As we head into the middle of spring familiar sights are springing up!
We are funded by the Society of Merchant Venturers, the Nisbet Trust, the Pople Trust and Bristol Zoological Society.
Think Bristol, think Downs
Love your living Downs
Our spring events are live for booking – exciting activities and sessions to discover for all the family!
- To celebrate City Nature Challenge 2026 in Bristol we offer a ‘Deep dive into the Downs & Avon Gorge‘ to discover what’s amazing about Bristol’s iconic green space on Sunday 26th April.
-“The combination of history, botany, geology and trees. A good insight.” “Very good educational information given by our knowledgeable and friendly guide.”(2024)
- Explore the special Granny Downs tree trail with Robin Haward from Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge in ‘Tapestry of trees‘ on Sat 2nd May. Part of Bristol Walk Fest.
-“There was a lovely balance of information and fascination.” (2024)
- A brand new heritage session created for us by story-walker Clare Reddaway, ‘Promenades & panoramas‘ takes us from Promenade to Suspension Bridge on Sun 10th May. Part of Bristol Walk Fest.
-“The use of stories and characters brought the history to life. For example hearing about the racing through the eyes of the artist was far more interesting than a simple description of the event.” (2025)
- Ed Drewitt, expert naturalist & author, returns with our ever-popular annual deep dive into spring birdsong ID with our ‘Tweet talk‘ workshop, Sun 21st June.
–“Ed’s depth of knowledge & the welcoming & supportive learning environment. It was amazing to hear so many different birds & the peregrines’ flying display made it even more special.” (2025)
- ‘Top gun of the sky‘ a brilliantly insightful outside talk on raptors and the iconic peregrine falcons of the Avon Gorge with Ed Drewitt, takes place on Tues 23rd June.
–“I now feel now feel confident to go peregrine spotting in/around the Gorge myself.” (2025)

Our ‘Love your Living Downs’ campaign has returned for 2026!
Our message encourages the whole Downs community – using the space for all sorts of wonderful activities, from picnics to bootcamps, from dog walks to nature bathing – to enjoy the space responsibly and with respect.
We welcome all people from all over Bristol and beyond to enjoy this wonderful city green space and to nurture its nature by:
- Keeping the Downs fire and barbecue free
- Taking our litter home
By doing this we are ensuring the meadows, the scrub patches, the woodland and trees, the sports recreational areas will still be healthy and thriving in another 50, 100, 500 years for future generations to enjoy.

Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife
The Avon Gorge, Clifton Down, Durdham Down and Leigh Woods are just a few miles from Bristol City Centre and yet they’re home to a wealth of wildlife. With stunning views, rare plants, ancient woodland, nesting peregrine falcons and awe-inspiring geology this is one of the most exciting places to see wildlife in Bristol.
Discover the review of 2025 here.
Discover the April Downs Diary here.
Bookings for 2026 events are open!
Our ‘Love your Living Downs‘ campaign – keeping our stunning and special green space ‘fire and barbecue free‘ and ‘taking litter home‘ is now back up on the Downs – with the aim of eliciting responsible use of our beautiful Downs among all users.
Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife is a partnership of the Society of Merchant Venturers, Bristol Zoological Society, Downs Committee, University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, Natural England, Bristol City Council, Forestry England and National Trust.
Photographs: View of Avon Gorge (© Pip Brunt), (Juvenile peregrine facing forward (© Sam Coppard), Buttercups on the Downs (© Simon Muir), Spiked speedwell (© Libby Houston), Meadow on the Downs, Bristol rock-cress (© Denice Stout), Adult peregrine falcon (© Helen Hall), Bullfinch (© Kathi Held), Goats (© Derek Caterall), brown long-eared bat (©Hugh Clark), flying peregrine falcon (©Sam Coppard), promenade of autumn beeches (©Adrian Wyatt). All other photos © Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project and © Phil Jearey.




