch results & latest guidance on feeding birds seasonally and safely

April 2026

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The House Sparrow was Number 1 again.

The results for the 2026 Big Garden Birdwatch held on the weekend of 23 - 25 January are now published by the RSPB. The top ten most commonly observed birds across the UK are listed below.

The list is (change on last year shown in brackets):-

   1. House Sparrow (n/c)
   2. Blue Tit (n/c)
   3. Starling (+1)
   4. Woodpigeon (-1)
   5. Blackbird (n/c)
   6. Great Tit (+1)
   7. Robin (-1)
   8. Goldfinch (n/c)
   9. Magpie (n/c)
   10. Long-tailed tit (n/c)

Top spot goes to the House Sparrow for the 23rd year running despite a drastic decline in the UK over the past 50 years, recently estimated as dropping by 71% between 1977 and 2008 with large falls in both rural and urban populations; so much is this decline that they are on the UK Red List for birds.

This year, over 650,000 nature lovers counted 9,473,932 birds. More information on the results of the 2026 Birdwatch can be found on the RSPB website. You can also find more information on social media using the hashtag #BigGardenBirdWatch.

One way to help garden birds is by encouraging insects. Why not let a patch of your garden grow wild this spring and summer?

A full list of the 103 birds that are presently of regular occurrence in Saltford with ID links to the RSPB website for each species can be found on our Wildlife page >>

FEED BIRDS SEASONALLY & SAFELY

According to the RSPB, research has shown a worrying decline in some of our much-loved garden birds due to a disease called trichomonosis. This is a highly contagious disease and can spread where birds gather in large numbers such as at bird feeders.

Greenfinches, for example, have dropped by over 65% in the last three decades - and you may have seen this decline yourself. Back when the Big Garden Birdwatch started in 1979 Greenfinches were at number seven in the top ten birds seen. This year they were down to number 18.

We can help stop the spread of disease among garden birds by making two simple shifts to how we feed birds. Put simply: Feed seasonally. Feed safely:-

1 May to 31 October
Pause filling your bird feeders with seeds or peanuts. You can continue to offer small amounts of mealworms, fatballs or suet.

1 November to 30 April
You can feed your birds a full range of bird foods, including seeds and peanuts.

Feed safely

Busy bird feeders can become hotspots for disease. To help keep birds healthy, it's vital to keep things clean - which is why the RSPB has strengthened its existing hygiene guidance. The RSPB recommend you:

Clean your bird feeders and water baths at least once a week. Good hygiene is essential. Be sure to also clean away any old food or droppings from beneath feeders.

Place your bird feeders in a different spot every week. This will help to prevent any build-up of potentially contaminated debris underneath. If you have more than one feeder, put them in different areas to reduce the number of birds in one place and the mixing of different species.

Avoid putting feeders under places where birds roost, such as under trees. This will help to avoid contamination through droppings.

Don't use bird feeders with flat surfaces, such as bird tables, window feeders and feeders with trays. Research has confirmed that there's a higher risk of disease spreading on flat surfaces, where contaminated food can collect.

Feed in moderation. Make sure all the food you put out is eaten within one to two days. Adjust the amount you offer based on demand to avoid overfeeding.

Keep food as dry as possible. Damp food allows disease to survive and spread. Choose feeders that prevent rain getting in and limit condensation.

Change water in bird baths daily. Only offer water if you're able to change it every day and make sure it's tap water. A pond is the best way to provide birds and other wildlife with water.

Help birds find their own food. One of the best ways to support garden birds in the long-term is to help them find their own food. So fill your outdoor space with bird-friendly plants - such as sunflowers, teasels and ivy. These help provide natural food sources for birds.

Acknowledgement: RSPB, April 2026

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SEG's postcard to the Prime Minister

April 2026

To mark the National Day of Action for Nature, Parks and Green Spaces on Saturday 18th April organised by the Community Planning Alliance, SEG has posted the above postcard via our wonderful community Post Office to the Prime Minister so that it arrives by the 18th. Here is the text from our postcard:-

Dear Prime Minister

The Green Belt is the countryside next door for 30 million people; its protection is essential for supporting nature, our health and well-being, and the nation's future food security.

The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment; it is not the other way round. Building homes near employment, not in the countryside and rural areas, is sustainable development in its truest sense. Homes for Everyone has proved the national housing target can be met without destroying the Green Belt.

