S.A.V.E. was formed in August 2011 by members of the communities local to Ashton Vale Fields.

Please see the 'Support Us' page for ways in which you can help us in our Judicial Review

Ashton Vale is a long established community surrounded on three sides by industrial estates, built up over the last forty years. It is a quiet residential area in a treasured semi-rural position. Set just minutes from a major city, it has managed to maintain a village-like atmosphere.

Ashton Vale Fields are an intrinsic and important part of its identity. With access to local countryside and walks, it is the perfect place to engage with nature whilst being within a stone’s throw of the city.The natural green space of Ashton Vale Fields has been described as one of the lungs of Bristol and an important wildlife corridor.

The fields support a wide array of both local and migratory wildlife which has thrived in the area due to the absence of roads and the seasonal flooding of the fields, giving it the distinction of being classed as a SNCI area (please see our links page for details of Ashton Vale Wildlife).

This beautiful area is once again fighting for survival and is now under serious threat from developers.

In July 2011, local residents were awarded only partial Town/Village Green status for the fields, despite an independent Inspector recommending the entire area as TVG, because the PROW&G Committee were directed to accept untested evidence from the landowner over the tested evidence from residents. We are now locked in a legal battle with Bristol City Council to register the land properly and protect it forever, regardless of the continued threats and violence perpetrated against residents by the developer's supporters.

On the 13th of January 2012, we were granted the right to a Judicial Review of the Council's decision.
This review will start on the 14th of June 2012.

Recently, the Treasury has decided to fund the South Bristol Link Road – a road described as “a staggering waste of money”, costing at least £8600 a metre – and “environmentally devastating”, cutting through both Common Land and the green belt.

Please help our campaign to protect Ashton Vale Fields for future generations and help us protect this environment against un-necessary development. We have the support of CPRE, Friends of the Earth, Save Our Green Spaces, Open Spaces Society and many others.

Environmentalists, sociologists and scientists all agree that natural green space is a necessity for communities to thrive and survive.

“Parks and green spaces improve people’s lives and make towns and cities better places in which to live.”

Once it’s gone, it’s gone for good.