This is a fight we never wanted—but one we will not walk away from.

For over a decade, our community has fought tirelessly to protect Stoke Lodge—a cherished public space—from fencing, exclusion, and the erosion of public rights. Despite repeated calls for cooperation, transparency, and respect for democratic process, Cotham School has pressed ahead with fencing works: digging into protected tree root zones and building directly over public rights of way—without permission, consultation, or consent.

Just one day after Bristol City Councillors urged the school to reconsider, contractors arrived and began erecting fencing. This isn’t just a physical barrier—it’s a symbolic one, cutting off access to land that belongs to all of us.

Four public rights of way were granted by Bristol City Council with the support on an independent inspector. Cotham Scool has again objected to these rights of way and they are currently under review by the Planning Inspectorate.

Cotham School continues to refuse dialogue, instead spending even more of the education budget rebuilding the fence leaving no walkways around most of the field and showing no regard for trees, wildlife, equality impacts, or public safety.

Disturbingly, there are now growing reports of Cotham School representatives harassing members of the public—including vulnerable individuals—who are lawfully using public rights of way. It is an offence to obstruct a public right of way, and this behaviour must be challenged.

Last time the school built the fence, they promised to engage with the community and set up a forum—they didn’t. They promised to consider trees, wildlife, and ensure safe access—they didn’t. Instead, they locked the gates and left tiny, dangerous pathways during lockdown and for many months afterwards, without justification. Why would anyone believe it will be different now? Surely they would have engaged before building the fence if they had really learnt the lessons of the past?

The school has left the community with no choice but to pursue the Court of Appeal process and defend these rights from what will no doubt be further legal attacks. After all, why build a fence over public rights of way unless you intend to fight hard to have them removed?

This is a fight we never wanted—but one we will not walk away from.

We are now raising funds to protect the rights of Bristol citizens to access Stoke Lodge freely and fairly. Every donation, no matter how small, helps us stand up for public space, community voice, and the rule of law.

Please donate and share this page. If you would prefer to make a direct donation just email us – many do.

Together, we can keep Stoke Lodge open and accessible—for everyone, for generations to come