6.00am–8.30am Sunday 14th April 2019 Early birds and bacon butties (with a veggie option) with The Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project. Join us for an early morning walk with bird expert Michael Johnson. After learning how to identify birds on the Downs, it’s back to the Zoo for a spot of breakfast. Note the early start time! £15.00 (includes a bacon bap or egg butty plus tea or coffee). please Email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10.30am–12.30pm Saturday 4th May 2019 Trees of the Granny Downs with The Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project. Explore the new ‘Granny Downs tree trail’ with Robin Haward (Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge) and Mandy Leivers. Along the way learn to identify the trees, find out fascinating facts about them and enjoy laburnums, chestnuts and hawthorns in flower. £5.00please Email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10.00am–11.00am Friday 24th May 2019 Music with Mummy on the Downs withThe Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project Let’s make some melodious music in the meadow on the Downs. Decorate and play a shaker, sing, dance and meet some wildlife puppets with Fiona from Music with Mummy (daddy, granny or any other responsible adults are equally welcome!). £5.00 per child please Email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10.00am–3.30pm Saturday 25th May 2019 Picture perfect with The Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project Learn how to take great wildlife photographs with members of the North West Bristol Camera Club. After an illustrated introduction we’ll head outside to take advantage of the wonderful photographic opportunities that the Downs have to offer. This workshop is an ideal introduction for beginners. £25.00 Please bring your own digital camera to this course. NB: This event is aimed at adults. please Email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
Drop off children at 10am and pick up at 3.30pm Thursday 30th May 2019 Minibeast magic withThe Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project. Explore the undergrowth in search of little creatures in our minibeast safari. Create your own minibeast nature reserve and astound us with your acting skills in minibeast charades. In the afternoon, fashion your own marvellous minibeast sock puppet. £17.50 per child please Email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10.00am–12.30pm Saturday 15th June2019 Rare plants of the Avon Gorge walk and exhibition with The Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project Discover the rare plants of the Avon Gorge on a short stroll with Libby Houston around the Observatory and over the Clifton Suspension Bridge. At the Bridge Visitor Centre we’ll enjoy an exhibition of botanical drawings and paintings by artists from the Friends of the University of Bristol Botanic Garden and hear how they were created. £6.00 please Email: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
Regular Activities
Deep litter picking FODAG volunteers and friends forage for litter one Saturday morning of the month during the winter from 10 am to 12 pm. If you would like to join the merry band please contact Martin for details.
Butterfly Survey Friends have actively surveyed the butterfly population of the downs over the last 6 years adding to national data. (data is held on our website). If you are interested in being involved please contact Martin on the form below.
Goat and Gully Monitoring A group of Friends keep a regular eye on the Goats in the Gully, making sure they are happy and healthy. Also we are looking to create a similar group who take note of the health of the Victorian steps and it's surroundings. If you would like to find out more or to get involved please contact Martin on the form below.
Conservation Sundays The second Sunday in the Month (this sometimes changes). Doing a range of activities and often asked to bring gloves, loppers and secateurs if possible. please register an interest with Robin on the form below.
Dead hedging the dead hedge working party work to build and maintain the dead hedges. If you are interested in being involved please contact Robin on the form below.