As many of you were aware, the existing wooden bridge had started to suffer. Although it was thought just some parts would be replaced it was not viable. SGC decided a new bridge was needed and three great guys worked over two days to create a replacement. We are very grateful to them and SGC for funding it.

We are very pleased to have the seat near the stone bridge back. It is a favourite place to sit for so many people. This one is made of aluminium so hopefully cannot be set fire to like the previous one. We are very grateful to Dave Buchan, Facilities Manager at Downend and Bromley Heath Parish Council, for fitting it. We are also extremely grateful to the Parish Council and the Heathfest Committee who have each funded half the cost of the new seat.

I very sadly have to report that on Saturday the 20th of December, around 18.30, some very selfish individuals destroyed the bench we installed by the stone bridge. It was used and loved by young and the elderly as a place to rest and have some quality time. One cant imagine why anyone would want to do that. It had taken a good deal of effort and the benevolence of the Downend Round Table to help us put this bench in place only last year.

Several residents have shown concern about a different level of water in the stream than they are used to seeing, especially around the stone bridge and are afraid the stream is blocked.

The Leaky Dams to the North of the stone bridge are designed to slow the flow of the stream, especially after heavy rain, to allow more water to collect and seep into the wetland. This means that the wetland area will not dry out as much as it did, which will help to improve marshy habitat for plants like the marsh marigold and willowherb. Dragonflies, damselflies and moths will benefit. Some of the birds that used to feed here like the snipe and water rail may return.

This is all part of the Bristol Avon Rivers Trust project relating to the Avon Flood Management Plan, to not only improve the wetland but to use it to help hold flood water back in areas around the county to prevent flooding downstream and into the city.

Please rest assured that this is being monitored by BARTS and The Friends of Leap Valley. It may look like the stream is blocked but at the forth Leaky Dam the water is flowing well.

Some of you may know that there was a fire in Leap Valley Orchard recently. Fortunately the Fire Brigade were called so only a few of the trees are singed and an area of the grass is blackened. It could have been much worse as the grass in very dry. There were young people in the area at the time hanging out on the bench which is what they often do at that time of day and later in the evening. We would be very grateful if parents could explain the risks of any sort of match or lighter at the moment when the grass is so dry. Anywhere in Leap Valley or any of the other parks are a fire risk at the moment. Please ask your young people to behave responsibly when they are out together in our precious open spaces.

The Friends of Leap Valley realised the need for another bench where the stone bridge crosses the stream. This is a good resting place between the other seats in the valley and also a lovely shaded spot under the tree canopy to relax and gaze at the stream and watch the passers by, just like this lovely lady did. We have to thank Downend Round Table for their grant to enable the purchase and installation of the bench. The grants are awarded using funds raised from the Bonfire and Fireworks event that the Round Table run in King George V Playing Fields in November. The community will now benefit from their generous donation.