Please will you keep your promise to take a brownfield-first approach, to protect sensible use of the Green Belt, and that only genuine brownfield sites such as disused petrol stations and abandoned car parks will be developed, and there will be no "ploughing through farmland" to build the new homes the nation needs?

Please ensure planning decisions on new housing developments are not made by developers whose interests are different from local communities that have to live with the consequences of poor planning decisions.

We look forward to your response.

Yours sincerely

Saltford Environment Group

#DayOfAction #NatureDayOfAction #VoteForNature

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Family Coffee Morning - Wednesday 15th April

March 2026

Family Coffee Morning

The Saltford Fairtrade Group has organised a Family Coffee Morning from 10.30am - 12.30pm on Wednesday 15th April at Saltford Hall (Avon Room) in Wedmore Road.

Free Admission for: Children's craft activities and face painting, Tea, Coffee & Cake. Donations welcome.

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Latest timetable for BaNES draft Local Plan

March 2026

A new government policy that will be introduced later in 2026 aims to reduce the ability of local authorities to set standards or policies that duplicate or conflict with the national approach. In future all district-wide development management policies that are used in determining planning applications across BaNES must align with the national framework. Where there is a policy conflict, national policy takes precedence over local policy.

The effect of that new government policy is to slightly delay the emergence of the BaNES draft Local Plan. Here are the new target dates announced recently by BaNES Council (all subject to change):-

21 May - A report on the Local Plan will be presented to the Council's Climate Emergency and Sustainability Policy Development & Scrutiny Panel.

10 June - The Draft Local Plan will be discussed at a special Cabinet meeting, where members will be asked to approve it to go forward for public consultation.

Late June (TBC) - If the Draft Local Plan is approved, a six-week public consultation regarding the soundness of the plan will begin in late June giving residents and stakeholders another opportunity to review and comment on the Draft Local Plan.

Autumn (TBC) - Subject to consideration and approval by Council, the Draft Local Plan and consultation responses will be submitted to the Planning Inspectorate for independent examination.

Following examination and assuming the Local Plan is found 'sound' it will proceed towards adoption. Once adopted, the Local Plan will guide planning decisions across Bath & North East Somerset until 2043.

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Withies Green reminds us that the local Green Belt is at risk

March 2026

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This is a reminder of the current threat to our Green Belt from a planning system that overrules the wishes of local communities that want to protect their natural habitats, rural landscapes, and green open spaces. The top photograph is the Green Belt in Keynsham (East) between Saltford and Keynsham known as 'Withies Green'' in May 2022 and below as it is today (14 March 2026).

If you don't want any more Green Belt to be lost to development, thus threatening wildlife habitat, our health and well-being, and our future food security, make sure you follow SEG on social media and revisit our website regularly to see what SEG and others are doing to protect Saltford's Green Belt - and put one of our posters in your front window. Thank you.

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SEG highlights why the Green Belt is unnecessarily put at risk

March 2026

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SEG has written to our MP asking him to take a robust stand for nature, parks and green spaces and that new homes should be built near employment and not in the countryside that benefits everyone - city and rural dwellers alike.

Points made by SEG in our letter of 3rd March 2026 included:-

New "Grey Belt" rules are already prompting developers to target large areas of Green Belt countryside and farmland.

Councils unable to demonstrate a five-year housing land supply or meet the 75% Housing Delivery Test would lose the ability to refuse speculative housing outside settlements. Yet the Government's five-year housing calculation for BaNES Council, for example, results in a doubling of the previous housing target for BaNES - likely to be undeliverable at pace due to the shortage of construction workers thus allowing developers to pick and choose where they can most profitably build homes, not where they are genuinely needed, but where the profit margins are greatest for the developer, i.e. green field sites in the Green Belt. Green Belt protections are weakened yet again.

It is proven that it is not necessary to destroy our countryside, parks and nature, to provide the homes we need - as Homes for Everyone can testify.

More than 3 million homes could be delivered through empty homes, brownfield land, commercial conversions and unbuilt planning permissions in the Homes for Everyone approach. Food security and biodiversity should be at the heart of planning - and not a single acre of green space needs to be sacrificed.

Footnote:
'GREY BELT' RISK TO SALTFORD - SEG RESPONDS TO HMG CONSULTATION ON PLANNING POLICY CHANGES

In addition to SEG's letter to our local MP, due to our serious concerns over the threat to Saltford's Green Belt from proposals to reform the planning system - the National Planning Policy Framework, on 7th March 2026 SEG also responded to the Government's consultation (16.12.2025 - 10.3.2026).

