Avon Gorge & Downs events
Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project events programme spring – summer 2012.
For further information contact Mandy Leivers on 0117 903 0609* or e-mail mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk. Pre-booking for all events is essential. Details of meeting points are given on booking.
* NB, please quote this phone number and not the main Zoo switchboard number, bookings must be made via this line.
Friday 11th and Saturday 12th May
Identifying birds along the Avon (Course)
On Friday evening, Ed Drewitt will give an illustrated talk about the birds we’re likely to see along the river in spring. The next day our expert will take us on a guided boat tour identifying birds along the way. We should see young herons and possibly peregrines too.
Fri 7.00pm – 9.00pm and
Sat 9.30am – 1.00pm £35.00 (including a Bristol Ferry Boat Company trip through the Gorge).
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Saturday 19th May
A beginner’s guide to identifying trees (Course)
Learn to tell your ash from your oak with Tony Titchen. Following an illustrated talk to teach you the basics, we’ll head out onto the Downs and get to grips with the most common British natives and a few of the introduced species too.
10.00am – 3.30pm £17.50
Bristol Zoo Gardens and on the Downs. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Sunday 20th May
Tree-mendous tales (Family walk)
On this storytelling walk around Leigh Woods, Martin Maudsley will bring to life magical folktales about the different trees we encounter.
10.30am – 12.30pm £4.00(no charge for under 5s)
Run in conjunction with the National Trust.
Suitable for families with children aged 6+
Children must be accompanied by adults on both of these events.
In Leigh Woods. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Thursday 24th May
Whitebeam wander (Walk)
The Avon Gorge is considered to be the most important whitebeam site in the world - some species grow nowhere else. On this stroll in Leigh Woods, botanist Libby Houston will introduce you to some of these special trees.
6.30pm – 8.30pm £4.00
Run in conjunction with the National Trust
In Leigh Woods. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Monday 4th June
Jubilee Downs day (Family event)
Enjoy an afternoon of traditional, live music and family activities on the Downs on this Diamond Jubilee Bank Holiday Monday. Take part in family games, crazy golf and children’s art activities. Bring a picnic or enjoy some food from our top-quality food concessions. Put the date in your diary and look out for further details closer to the time www.avongorge.org.uk
Thursday 7th June
Brilliant butterflies (Children’s event for 8 – 12 year olds)
Did you know butterflies can taste with their feet? Discover the amazing world of these colourful insects as we spend a morning butterfly spotting on the Downs. In the afternoon create your own fabulous caterpillar or butterfly sock puppet.
10.00am – 3.30pm £8.50 per child
Children will need to bring their own packed lunch.
Bristol Zoo Gardens and on the Downs. Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Saturday 30th June
Bus top safari (Family event)
We’ve joined forces with the City Sightseeing open top buses to offer you a unique wildlife tour. See the Avon Gorge and Downs from a whole new perspective. Mandy Leivers will be on board to point out the wildlife we encounter.
10.00am – 12.00pm
£10.00 adults £4.00 kids
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
The Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project is a partnership of Bristol City Council, Bristol Zoo Gardens, Bristol Conservation and Science Foundation, Natural England, University of Bristol, the Society of Merchant Venturers and the Downs Committee.
The Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project is working to secure the outstanding wildlife interest of the Bristol side of the Avon Gorge and Clifton and Durdham Downs and to raise awareness and understanding of this unique location and its importance for people and wildlife.
