Friends of the Downs + Avon Gorge

Friends of the Downs + Avon Gorge FOD+AG was established in 2008 and is involved in conserving the Downs and Avon Gorge. Members are actively engaged in a variety of projects.

To monitor, work with and influence the Downs Committee, Bristol City Council and all those involved in the management, maintenance and improvement of the Gorge and Downs. To protect and enhance the Downs and the Gorge for the benefit both of all its users and its wildlife. To consult with, and represent, the views and aspirations of all users. Activities: Restoration projects, conservation and ed

ucation. We run a full programme of talks, walks and events as well as volunteer programmes such as wildlife monitoring and deep litter clean-ups. Our quarterly newsletter features reports on our activities, articles to inform, provoke and entertain as well as views from members.

Heave-ho!Herculean work by Friends of the Downs+Avon Gorge volunteers on 17 June./A big thank you to the industrious ban...
17/06/2026

Heave-ho!

Herculean work by Friends of the Downs+Avon Gorge volunteers on 17 June./

A big thank you to the industrious band of FOD+AG volunteers who carried out the herculean task of removing the old concrete bases from the redundant BBQ areas on Ladies Mile earlier today. In partnership with our Downs Rangers, we filled in with topsoil and re-seeded the area. In parallel a group of our dedicated litter picking team, did a sweep of Ladies Mile, across to Ivywell Road and back along the Circular Road. Our next work-party day is planned for Wednesday 8 July (10-12). More details to follow.

https://www.friendsofthedowns.org/

Hot but rewarding work at the Thomas Memorial.Great work earlier by a happy team of FOD+AG volunteers, tidying up the Th...
28/05/2026

Hot but rewarding work at the Thomas Memorial.
Great work earlier by a happy team of FOD+AG volunteers, tidying up the Thomas Memorial on Blackboy Hill. We had an early start to combat the heat and cleaned up the litter and flower borders at this popular but little-known oasis amongst the urban milieu. We were treated to a short history lesson from Robin about the rich and varied life of Urijah Thomas. Do visit the memorial and if you would like to understand more about Thomas, visit:
https://www.redlandparkurc.org/urijahs-ministry.html

https://www.friendsofthedowns.org/

Coming up:Wildflower Walk with Neil Talbot, organised by Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge. Sunday 7th June 10:30am-12...
28/05/2026

Coming up:

Wildflower Walk with Neil Talbot, organised by Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge. Sunday 7th June 10:30am-12:30pm
Starting at Peregrine Point
£10 per person

To reserve a place and receive full details, including making payment, please email [email protected].

Very Successful Work Party on 13 May.A big thank you to the 15 FOD+AG volunteers who kindly gave up their Wednesday morn...
16/05/2026

Very Successful Work Party on 13 May.

A big thank you to the 15 FOD+AG volunteers who kindly gave up their Wednesday morning and worked so hard to help regenerate the tussocky grass regime in the redundant BBQ areas, off Ladies Mile. We did a combination of litter clearance, scraping back, adding soil and re-seeding the contaminated areas. This work was undertaken in partnership with the Downs Ranger team under the expert supervision of their manager Ben. Further sessions are planned to complete the task, and your participation would always be very welcome, do email: [email protected]
We had the following feedback from Anna Stevens, our brilliant Avon Gorge and Downs Biodiversity Engagement Manager, "I have been to see the space, and it looks totally amazing. I am so impressed – it is exactly as I was hoping it would be for this area to start recovering under its tussocky grass regime. I honestly can’t get over how incredible the Downs is looking at the moment."

https://www.friendsofthedowns.org/

Volunteering opportunity on 13 MayIf you have a free morning, we would really appreciate your help with a number of impo...
05/05/2026

Volunteering opportunity on 13 May
If you have a free morning, we would really appreciate your help with a number of important tasks to assist the Downs Ranger Team and the Downs and Avon Gorge Wildlife Project. Volunteering opportunities include helping to clear, dig over and re-seed the old BBQ areas on either side of Ladies Mile, some scrub clearance near Sea Walls and removing the litter around Ladies Mile.
We are running an initial work party on Wednesday 13 May. We will meet at 10am, close to where the Worrall Road to Ivywell Road path bisects Ladies Mile: https://w3w.co/exile.update.moth In partnership with the rangers, we should be able to provide all of the tools and equipment that we will need, but we will let you know if there is anything else you might need. We will keep an eye on the weather but do ensure you have suitable clothing and footwear for the prevailing weather and terrain.
In the first instance, we would just be grateful for a reply to indicate that you would like to take part and which elements you would be able to participate in: BBQ areas, litter, or scrub clearance etc: [email protected]. Replies will give us an idea of what we might be able to achieve in say two to three hours and how much kit we will need. We look forward to meeting you on the day.

https://www.friendsofthedowns.org/

Eco Spring Fair at St Peter's Henleaze Friends of the Downs will be running a stall at St Peter's Henleaze Eco Fair this...
20/04/2026

Eco Spring Fair at St Peter's Henleaze

Friends of the Downs will be running a stall at St Peter's Henleaze Eco Fair this Saturday 25th April, from 2pm. The fun event will promote environmentally-friendly lifestyles and celebrate nature, through stalls from groups including the CHEESE Project, Avon Wildlife Trust, Christian Climate Action, Friends of the Downs, and Hedgehog Rescue as well as eco art, book swaps, clothes swaps, and - of course - lots of cake!

There will be tours of the Gold Awarded Eco Garden, bee keeping demonstrations, and talks from the Bristol Botanical Gardens. As well as kids games and activities such as bug hotel making and sunflower planting.

We hope you can join us to learn more about our activities.

Eco Spring Fair at St Peter's HenleazeFriends of the Downs will be running a stall at St Peter's Henleaze Eco Fair this ...
20/04/2026

Eco Spring Fair at St Peter's Henleaze

Friends of the Downs will be running a stall at St Peter's Henleaze Eco Fair this Saturday 25th April, from 2pm. The fun event will promote environmentally-friendly lifestyles and celebrate nature, through stalls from groups including the CHEESE Project, Avon Wildlife Trust, Christian Climate Action, Friends of the Downs, and Hedgehog Rescue as well as eco art, book swaps, clothes swaps, and - of course - lots of cake!

There will be tours of the Gold Awarded Eco Garden, bee keeping demonstrations, and talks from the Bristol Botanical Gardens. As well as kids games and activities such as bug hotel making and sunflower planting.

We hope you can join us to learn more about our activities.

What a great time to get out and explore the Bristol Downs! Whether for rest, activity, blossoms or wildlife. Some recen...
12/04/2026

What a great time to get out and explore the Bristol Downs!

Whether for rest, activity, blossoms or wildlife. Some recent pictures.

https://www.friendsofthedowns.org/

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