Avon Gorge & Downs events
In support of the International Year of Biodiversity
Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project events– late summer - winter events programme 2010.
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.
Saturday 25th September
Wild food wander (Walk)
Join Rachel Lambert for a saunter across the Downs in search of late summer tasty treats. We’ll learn about ten different edible plants including how to identify them, their historical and medicinal uses, and pick up recipe tips.
1.30pm - 3.30pm £5.00
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Sunday 26th September
A tree lover’s paradise (Walk)
Discover the cascading waterfalls, tranquil ponds and stunning trees of Paradise Bottom with tree expert Tony Titchen.
2.00pm - 4.00pm £3.00
NB This walk involves some steep paths and steps. Run in conjunction with the Forestry Commission.
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Sunday 3rd October
Autumn whitebeam walk
Two species of tree, Wilmott’s and Bristol whitebeams, grow in the Avon Gorge and nowhere else in the rest of the world. Discover these and other special whitebeams with botanist Libby Houston.
2.00pm - 4.00pm £3.00
Run in conjunction with the National Trust.
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Tuesday 5th October
The Bristol dinosaur (Talk)
Ed Drewitt, the Bristol Dinosaur Education Officer, will provide a fascinating insight into what we know about this small, dog-sized dinosaur and what is being done to find out more about how it lived in Triassic Bristol!
7.00pm - 8.00pm £3.00
At Bristol Zoo Gardens. Venue accessible to wheelchair users. Hearing loop in place.
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Sunday 10th October
In harmony with nature (Walk)
Spend an afternoon exploring the wildlife of the Downs and celebrating it through song. Nicola Ramsden and Helen Adshead will guide you on this harmonious stroll, teaching you songs along the way.
2.00pm - 4.30pm £4.00
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Wednesday 20th October
Owl prowl in Leigh Woods (Walk)
Join owl conservationist Ian McGuire for a magical evening in Leigh Woods learning all about owls.
7.30pm - 9.30pm £4.00
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Sunday 24th October
Autumn adventure on the Downs (Family event)
Become an autumn detective on this special family walk with Geraldine Taylor and Mandy Leivers. Have lots of fun and fresh air spotting the signs of autumn and get crafty creating leaf rainbows and autumn kebabs!
1.30pm - 3.30pm £3.00
(No charge for under 5s).
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Friday 29th and Saturday 30th October
Identifying fungi 1 (Course)
On Friday evening, expert Justin Smith will introduce us to the wonderful world of fungi through an illustrated talk. The next day we’ll go for a fungal foray in Leigh Woods before returning to the Zoo to identify our finds.
Fri 7.00pm - 9.00pm and Sat 10.00am - 3.30pm £20.00
Run in conjunction with the National Trust and Forestry Commission.
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Friday 5th and Saturday 6th November
Identifying fungi 2 (Course)
Fungi courses are always popular so here’s another chance to take part if you couldn’t make the first course.
Fri 7.00pm - 9.00pm and Sat 10.00am - 3.30pm £20.00
Run in conjunction with the National Trust and Forestry Commission.
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Tuesday 9th November
Introduction to British birds of prey (Talk)
Did you know that honey buzzards have scales around their face to protect them from bee stings? For more fabulous facts about British raptors join Ian McGuire for his intriguing and beautifully illustrated talk.
7.00pm - 8.00pm £3.00 at Bristol Zoo Gardens. Venue accessible to wheelchair users. Hearing loop in place.
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Friday 12th and Saturday 13th November
Identifying birds along the Avon (Course)
On Friday evening, Ed Drewitt will introduce the birds you’re likely to see in the Avon Gorge and along the River Avon through an illustrated talk. The next day our expert will take us on a guided boat tour along the river to identify birds ‘in the field’.
Fri 7.00pm - 9.00pm and Sat 8.15am - 11.45am £25.00 (including a Bristol Ferry Boat Company trip through the Gorge).
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Saturday 27th November
Creating Christmas wreaths
Get into the Christmas spirit on this practical workshop with Sue Amesbury and Catherine McKeever of www.greengarland.co.uk. In the morning, they’ll show you how to make a fresh, fragrant Christmas wreath to take home for your front door. In the afternoon, we’ll go for a short walk on the Downs to discover the folklore of trees and shrubs used to make seasonal decorations.
10.00am - 3.30pm £25.00 (including materials).
Book with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 9030609
Tuesday 7th December
The curious crow (Talk)
Celebrate another wonderful wildlife year, with author Geraldine Taylor, illustrator Dru Marland and their new book, ‘The Case of the Curious Crow’. Enjoy stories of the mysterious ways of local birds and other wildlife.
7.00pm - 8.30pm £4.00 (including a seasonal mince pie and hot drink).
At Bristol Zoo Gardens. Venue accessible to wheelchair users. Hearing loop in place.
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.
