As the hot summer continues, the Downs and Gorge remain dry and sun-baked – please use responsible behaviour to safeguard this special place in Bristol.
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 autumn events are open for booking – exciting activities and sessions to discover for all the family!
- Our first autumn session discovers a ‘World of Bats‘ with Dr Luke Romaine, back for the 3rd time this year (he’s so popular) to help us uncover their night-time world, on Thurs 10th Sept.
- “The talk was fascinating and then being shown and experiencing the amazing wildlife we have so close to the city centre. The Downs are are special place.” (2025)
- Family fun begins again with our annual ‘Owl Prowl‘ led by well-known naturalist Ed Drewitt. A chance to dissect an owl pellet then head out listen for tawnies, on Fri 2nd Oct.
- “Ed was a fantastic host. His tech was good, enough of a catch to make it fun and interesting. He had such a great pace, rapport and energy with the children. I think his knowledge is fantastic and is was a lovely evening.” (2025)
Our ‘Love your Living Downs’ campaign has returned for 2026! With the continued hot weather, it has never been more important to look after this special place.
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.
