Richard Bland sadly passed away in December 2018. Richard was possibly Bristol’s leading naturalist and ecologist. He was an active member of several environmental and scientific societies in the city including FOD+AG, Bristol Tree Forum and Bristol Naturalists; Society. Richard was a fountain of knowledge and frequently gave up his time to support and inform a widerange of projects throughout the city. He was the ‘go-to-guy’ for people from Bristol City Council, Avon Wildlife Trust, Forest of Avon Trust and many others when information was required on rare trees, habitats, local effects on the environment and any aspect of natural history across the SouthWest. In response to the City Councils aspiration to achieve Green Flag status for the Downs Richard along with a small group of equally passionate individuals formed the Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge. Needless to say, with considerable input from the group the award was achieved at the first attempt. Richards considerable contribution to the Downs over the past eleven years cannot be overstated. Richard conducted literally hundreds of fascinating walks and talks, had an encyclopaedic knowledge of the history of the Downs and Gorge and knew more about the Downs trees and plants then anyone. Richard served as a committee member from the beginning and worked tirelessly to ensure the Downs remained as a premier destination. We have lost a true gentleman from our organisation but can take comfort that when we walk across the Downs his legacy will be all around us. FOD+AG committee. This page is dedicated to Richard and his memory as a huge thank you for all the information he gave to the Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge. His large body of work relating to the Downs and Avon Gorge is reproduced here and I hope it makes for an enjoyable and informative read as I'm sure he would have wanted.