Spring is definitely arriving on the Downs and Avon Gorge – a fantastic time to explore our extraordinary wildlife!

View from Sea Walls in Spring Bristol Zoological Society compressed logo

We are funded by the Society of Merchant Venturers, Bristol Zoological Society and the Nisbet Trust

Nurture Bristol’s Nature

Spring is has finally arrived! The sun is shining brightly and our songbirds are making themselves heard as they staunchly defend a patch and attract a mate. Explore the scrub patches on Clifton Down for an amazing chorus or head over to Peregrine Watch to glimpse the thrilling displays of our pair of peregrines. Keep your eyes open for welcome signs such as bright purple crocus on the Granny Downs and primrose on Zoo Banks attracting the early bees and the first catkins or blossoms on hazel, cherry and blackthorn.
Find out all about our fabulous spring events taking from March onwards below. There are plenty of immersive activities for adults and families to take share in!
  Goats sunbathing Birdsong workshop with Ed Drewitt
  • Little kids on the Downs – our pre-schooler nature club continues for a beautiful spring term on 12th March.
  • Back again by popular demand – our brilliant Birdsong ID workshop Tweet Talk with Ed Drewitt on 25th March!
  • We’ll be Scrambling among botanical jewels as we discover the rare flowering species with our Avon Gorge botanical expert on 5th April.
  • Bookings have now opened for our exciting children’s holiday nature club session Spring into Easter on 8th April.
  • It’s breakfast time with Mike Dilger and time to revel in the Dawn Chorus Spectacular with our Downs birds taking place on 12th April.
  • Explore the stunning blossom on the Granny Downs trees in Tapestry of Trees – a gentle stroll through this little known gem on 26th April.
Close up of a robin in a treeA preschooler creating on the Downs
“Each session was beautifully planned, which given the range of ages of children was remarkable.” Little kids on the Downs 2024
“Autumn antics was a fun and educational way for my son to spend a day in nature.” Autumn antics nature club 2024
“Very experienced and informative leader.” Tweet talk birdsong workshop 2024
“Very clear and personable leaders, I really felt like I learned a lot and it was all reinforced with what we were seeing “live” around us.” Amble with the Avon Gorge goatkeeper 2025
“Very good educational information given by our knowledgeable and friendly guide.” Deep dive into the Downs 2024

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 2024 here.

Discover the March Downs Diary here.

Book now on our What’s On page for early spring 2025 events.

Discover our fabulous wildlife and geology in this section.

Explore our discovery walks, wildlife talks, in-depth courses, exciting children’s and family events that we run throughout the year.

Find out about the fantastic learning opportunities available on the Downs and in the Avon Gorge.

Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife is a partnership of Bristol City Council, Natural England, the Society of Merchant Venturers, Downs Committee, University of Bristol, Bristol Zoological Society, National Trust and Forestry England.

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 (© Denice Stout), Adult peregrine falcon (© Helen Hall), Bullfinch (© Kathi Held), Goats (© Derek Caterall). All other photos © Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project and © Phil Jearey.