The text of SEG's reponse can be downloaded from this link >> (pdf opens in new window).

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Annual Saltford Dawn Chorus Walk, 19th April

March 2026

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A Saltford Wren - small and perfectly formed with a loud song(!)

The annual Dawn Chorus Walk in Saltford will be held again this year.

The Keynsham Branch of the Avon Wildlife Trust will be listening to, and watching, the birds get up after a night's roosting for this year's Dawn Chorus Walk on Sunday 19th April, starting at 4.30am at Saltford Shallows car park.

This is a great way to learn how to identify from their songs the many birds that are found in Saltford. Songs of all common species will be pointed out and their identification features clarified. The walk will be along part of the railway path cycle track (and back). Warm, waterproof clothing is advised and bring binoculars for once it gets light.

This event is free but an optional donation to support Avon Wildlife Trust funds would be appreciated.

For further information and to confirm your attendance, contact Dave Sage on mobile 07899--716068 the week before the event.

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90 houses on paddocks in Saltford's Green Belt?

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February 2026

The developer Crest Nicholson has announced its intention to apply for planning permission to build 90 houses on Saltford's Green Belt, on the paddocks south of Manor Road (pictured here).

Residents will re-call the previous failed attempt by Crest Nicholson in 2013 to obtain planning permission to build a development of 99 houses on this parcel of land, the campaign led by SEG objecting to the proposed development and loss of our precious Green Belt. BaNES Council refused planning permission and after the appeal inquiry in August 2013 the appeal was dismissed by the Secretary of State and planning permission refused (in March 2014).

SEG will not pre-empt this planning application by making any public comment at this stage; we await the formal (speculative) planning application to be submitted and the associated consultation by BaNES Council. We shall keep the community informed on our website etc. and provide members of the community with response advice and guidance at the appropriate time (as in 2013).

Likewise, as stated publicly by Saltford Parish Council (SPC) on its website, prior to being consulted by the Planning Authority on an application, SPC does not comment on, provide feedback about, or share information regarding potential or pending planning applications, regardless of their size or scale. This includes speculative larger-scale planning applications - SPC will not engage with any developer about a proposed application or respond to any developer's own feedback or consultation requests.

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The value of Daisies in your lawn

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February 2026

From March through to September, the Daisy can be seen in lawns and other short grassland from road verges to meadows. Each flower has a rosette of small, thin white petals surrounding a bright yellow centre that is actually over 100 tiny flowers. This common sight, that can go unappreciated, is incredibly important.

The humble Daisy helps support a wide range of wildlife, from pollen for bees, hoverflies, butterflies, beetles and moths as well as the plants themselves providing food to larvae, snails, caterpillars and rabbits. Dried Daisy heads are sometimes enjoyed by foraging birds such as Finches.

Given their long bloom time they are a vital resource to wildlife at times when not much else is in flower. So, when you see Daisies in your lawn or elsewhere, take time to appreciate and value the important role this delicate wildflower has in local ecosystems like ours here in Saltford.

Acknowledgement: Plantlife

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Saltford's Temperate Rainforest reminder

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February 2026

Temperate rainforests are also known as a known as Atlantic or Celtic rainforests. Saltford's temperate rainforest is worth visiting in winter and early spring to appreciate the moss and lichen species - details can be found on our "Wildlife" page in the 'Trees' section >>

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Progress on protecting Saltford's Green Belt landscape

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February 2026

A short summary of the meeting on 2nd February 2026 between SPC and BaNES Council shows that real progress on protecting Saltford's Green Belt has been made. This is the summary published by Saltford Parish Council on its Facebook page (and shared on SEG's Facebook page):-

L-R: Cllrs Gary Graveling, David Halton (SPC Vice Chair) and Phil Harding (SPC Chair of Planning) at Saltford Golf Club, 2 February 2026. Photograph courtesy of SPC.

Protecting Saltford's Green Belt:
Today [2.2.2026] SPC Cllrs met with BaNES Council's Cabinet Member for Housing and senior planning officers at Saltford Golf Club, overlooking landscape our community cares so deeply about.

