Supporting DIY SOS in Southmead

We are incredibly proud to have been a part of the BBC’s DIY SOS Southmead renovation. From donating our time, free waste removal, shiny new bins, to street cleaning, manual handling, and litter picking; we wanted to do our part to help a very special project, right here in our home city.  

The Ranch Adventure Playground

Known locally as The Ranch, the adventure playground on Southmead’s Doncaster Road has been giving young people in the area a place to let off steam since the 1950s.  

Whilst it has always been a hub for young people and families in the community, the site has had more than its fair share of struggles. In 2015, the main playground structure was destroyed in an arson attack. After which, parents and community members rallied round to raise £20,000 to save their beloved park.  

Despite ongoing efforts of passionate Southmead residents, the site fell into disrepair. 

DIY SOS!

The Ranch’s story of heartbreak and community tenacity is perhaps what first caught the eye of the BBC’s DIY SOS. Nick Knowles and the DIY SOS Big Build team issued a call to arms recruiting friends, family, and local trades to help transform the Southmead Park.  

Hordes of willing and generous volunteers came forward, from Bristol and much further afield. Amongst them Bristol Waste and the Big Tidy project offered our services.  

Looking after Bristol and its residents is at the heart of who we are at Bristol Waste. Being able to give back to such a deserving community, where many of our staff live and have grown up, has been incredibly rewarding.