Trees
Large-leaved lime Grid reference ST5734 7539
This magnificent tree, almost five metres in girth, could be the oldest on the Downs and is probably 250 years old. It forms part of an avenue along an old footpath.
Huntingdon elm Grid reference ST5653 7416
This is the very last tree that survived the Dutch elm disease. These trees were planted in c.1880 all along Ladies Mile and along the old road to Stoke Hill.
Cluster or cristate oak Grid reference ST5663 7379
This is a very rare variant of the common oak. The first tree of its kind was found in 1940, in Savernake Forest, in Wiltshire. This one was planted in c.1950, and is very slow growing, but does come true from seed.
Yew Grid reference ST5638 7447
This magnificent yew is one of the very largest in Bristol. As yew is poisonous to cattle the embankment around it may have had a fence.
Hawthorn Grid reference ST5643 7446
The ancient hawthorns on the Downs were famous a century ago and feature in many old postcards. This rugged, multi-trunked tree could date back to the English Civil War.
Ash Grid reference ST5689 7436
This very fine veteran was certainly here when the Downs Act was passed in 1861. The Downs Act keeps the Downs ‘open and unenclosed’ for the people of Bristol. Without it, the Downs would almost certainly have been built on by now. For further information about the history of the Downs pick up a copy of the Durdham Down History Trail leaflet from Café Retreat.
Bristol whitebeam Grid reference ST56513 74685
This tree was planted in 1973 as part of the Bristol 600 celebrations, marking the 600th anniversary of Bristol becoming a City and County in its own right. Bristol whitebeams are endemic to the Avon Gorge which means they grow wild here and nowhere else in the world!
Beech Grid reference ST5690 7538
This is one of a line of beech trees planted in c.1860 as part of the boundary of the Gloucester Cricket Club’s county ground. The famous cricketer W.G. Grace was a regular player here.
Bristol whitebeam Grid reference ST56540 73649
This special tree is a true Bristolian. Bristol whitebeams grow wild in the Avon Gorge and nowhere else in the world! In fact there are four kinds of whitebeam tree which are endemic to the Avon Gorge - amazing for a site that's just a mile and a half long.
You’ll notice that this tree has a little disc on the post beside it. It’s one of 18 trees on the Downs Tree Trail. You can pick up a copy of the tree trail leaflet from Café Retreat or download it from www.avongorge.org.uk
Large-leaved lime Grid reference ST5734 7539
This magnificent tree, almost five metres in girth, could be the oldest on the Downs and is probably 250 years old. It forms part of an avenue along an old footpath.
Huntingdon elm Grid reference ST5653 7416
This is the very last tree that survived the Dutch elm disease. These trees were planted in c.1880 all along Ladies Mile and along the old road to Stoke Hill.
Cluster or cristate oak Grid reference ST5663 7379
This is a very rare variant of the common oak. The first tree of its kind was found in 1940, in Savernake Forest, in Wiltshire. This one was planted in c.1950, and is very slow growing, but does come true from seed.
Yew Grid reference ST5638 7447
This magnificent yew is one of the very largest in Bristol. As yew is poisonous to cattle the embankment around it may have had a fence.
Hawthorn Grid reference ST5643 7446
The ancient hawthorns on the Downs were famous a century ago and feature in many old postcards. This rugged, multi-trunked tree could date back to the English Civil War.
Ash Grid reference ST5689 7436
This very fine veteran was certainly here when the Downs Act was passed in 1861. The Downs Act keeps the Downs ‘open and unenclosed’ for the people of Bristol. Without it, the Downs would almost certainly have been built on by now. For further information about the history of the Downs pick up a copy of the Durdham Down History Trail leaflet from Café Retreat.
Bristol whitebeam Grid reference ST56513 74685
This tree was planted in 1973 as part of the Bristol 600 celebrations, marking the 600th anniversary of Bristol becoming a City and County in its own right. Bristol whitebeams are endemic to the Avon Gorge which means they grow wild here and nowhere else in the world!
Beech Grid reference ST5690 7538
This is one of a line of beech trees planted in c.1860 as part of the boundary of the Gloucester Cricket Club’s county ground. The famous cricketer W.G. Grace was a regular player here.
Bristol whitebeam Grid reference ST56540 73649
This special tree is a true Bristolian. Bristol whitebeams grow wild in the Avon Gorge and nowhere else in the world! In fact there are four kinds of whitebeam tree which are endemic to the Avon Gorge - amazing for a site that's just a mile and a half long.
You’ll notice that this tree has a little disc on the post beside it. It’s one of 18 trees on the Downs Tree Trail. You can pick up a copy of the tree trail leaflet from Café Retreat or download it from www.avongorge.org.uk