Protect The Downs

This account is for people with a vested interest in protecting the Bristol Downs who care about the fair, safe, and responsible use of this shared public land.

[Protect The Downs @ProtectTheDowns]

📣 WE'VE OFFICIALLY LAUNCHED OUR FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN!

We’ve quietly been accepting donations for a little while now through the QR code in our bio and on the Show of Support walk flyer, but today we’re officially launching our fundraising campaign. This means stepping things up, casting the net wider, and reaching out beyond this group to raise vital funds. Every donation helps us hold the authorities to account and push for real action on the Downs. Thank you to everyone who has already made a donation - every penny is appreciated.

Your donation will help fund:-

• Legal advice and potential action
• Environmental investigations (e.g. water/soil testing)
• Campaign materials and marketing
• Admin costs (like FOI fees and expert consultation)

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

❓ What will the money be used for?
Legal advice, environmental testing, campaign materials, and covering FOI/admin costs to hold authorities accountable.

❓ What happens if you don’t raise enough?
We’ll prioritise the most urgent actions (like legal letters, expert reports) and be transparent about how every penny is used.

❓ What if you raise more than needed?
Extra funds will support long-term monitoring, public engagement, and any ongoing legal work needed to protect the Downs.

❓ Who decides how the money is spent?
A small group of trusted volunteers managing the campaign will make decisions collectively and share regular updates with the group.

❓ Can I see how the money is being used?
Yes! We will publish regular breakdowns of spending so everyone is kept informed. Transparency is key.

❓ Why should I donate — isn’t this the Council’s job?
Yes, it should be, but in the absence of proper action, we’re stepping up to protect our shared space. This is community-led action.

❓ Can I help in other ways?
Absolutely! Please share the fundraiser flyer in this post. The best way to do this is to take a screenshot, and then you can share it from there with your friends and neighbours. Every share will help us reach our goal.

No donation is too small, and every penny will be used to push for action and accountability.

HOW TO DONATE

You can donate at our Go Fund Me page:-
👉 https://t.co/Wqlb6QDr9v
you can also find this link in our Group page bio

You can use the QR code on our flyer attached.

You can donate via Bank Transfer, which is the preferred method for donations over £100 to avoid unnecessary fees.

Account Name: Protect the Downs
Account Number: 77223683
Sort Code: 51-70-08

Tony Nelson recently posted on our fundraising campaign, and you can see his video in the Featured Tab at the top of our Group page.

This is your Downs, let’s protect it, together.

Thank you from the PTD team🌳

@BristolCouncil @bristolgreen @darrenpjones @StephenWi11iams @carla_denyer @GBNEWS @BBCBristol @itvwestcountry @LBC

#protectthedowns
#bristol
#bristolcaravans
#caravancity
@slumlandlordsbristol
#vanlive
#HousingCrisis
@Love_our_Parks

[Protect The Downs @ProtectTheDowns]

@bristol_citizen Awful!

[Bristol Citizen @bristol_citizen]

'‘Bristol’s green spaces are at risk – we need to speak up’'

[Protect The Downs @ProtectTheDowns]

@bristol_citizen Oh no! What are the thirsty patients going to drink now?

BBC News - 'My husband drank from a vase'
https://t.co/jjiVeYj9Ip

[mike owen @mikecgowen]

https://t.co/BPS6HsPc7m

Bristol City Council happy to tolerate beds in caravans on the Downs and roads alongside Green Bank Cemetery. But encourage people to report beds in garages for rent.

[mike owen @mikecgowen]

Fly tipped or abandoned caravans on The Downs. If they are lived in have Bristol City Council carried out welfare checks on the occupants?

[mike owen @mikecgowen]

https://t.co/IMlnLkhF7i

Time for Bristol City Council to remove caravans from residential streets as well as The Downs.

[mike owen @mikecgowen]

https://t.co/ZQeSwks4zU

Just as well there isn't a local council election in Bristol.

[Protect The Downs @ProtectTheDowns]

What a great day in court – Judge Napier granted the Council’s request for a Possession Order!*

This ruling means that Vehicle Dwellers now have 21 days to leave the Downs before the Council can legally force them to move. The start of this period is not confirmed but it should only be days away.

This is all down to you - for donating and providing evidence - and our committee for pulling your contributions into a solid legal case that successfully challenged the Council. A huge well done and thank you!

Ultimately, the Council now need to enforce against those refusing to move after the 21-day deadline.

The decision about the longer-term solution of expanding the Injunction will follow soon. This will allow the authorities to remove newly arrived vehicle dwellers from the roads around the Downs as well as the Gypsy Romany Traveller (GRT) encampments from the grassed areas. There is more to come as we get further details of the hearing.

For now, this is a victory for Bristol, for local communities, and especially those in genuine need.

@TheGreenParty
@bristolgreen
@BristolCouncil
@StephenWi11iams
@darrenpjones
#protectthedowns
#vanlife
#caravancity

[Protect The Downs @ProtectTheDowns]

If they win, the people of Gorton and Denton will deeply regret their decision. The Greens here in Bristol are rapidly destroying our green spaces and parks. Most of them are surrounded by slum caravans, drug addicts and antisocial behavior. At the same time they stand up in the media and say they care about the environment. They are duplicious and cannot be trusted.

[mike owen @mikecgowen]

https://t.co/WjQom8vQVF

The curious case of the caravans alight in Bristol.

[mike owen @mikecgowen]

https://t.co/BXK833WlVH

@ProtectTheDowns

[mike owen @mikecgowen]

@ProtectTheDowns

[Protect The Downs @ProtectTheDowns]

No, people want politians who can run their city, not waste tax payers money on vanity projects. Bristol is run by the Greens and it is descending into a slum city. Parks and green spaces overrun by slum caravans and vans and the Greens do nothing. Open drug taking and human excrement everywhere. Greyhounds would run it better. Be very careful what you wish for. The reality is very different for us.

[Protect The Downs @ProtectTheDowns]

@FatherOv2 @ZackPolanski clearly, you aren't living in Bristol! A city they're running. Into the ground!😅

[mr knelmes @MKnelmes]

@Whats1tallabout @ProtectTheDowns @carla_denyer @TheGreenParty @GoodwinMJ @Nigel_Farage @reformparty_uk Yes I know the area v well. They now have powers to remove them - the green-led council - & I was wondering when that’ll commence

[Clare @Whats1tallabout]

@MKnelmes @ProtectTheDowns @carla_denyer @TheGreenParty @GoodwinMJ @Nigel_Farage @reformparty_uk The vans are still there, it's been several years now. Human faeces where people walk their dogs, exercise, picnic, etc 🤢

[try again innit . ( Rosco de ville ) @mark07012797]

@ProtectTheDowns @JudgeTheFuture Half a mile from me

[DUMBLEDORE 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 @DUM8L3D0R3]

@ProtectTheDowns Insane

[Protect The Downs @ProtectTheDowns]

This is just a VERY small example. Here is another, the Downs in Bristol (overlooks the Clifton Suspension Bridge).A Nature Conservation area, an area of scientific interest. We have had to fight tooth and nail for them to take notice - still the vans and caravans are there. It is illegal to chop down trees and to have wood burning stoves but both are allowed when it comes to the dwellers. Open drug use and defacation. The list goes on.