The following was sent to the Green Party Mayor of Bristol Tony Dyer and Dan Norris MP on the 5th March, 2025. Also sent was a copy of the combined Bristol Fox and Badger deaths registers for 2022-February 2025.
I would urge anyone intertested in preserving wildlife in Bristol to contact Mr Dyer and Mr Norris
Tony.Dyer@bristol.gov.uk dan.norris.mp@parliament.uk
Hello.
I contacted you last year about the number of wildlife deaths on Bristol's roads and suggested under or overpasses on roads that have the highest death counts.
I have heard nothing since your response to look at the matter. If there is a councillor appointed to look into such matters please let me know or feel free to forward this to them.
I have attached the Fox and badger deaths registers which I set up in 2022 as part of the British Fox and Wild Canid Study (1976) and Bristol Badger Group (f 1995)
The total number of badger deaths stands at 150 badgers (March 2025 additions now push this to around 200) since 2022. There have been at least 8 otters killed. 647 adult and cub foxes and since the report was put together in early February we have had one heavily pregnant badger sow killed and three pregnant vixens who died and gave still birth to cubs at the scene (distressing for not just the wildlife responder but also members of the public. Even while checking the dead animals the responded had to avoid speeding traffic on a city road. Total number of reported dead foxes is now well over 700.
This is literally a slaughter and mainly due to speeding drivers and long straight roads even in busy areas of the city used for racing along at speed above the limit. A number of near accidents involving pedestrians on these stretches of road show how reckless drivers are. One obvious solution along long straight roads are speed bumps -enabling drivers to slow and see wildlife crossing. In other areas under or over road pasess are needed. The Hicks Gate stretch of road is constantly seeing badgers, foxes and even deer (collisions with deer have so far not caused human fatality but that is an inevitability if a large stag is crossing the road anbd the driver is going so fast he/she sends it flying -in one incident last year police estimated with the size of deer hit and speed of the car there must have been at least £200+ worth of damage to the car.
These drivers are hitting wildlife and not even reporting the incidents. Out of all of the deaths only one was reported by a driver in another car.
I know that the constant excuse is that the finances are not available for under or over road passes, wildlife crossing signs but how much more wildlife death can the Green Party as the current Bristol City Council leadership sit back and allow -in a City supposedly noted for its love of wildlife and attracting international guests to wildlife events? On some roads speed bumps would at least provide a measure to slow traffic and prevent wildlife, domestic pet deaths and any chance of human fatality.
I believe that Bristol City Council has the contact details for Sarah Mills ("The Bristol Fox Lady") who carries out rescues, etc in the City. I am sure she can advise on the worst locations and they can also be noted in the attached document.
I have lived in Bristol all my life and I am shocked and appalled at our wildlife losses (including hedgehogs and birds) due to vehicles and the lack of action by local authorities. This is an opportunity for the Green Party to step up and preserve our wildlife for future generations to enjoy or sit by and allow it to be wiped out.
I look forward to your response.
Terry Hooper
One response from the City Council...the excuse is typical.
"Hello Terry,
"Thank you for your email.
"I will forward this on to Martin Fodor who is responsible for ecology and Ed Plowden who is responsible for transport.
"We have many competing priorities for our funding – especially our capital (one off – physical) projects – and right now most of it is committed to some significant safety projects such as the harbour walls. We sadly have little money to spend on local road safety issues – but I will keep this in mind when considering priorities.
"Kind regards,
Heather
Heather Mack"
Councillor for Lockleaze and Deputy Leader of Bristol City Council
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