Purdown is a ridge of high ground that runs on a south-west to north east direction, from Eastville near Bristol’s centre out to Harry Stoke outside the city. It is a fascinating place to visit, with an unexpected wealth of history and wildlife. As a ridge landform, it is an open space of at least two halves. There are views to the North towards Horfield, Redland and Southmead, with the construction cranes rising above the new super hospital. On the afternoon we visited, it was very quiet, with hardly any traffic noise.However, travel just 100m over the ridge, and the noise of the M32 fills the air, even if the wind is at your back and blowing the noise away. In compensation, the views on this side of the ridge are more interesting, taking in Frenchay & Stapleton (originally a Saxon village), Oldbury Court, the Dower House and associated 18th century parkland that were originally part of the Forest of Kingswood.
More recent elements in the landscape include Second World War anti-aircraft gun emplacements – the legendary ‘Purdown Percy’, which is now a scheduled ancient monument. The adjacent housing estate was built in 1948. The M32 was built between 1966 and 1975. The BT telecoms tower, unusually built of concrete, was finished in 1970. The triangular roof profile of the hospital at Southmead will form a new landmark.
The ridge is covered in ancient woodland, scrub and grassland. Stoke Park was recently acquired by the Council and scrub management has commenced over the semi-natural grassland (at least one indicator are the many anthills visible under the scrub). I believe that cattle are to be introduced to control re-growth of the scrub.
As a place to see evidence of how our city has changed, and continues to change, it is a fantastic place to visit.
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