But did you know that it’s also one of Bristol’s best wildlife sites? It’s a truly amazing place, just a few miles from the city centre and oozing with wildlife, including some very rare plants and animals.
Every year, Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project runs activities which promise something for everyone - young or old. 'Birdsong' Budding photographers can bring their camera along and learn how to take take greatÌý pictures of plants or wildlife. Picture Perfect is a beginners guide to taking great wildlife photographs. For young families there's a parent and toddler storytelling picnic entitled How the Gorge was formed and other stories.
An updated timetable is given below. To find out more information or to book a place call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project on 0117 903 0609 or email mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk Spring/summer events: Sunday 14 May Early birds and bacon butties Join us for an early morning walk lead by local bird expert Richard Bland. After learning how to identify birds on the Downs, it’s back to the Zoo for a spot of breakfast. 6.30am - 8.30am (Note the early start time!) £10.00 Includes bacon / veggie sausage bap plus tea or coffee. Tuesday 6 June Whitebeam wander Two species of tree, Wilmott's and Bristol whitebeams, grow in the Avon Gorge and nowhere else in the rest of the world. In tonight's stroll in Leigh Woods, botanist Libby Houston will introduce you to these and other rare whitebeams. 6.30 - 8.30pm £3.00 This event is run in conjunction with the National Trust. Thursday 15 June How the Gorge was formed and other stories. Enjoy a feast of fun with ambling story teller, Martin Maudsley. After a short walk accompanied by tales about the wildlife and folklore of the Gorge and Downs we’ll have a picnic beside a meadow. This event is aimed at three to five-year-olds (with accompanying adults!) and is suitable for pushchairs. Please bring a picnic. 10.30am -1.30pm,Ìý£4.00 per child Tuesday 20 June What's that grass? Would you like to tell your quaking grass from your fox tails? Then join botanist Libby Houston for an evening walk through the meadow areas on the Downs. 6.30 - 8.30pm £3.00 Saturday 8 JulyÌýÌý Bees, beetles and butterflies During summer the meadow areas on the Downs are teaming with beautiful insects and other small creatures. Take a summer stroll with Ray Barnett and Tony Smith from the Bristol Naturalists’ Society to discover more about these fascinating animals. 2.00pm - 4.00pmÌýÌý£3.00Ìý Saturday 17 JuneÌýÌý Picture Perfect Learn how to take great wildlife photographs with help from Marilyn Adams and other members of the North West Bristol Camera Club. Please bring your own digital camera to this course.Ìý 10.00am – 3.30pm,Ìý£15.00. | 