BaNES Council described the papers and evidence produced by SPC for its landscape bid as "exemplary" - recognition of the careful, persistent work being done by SPC on behalf of Saltford residents to protect our Green Belt

SPC's made real progress - but there's more to do. The maps linked shows how SPC's work has already shaped changes to the proposed NE2A (e.g. additional Green Belt protection) landscape setting around our village [SEG comment: for which further progress has been made in expanding landscape protection] - while also showing why SPC continues to push for further safeguards.

View maps here: link to pdf on SPC website >>

More about the maps in SPC's article here: link to SPC website >>

Additional landscape protections within the Green Belt don't provide complete protection, but they do add an important and valuable extra layer of safeguarding.

For SPC's papers and actions since January 2023 visit here: Protecting Saltford's Green Belt - SPC >>

With sincere thanks to Saltford Golf Club and its Chairman for generously hosting the meeting today - and for the wonderful views from the clubhouse!

FURTHER INFORMATION (from SEG)

The set of extensive evidence papers, e.g. landscape setting assessments and related reports, produced by SPC for making representations to BaNES Council can be found in SEG's online Document Library (History of Saltford project) from this link >>

The draft Local Plan with development site proposals, including any proposed changes to Saltford's protective landscape setting designation, is due to be agreed by BaNES Council's Cabinet in early May, and will be published with the meeting papers in late April before the Cabinet meeting is held.

Following a limited consultation on the draft Local Plan it will probably be submitted for public examination by the Government's Planning Inspector(s) in October/November 2026. Final adoption of the (new) BaNES Local Plan after the Public Examination will be in 2027 - but these dates are subject to change.

The BaNES Local Plan timetable can be found on the BaNES Council website from this link >>

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Ice on the river in 1963

1963: Mead Lane - old slipway/steps at western end (removed during riverbank engineering works in 2005).

January 2026

The above winter 1963 photograph showing a very frozen River Avon in Mead Lane, Saltford, is from SEG's online History of Saltford Project where we have recently published a very interesting illustrated feature article from 1962 on the sailing club (BASC) in Mead Lane, Saltford, before the club moved to the east end of the lane.

You can find the article in our Document Library with a special link from the Online Museum collection of photographs of the sailing club (link) or directly from our Document Library (link). SEG is grateful to BASC for providing the article.

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Update on PROW application for Saltford's historic 'Greenway'

January 2026

Further to our related news story in December, Saltford Parish Council (SPC) has reported that 30+ residents have completed and submitted to SPC their User Evidence Forms. SPC now has sufficient forms to apply to make the 'Greenway' path an official Public Right of Way (PROW)!

The User Evidence Forms will be submitted to BaNES Council along with other evidence, including the 1883-84 Ordnance Survey map showing the 'Greenway' in place 140 years ago. The decision to modify the Definitive Map could take 1-4 years, so we now need to be patient, but at least the official application process is advancing well thanks to residents who have kindly submitted their evidence forms to help towards achieving the necessary Definitive Map Modification Order (DMMO).

SEG has supported SPC, for its evidence-based application, by providing from our Wildlife Surveyor & Wildlife Conservation Adviser a comprehensive report on the wildlife and natural environment at the 'Greenway'.

This includes interesting information such as that during the later years of railway use, the path was bordered by hedges on both sides. After the station closed, hedge maintenance stopped and over the next 50-60 years the hedges grew into lines of trees. Most of the tall trees today are ash, with smaller trees mainly hawthorn and some other native species, with many covered in ivy and clematis. The ground vegetation is largely bramble and ivy, and heavy summer shade means there is little herbaceous plant growth.

This information provided by SEG will form part of SPC's DMMO application, and the report will also support future engagement with the West of England Combined Authority (WECA) and BaNES Council (the landowners) further to proposals for this area made by WECA as part of its 2025 A4 Bath to Bristol Corridor consultation.

SPC has acknowledged the usefulness of SEG's "fascinating online map room - a great source for supporting evidence". Our Online Map Room can be found from this link >>

Further information concerning the 'Greenway' PROW application process can be found on SPC's website from the following link : SPC 'Greenway' DMMO page >>

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SEG is now on Instagram

January 2026

With effect from 10th January 2026, SEG is now on Instagram. If you are on Instagram, do find us and follow us.

Here's the link to SEG's page on Instagram >>

As many of you will already be aware, SEG also has its own page on Facebook >>

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Modernising SEG as we reach our 15th birthday

January 2026

2026 is a milestone year for Saltford Environment Group as SEG will be 15 years old in the spring.

