Avon Gorge and Downs events

Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project events–2008

Booking is essential for all events. Meeting points and course details are sent when you book. To book a place on any of the following events, call Mandy Leivers on 0117 9030609 or mleivers [at] bristolzoo [dot] org [dot] uk

Meet at Bristol Zoo Education Centre

Thursday 30th October, 10.00am – 3.30pm
Autumn stories

Spend a magical morning on the Downs making autumnal poems and stories. In the afternoon make an amazing autumn story cube to take home.
£7.50 per child (bring a packed lunch).
Run in conjunction with Avon Wildlife Trust for children aged 8 - 12 years.

At Bristol Zoo Gardens. Venue accessible to wheelchair users. Hearing loop in place

Tuesday 7th October
The private life of hedgehogs

Tonight, Yvonne Cox from Hedgehog Rescue will talk about the ecology of hedgehogs, hazards that face them in the wild and ways we can help these endearing prickly mammals. At the end of the talk we’ve got a special treat - you’ll be able to meet one of Yvonne’s rescued hedgehogs.
7.00pm - 8.00pm £3.00

Wednesday 5th November
The conservation of British owls

Spend an evening with local owl conservationist Ian McGuire. In this illustrated talk, Ian will give an intriguing insight into the lives of British owls. Find out what they look like, what they sound like, how they live and about issues that affect their survival in the wild.
7.00pm - 8.00pm £3.00
N.B. Please note this talk is on Wednesday not Tuesday as normal.

Tuesday 2nd December
A natural history year on the Downs

Multi-award winning author Geraldine Taylor has written a fabulous new book called the Bristol Downs - A natural history year. Packed full of facts, identification tips and suggested routes for wildlife walks, Geraldine will read us some of her wildlife observations and husband Keith will show us some of his new photographs, taken on the Downs.
7.00pm - 8.30pm £3.50 (seasonal mince pie and hot drink included)
Stuck for a Christmas present? Geraldine’s book will be available for sale on the evening!

Course details given on booking

Friday 10th and Saturday 11th October
Identifying birds in winter

On Friday evening, Ed Drewitt will introduce the birds you’re likely to see on the Downs through an illustrated talk. The next morning our expert will lead you on a walk to identify birds in the field.
Fri 7.00pm - 9.00pm and Sat 8.00am - 10.00am £15.00

Saturday 25th October
Autumnal silk painting course

Let the colours and shapes of autumn inspire you! In this workshop Su Lees, Bristol Zoo’s Wildlife Illustrator, will show you how easy and fun it is to create silk paintings.
10.00am – 3.30pm £17.50 (includes materials)
Suitable for everyone, including the artistically challenged!

Friday 31st October and Saturday 1st November
Identifying fungi 1

On Friday evening, expert Justin Smith will introduce you to the wonderful world of fungi through an illustrated talk. The next day we’ll go for fungal forays in Leigh Woods and on the Downs before returning to the Zoo to identify our finds.
Fri 7.00pm - 9.00pm and Sat 10.00am - 3.30pm £20.00
Run in conjunction with the National Trust.

Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd November
Identifying fungi 2

Another chance to take part in this popular course.
Fri 7.00pm - 9.00pm and
Sat 10.00am - 3.30pm £20.00
Run in conjunction with the National Trust.

Meeting points given on booking

Sunday 26th October
Postcard promenade from Seawalls

Join the Downs’ Ranger, Gordon Milward, on a walk to discover how the Avon Gorge and Downs have changed through time. Using Gordon’s postcard collection, we’ll compare the current views with those from days gone by.
2.00pm - 4.00pm £3.00

Thursday 13th November
Owl prowl on the Downs 1

Join owl conservationist Ian McGuire for a magical evening on the Downs learning all about owls.
7.30pm - 9.30pm £3.00

Wednesday 19th November
Owl prowl on the Downs 2

Well, we know it’s going to be popular! This is your second opportunity to spend an evening with Ian McGuire learning about these fascinating birds.
7.30pm - 9.30pm £3.00

Sunday 23rd November
Dinosaurs and diamonds

Discover the geology of the Avon Gorge and Downs on this two-hour walk led by local geologist Andrew Mathieson. Exploring rocks and fossils, we’ll learn about coral reefs, dinosaurs and Bristol diamonds.
10.30am - 12.30pm £3.00
N.B. This walk involves some steep paths and steps.

Click here to find out more about the Avon Gorge & Downs and to download copies of the Discover the Wildlife of the Avon & Downs leaflet and the Downs Tree trail leaflet. You can also visit the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project website (www.avongorge.org.uk) to go on a vitrual landscape or wildlife tour and for children's activities