| Visiting Us |
| Leigh Woods |
Leigh Woods, part of which is designated a National Nature Reserve is situated on the edge of the Avon Gorge and is known to many as the stunning backdrop to the Clifton Suspension Bridge. Leigh Woods has played an important part in the lives of the people in the Bristol area for hundreds of years.
This ancient broad-leaved woodland with ancient coppice and veteran pollards is home to many rare and unusual plants and animals. Evidence of past generations can be found at the woods; Stokeleigh Camp, an Iron Age hill-fort on the edge of the woods, offers dramatic views across the gorge, and is believed to have been built around 300BC!
Leigh Woods is a diverse woodland, offering something for everyone from a gentle stroll, to following waymarked trails, cycling or even orienteering! For further information about how to get to Leigh Woods and to download a ‘Welcome to Leigh Woods’ leaflet click on the Visiting Leigh Woods section of this site. |
| The Avon Gorge |
The Avon Gorge is truly amazing. Just 2 miles from Bristol city centre, it’s home to an astonishing diversity of rare plants and animals. In fact it’s a nationally and internationally important wildlife site. Two species of tree (the Bristol & Wilmott’s whitebeam) grow naturally here and nowhere else in the world.
The Gorge is also home to the Bristol rock-cress and the Bristol onion (the Gorge is their only UK site) as well as the nationally scarce silky wave moth, endangered lesser and greater horseshoe bats and the super speedy peregrine falcons. |
| The Downs |
The Downs are 440 acres in size. They consist of Durdham Down (owned by Bristol City Council) and Clifton Down (owned by the Society of Merchant Venturers. They are protected from development, for the people of Bristol, by an Act of Parliament which was passed in 1851. It’s one of Bristol’s most historic and popular open spaces, so whether you fancy doing a spot of wildlife watching, going for a stroll, playing football, flying a kite, having a picnic or going for a climb there’s something for everyone.
For information about visiting the Bristol side of the Avon Gorge and the Downs click on the button on the navigation bar. You can find out more about the Downs by visiting Bristol Parks’ Downs webpages. |
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