Hundreds of people gathered in Portishead to oppose possible development surrounding Weston Big Wood at the weekend.

North Somerset Times: Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead.Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead. (Image: Bob Cartwright)

Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday, one on the North Weston fields off Clevedon Road with the other at Merlin Park, to demonstrate support for protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead and to put a stop to any future building on land around it.

North Somerset Times: Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead.Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead. (Image: Tracey Fowler)

While no firm proposals are yet on the table, the gatherings come as North Somerset Council received a number of expressions of interest from landowners willing to sell their land for development.

North Somerset Times: Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead.Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead. (Image: Tracey Fowler)

More than 500 people attended both gatherings, where children from as young as four to those aged 80 and over brought signs and banners in support of protecting one of the most wildlife-rich woodlands in Avon, Weston Big Wood, which is home to a variety of woodland birds, bluebells and wildflowers.

North Somerset Times: Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead.Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead. (Image: Tracey Fowler)

Emma Holloway from Portishead Down Safeguarding Group, who organised the gathering at Merlin Park, said: “It was amazing to see the strength of feeling for the protection of Weston Big Wood and Portishead Down.

North Somerset Times: Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead.Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead. (Image: Tracey Fowler)

“A lot of effort went into the signs and posters from children as young as four to adults over the age of 80. These ancient woodlands and our wildlife need to be protected, it has a right to space, too.

North Somerset Times: Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead.Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead. (Image: Tracey Fowler)

“Portishead has seen so much development during the past 20 years or so and residents feel enough is enough, we simply don’t have the infrastructure or facilities to support anymore.”

North Somerset Times: Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead.Two separate gatherings were held simultaneously on Sunday to support protecting Weston Big Wood in Portishead. (Image: Bob Cartwright)

A public meeting about the threat has also been arranged for September 20 at 7pm at Somerset Hall in Portishead.