The River Trym rises in Southmead and flows south west through Badock's Wood, a Local Nature Reserve.

There is a round barrow near the northern end of the wood,[2] and a Site of Special Scientific Interest, Pen Park Hole.

The area to the south and west falls within Westbury-on-Trym and Henleaze ward since the last boundary review and further to the May 2016 elections.

Social policies have led to a more mixed housing offer and to some gentrification, with improved infrastructure and local services.

A greater selection of shops and facilities have come to the area, allowing those on limited incomes to access food more cheaply and readily.

A frequent service connects residents to the Gloucester Road area, City Centre and Cribbs Causeway for shopping.

There is provision of health services with a doctor's surgery on Ullswater Road and at the art-deco style Greenway Centre.

Blaise Castle, Coombe Dingle and Kingsweston House offer good green open space only a few miles away.

There is ready access to children's provision through a selection of primary schools at Baddocks Wood, Little Mead and Fonthill.

"[9] The local neighbourhood plan says "our vision is that Southmead is known as a great place for everyone to live, a strong community where residents work together, inspire each other and people of all ages have the skills and confidence to achieve their full potential".