7.00 pm Tuesday 9th July 2019 The Avon Gorge a walk and talk with Dave Green. Possible the most famous landscape in our area, but one whose origin is still the subject of hot debate! Why does the river Avon cut through the hard Carboniferous and Upper Old Red Sandstone ridge forming hills like Clifton Down, and the steeps sides of the gorge, when it could easily have reached the Severn either to the north (via Bradley Stoke) or south (via Nailsea) of Bristol? Why are the Downs so flat? Meet at the car park in the old quarry on the eastern (away from the river) side of the A4 Portway below Clifton Down. ST561 740, from where we will ascend a footpath “The Gully” to Durdham Down to gain a view and walk along towards the suspension bridge before returning to the car park. Please let Dave know if you want to join him – and bring a £10 note! Davegeostudies@gmail.com
2-4 pm Sunday 14th July2019 Butterflies of the Gully Join Timothy Dowling, on a Sunday afternoon stroll around the Gully. Along the way, learn to identify butterflies and find out more about the lives of these lovely insects. £5.00 NB: There are very, very steep steps, slopes and uneven ground on this walk. For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10am Sunday 21st July 2019 Attack the Alexanders on the Gallery...working party. Meet look out point on Sion Hill. Important to understand that the access involves a fairly steep climb up to the gallery and a short stretch along the Portway as well as descent and ascent of ZigZag path. Bring: hard hat or cycle helmet if you have one ( F)D+AD has a few) to guard against things dropped from Suspension Bridge, Refreshments inc plenty of water, secateurs if you have them. ESSENTIAL to register with Robin using the form at the bottom of the page. 10am-3.30pm Thursday 25th July2019 Mammal detectives For children aged 8 – 12 years old. Join us on a quest to discover which furry animals live on the Downs by following the clues they leave behind. In the afternoon print your own awesome animal footprint t-shirt. £17.50 per child. For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10am-3.30pm Thursday 1st August2019 Gorge-ous goats For children aged 8 – 12 years old. Visit the Avon Gorge’s hairiest residents and have fun playing our gobbling goats game. Later, make a fabulous felt goat mask, £17.50 per child. For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10.30am - 12.30pm Saturday 3rd August2019 Spiders of the Avon Gorge Explore the Gully with Mark Pajak as we take a look at the variety of spiders living in the Avon Gorge. We’ll search for signs of elusive purse web spiders (relatives of tarantulas!), jumping spiders as well as many other species. NB: There are very, very steeps, slopes and uneven ground on this walk. £5.00 For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10-11am Friday 13th September2019Music with Mummy on the Downs For children aged under 4 years old. Let’s make some melodious music on the Downs. Decorate and play a shaker, sing, dance and meet wildlife puppets with Fiona from Music with Mummy (daddy, granny, grandad or any other responsible adults are equally welcome!). £5 per child. For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
2-4 pm Sunday 22nd September2019 Trees of the Granny Downs Enjoy the new ‘Granny Downs tree trail’ in all its autumnal glory with Robin Haward and Mandy Leivers. Along the way, learn to identify the trees and find out fascinating facts about them. £5.00 For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
6pm Wednesday 25th September 2019 FODAG SOCIAL! At the Downs Café, preceded by a short guided walk. Further details nearer the time.
Tuesday 1st October 2019 CELEBRATION OF DOWNS PHOTOGRAPHS launch party will take place in the in the window of AXA (to whom we are very grateful). The exhibition will be in place for three weeks.... send in digital format your favourite photos of the Downs or Gorge to: Pat Goddard, FODAG archivist: patgfodarchive@gmail.com
10am - 12pm, Saturday 5th October2019 Fantastic fungal foray on the Downs Would you like to know your puffballs from your parasols? Then join us on a fascinating fungal treasure hunt with Joe McSorley from Avon Wildlife Trust. £5.00 Proceeds from this event will be donated to the Justin Smith Foundation. For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
7-8 pm Tuesday 8th October2019 Fascinating fungi Earth stars, fairy clubs and death caps... just some of the fabulous fungi you can find onthe Downs. In tonight’s illustrated talk by Avon Wildlife Trust’s Joe McSorley, you’ll learn what to look for when identifying fungi, find out about their amazing ecology and their impact on the world around us, discover the wonderful traditional names, uses and mysterious folklore that surround this special group of organisms.£5.00 For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10.00am - 3.30pm, Sunday 20th October2019 Identifying birds on the Downs in autumn Learn how to identify resident and over- wintering migrant birds with Ed Drewitt. After an introduction, our expert will lead you on a walk, teaching you to identify the birds you’re likely to see and hear on the Downs at this time of year. This course is aimed at those who are developing their bird identification skills and/or have been on one of our spring birdsong courses. £25.00 For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10am-3.30pm Thursday 31st October2019 Creepy creatures For children aged 8 – 12 years old. Spooked by spiders? Baffled by bats? Discover the myths and truths about creepy creatures. In the afternoon make frightful felt finger puppets. £17.50 per child For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
7-8 pm, Tuesday 5th November2019 The wren The wren is a bird of mystery: few people ever see one, yet it is Britain's commonest bird. Althoughit once appeared on our smallest coin, it is twice as heavy as our tiniest bird, the goldcrest. Finally, given that it can hardly fly, how did it get to Britain in the first place, considering that its true home is America? Join naturalist and author Stephen Moss for an insight into the biology, behaviour and cultural influence of this fascinating little bird. £6.00 For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
10.30am - 12.30pm Saturday 16th November 2019 Trees in winter Join ecologist Neill Talbot for a walk to learn how to identify British native trees in winter by looking at their buds, twigs and bark.£6.00 For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
7.00 pm Wednesday 20th November 2019 AGM at Redland Green Bowling Club. The speaker will be Ella Hogg the new volunteer co-ordinator for Bristol Parks. 10.00am - 4.30pm Saturday 30th November2019 Willow reindeer workshop Discover the joys of willow weaving as you create your own Christmas reindeer sculpture. Artist Sarah Edwards will show you how to make a wonderful work of art – just in time for the festive season! £45.00 (includes materials) NB: This event is aimed at adults. For more information and to book a place e-mail: mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk
7-9 pm Tues 3rd / Wed 4th / Thurs 5th December2019 (weather dependant) Christmas star party on the Downs Wrap up warm for a seasonal night of stargazing with the Bristol Astronomical Society and Shaaron Leverment and Ben Brown from Explorer Dome. Be amazed as you look at the Orion Nebula through a telescope. Learn how to spot the main winter constellations and enjoy hearing the stories written in the stars with a unique festive twist.£7.50 (adults) £4.00 (children). (Includes a hot drink and a star-shaped cookie!) Please book in advance but pay on the evening. For more information and to book a place e-mail: 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.