Plans to re-wild an open space in Clevedon have been withdrawn – after the scheme prompted a wave of objections.
North Somerset Council had included Marshalls Field as a site for its re-wilding plan which will eventually see 50,000 trees planted across the district.
The scheme would have involved planting trees on 80 per cent of the site - which was used as a filming location for the hit drama Broadchurch - and the remainder turned over to tall grass.
But the move sparked objections from local residents who said the land was a valuable open space for the local community – used by local children to play football and by people to walk their dogs - and should stay that way.
The land is also subject to a covenant which states it should be maintained as a public open space at all times.
The land was gifted to Clevedon Urban District Council in 1967 by Sarah Marshall in memory of her late husband.
Over the years, with the changes of local government, the land is now in the ownership of North Somerset Council.
The field is also a flood plain for when the sea wall at Clevedon overtops.
The River Yeo has also been culverted underneath along with a network of drainage infrastructure and sea outfalls.
Power cables are also buried under the land.
Clevedon town councillor, who represents Yeo Ward, said the move to re-wild Marshalls Field had concerned many residents.
He said: “The intention when the land was gifted to the council was for it to be used as a public open space for all time.
“It is a well used space by local children to play football, run around and fly kites as well as by dog walkers and families enjoying picnics.
“Covering 80 per cent of the land with trees would completely prohibit these sort of activities.
“The only grassed area would be along the river which would not be a safe place to encourage children to play.
“The land is also a flood plain for when the sea defences over top.
“The re-wilding scheme has prompted many concerns from local residents who want Marshalls Field to remain as it is
“There are other places where trees could be planted and re-wilding carried out.
“Marshalls Field is a safe place for local children.
“It is also one of the only open spaces in Clevedon without any sort of other restrictions.
“Local people want to see it stay that way.”
North Somerset Council has agreed to temporarily remove Marshalls Field from its re-wilding site list.
“But this is only for 12 months,” said Councillor Morgan.
“People are concerned the scheme will come back in another form next year.”
A total of 5,000 new trees will be planted across North Somerset this month, signalling the start of the re-wilding programme.
The scheme aims to create more habitats for wildlife to flourish, increase biodiversity and help mitigate the effects of climate change.
Last year the council agreed to re-wild as much of its land as possible.
Areas were identified where re-wilding could take place and a three-month consultation period was held to get people’s views on the proposals.
The council will deliver its re- wilding in two ways - to let areas of grass grow throughout the summer and cut it in the autumn and to plant more trees.
The aim is to plant 25 hectares of woodland - about 50,000 trees - and grow about 40 hectares of tall grass, reducing the areas of regularly mown grass by 25 per cent.
North Somerset Council spokesman Richard Turner said: “Where concerns were expressed over some areas identified for re-wilding, further consultation will take place with local residents on what is most appropriate for those areas.
“Marshalls Field has been removed from the list so we can further consult with residents.”
The council has selected the first areas to re-wild and tree planting will take place during the second half of February.
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