The Northern Slopes Initiative (NSI) and this website

The Northern Slopes Initiative is a group of people seeking to maintain, conserve and enhance their local open space resource in South Bristol, known and grouped collectively as the Northern Slopes, or the Slopes.

Originally set up to protect the areas from housing development, the Group has expanded its work to encourage others to join with them to work for the benefit of the people and communities that live around the Slopes; and to conserve and enhance the environment and features that make the Slopes what they are.

Increasingly areas like the Slopes are getting difficult to find in Bristol as development pressure on green space increases.

This site has information about the sites, photographs, the latest news and a "blog" about what we do. There is also a downloadable leaflet about the Slopes in the panel to the right of this text.

 

 

The Slopes are three areas of public open space situated 3 kilometres to the south of the centre of Bristol in England, United Kingdom.

The areas are used by local people for getting around, dog walking, cycling, informal play, watching wildlife, growing food, and for admiring the spectacular views across Bristol.

However, there are problems with keeping paths open, litter, fly tipping, fires, vandalism and general neglect.

The Slopes are shown on this map. From left to right (West to East) the areas are known as Novers Common, Glyn Vale/Kingswear and Wedmore Vale (The Bommie), although local people may use the other names included in the map below.

 

To find out more about the areas click on the linked names on the above text and map. This will lead to pages for each area which will tell you something about them.

 

 

Since 2001 the Initiative has been:

• Campaigning to raise awareness of the value of the sites;
• Finding out what local people want to happen to the areas;
• Encouraging more people to use the Slopes
• Developing ways of maintaining and improving the areas without losing their unique informal character, stunning views and hidden places.
• Carrying out projects with others to do the above – including the Doorstep Green on Glyn Vale; installing Northern Slopes gates, log seats and metal teasels; and holding events for people to come and enjoy.
• Raising funds to support the work.

You can find examples of work we have been doing on the individual site pages.

A series of action plans have been developed for each of the areas within the Slopes which can be accessed from links within each area's page.

Being a group of volunteers we have to work closely with other organisations such as Bristol City Council and other voluntary groups; and we depend on the help and support of individuals, especially those who use the Slopes. Increasingly schools and community groups are using the Slopes for their activities.

The NSI meets regularly once a month at:
The Park Local Opportunity Centre
Daventry Road
Knowle
Bristol BS4 1QD

Meetings are the way we listen to people with ideas or concerns; and decide on what we can do. Everyone is welcome to attend. One ideal is for the Slopes to become a Local Nature Reserve.

For further news of what is going on and events being organised Click here

If you wish to make comments about problems such overgrown paths, litter, flytipping, fires, vandalism and anti-social behaviour – or even better say something nice about the Slopes... please contact Bristol City Council's parks department who own much of the Slopes. They can be contacted on 0117 9223719, or by email on bristolparks@bristol.gov.uk

Can you help?

If you would like to help maintain, conserve and enhance the Slopes we would welcome offers of help or donations, our contact details are on the Contact page click here