SEG cannot afford to stand still in this ever-changing world. SEG's Executive Committee has therefore been planning how to ensure SEG can remain relevant and be more easily sustained for future years.

The Executive Committee's objectives for 2026 are to simplify how SEG operates in a more sustainable, resilient way by minimising administration, to focus more on serving the wider community than a formal membership list; make greater use of modern communications, especially social media; protect SEG's "community benefit" assets like the website and the History of Saltford project. In particular, SEG shall continue to work closely with community organisations and representatives including Saltford Community Association, Saltford Parish Council, and our Saltford Ward Councillors.

At its first meeting for 2026 on 5th January, in recognising this need to adapt and modernise, SEG's Executive Committee unanimously agreed a new and revised constitution to help us deliver our new way forward. It can now be found from this link on our About Us page >>

Members of the local community and beyond can follow us on Facebook, so if you are on Facebook please do follow us there. Also, look out for our news items in Saltford Association Community News (SCAN) that is delivered to every Saltford household, and regularly visit our website.

Sometimes we have vacancies on our Executive Committee, so if you are interested in joining the committee, contact our Chairman for advice. We are particularly interested in people with experience in modern IT and marketing techniques.

SEG shall, of course, continue to back local projects including those we helped set up like the Saltford Fairtrade Group, Saltford Wombles and Saltford4Nature. Our Green Belt Campaign will continue to be developed too as protecting the Green Belt and the countryside surrounding our village from development is the biggest local environmental challenge currently facing our community.

SEG's Executive Committee is very grateful to everyone who has been supportive of SEG since its inception 15 years ago in 2011. As we move forward, we hope this support will continue and grow.

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"We will not plough through farmland" says PM answering new homes question

January 2026

During Prime Minister's Questions on Wednesday 7th January, in response to the question from Wendy Morton, MP for Aldridge-Brownhills (Cons),

"Does he accept that his housing target can be met without destroying our farmland and countryside by reusing empty homes and brownfield land, or is that yet another promise that he never meant to keep?",

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer replied

"We will not plough through farmland; we will make sensible proposals to build houses."

Information source: Hansard PMQs 7th Jan 2026.

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Big Garden Birdwatch 23 - 25 Jan

January 2026

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Goldcrest in Saltford. Copyright Greg Lovett

Big Garden Birdwatch is for everyone, whether you're a complete beginner or a birding expert. Simply count the birds you see in your garden, from your balcony or in your local park for one hour between 23 and 25 January 2023.

Choose an hour between Friday 23 and Sunday 25 January

Only record the birds that land in your patch

Record the highest number of each bird species you see at any one time

Across the UK last year, over 590,000 people took part in Big Garden Birdwatch 2025, counting 9.1 million birds! House Sparrows took the top spot, but counts of these chirpy birds are down by 60% compared to the first Birdwatch in 1979 and Song Thrush counts are down by 83%. In fact, we've lost 38 million birds from UK skies in the last 60 years. With birds facing so many challenges, it's more important than ever to get involved in the Birdwatch. Every bird you do - or don't - count will give us a valuable insight into how garden birds are faring.

Taking part is easy and this is a great chance to sit back, relax and watch birds and other wildlife for an hour - and to encourage younger members of your family to develop an interest in the local wildlife. By taking part, you'll find out all about the fascinating wildlife that flutters, crawls and hops in your garden, balcony or local area. And with a simple hour of mindful watching, you could have an hour to yourself, too.

Full details including resources and ideas with tips on making your garden an attractive place for birds to visit can be found on the RSPB website from this link:- RSPB Birdwatch.

You can also find more information on social media using the hashtag #BigGardenBirdWatch.

Don't forget that taking a wildlife-friendly gardening approach, including the provision of water, rather than putting out copious amounts of bird food, is much more beneficial to birds and other wildlife as it helps to re-introduce the natural features that are much reduced due to habitat loss and intensive farming methods. It can be a more helpful approach than disrupting or unbalancing different bird populations through heavy food provision that favours some species over others.

Growing native species of plants in your garden, mowing your lawn less, and not removing dead leaves etc. from your flower beds in the autumn and winter that provide winter habitat and a food source for insects, can help sustain a healthier local birdlife.

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Saltford Environment Group
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Editorial policy

SEG as an independent, non-profit making body takes a politically neutral stance. We are committed to the highest editorial and ethical standards in the provision of all the content and related services for our website.

The Editor is Phil Harding (SEG Chairman) and Phil can be contacted via our home page.