The height of summer is here and with it our fabulous peregrine falcons are displaying magnificently!

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

Think Bristol, think Downs

Love your living Downs

Have you seen the peregrine falcon family at Sea Walls and Peregrine Watch Point– they have been a sight to behold as our resident pair teach three juveniles how to hunt, fly and land. It’s definitely worth a visit on a breezy day!
We’re focusing on our public campaign to encourage users of the Downs to ‘Love your Living Downs‘ by keeping our stunning and special green space ‘fire and barbecue free‘ and ‘taking our litter home‘.
We begin thinking about the later part of the year with our late summer discovery of ancient woodland and tree identification at Leigh Woods, and a fascinating exploration into a world of bats.
    picture of a brown long eared bat
  • Explore the beauty and woodland management of an ancient woodland in NNR Leigh Woods – in ‘Ramble with a woodland ranger’ – and find out how we identify trees on 22nd August.
  • Time to focus on ‘A world of bats‘ as our expert reveals their secrets to us, then leads us up to Clifton Down for a spot of bat detecting on 3rd September!
  • Another chance to experience the peace and calm of a ‘closed-to-cars’ Ladies Mile on our second Your Living Downs day of 2025. Find out more here.
  • It’s the time of year to get involved in our amazing annual ‘Owl Prowl’ with Ed Drewitt, well-known naturalist and author on 3rd October – bookings open soon.
  • Discover the amazing heritage of the Downs as we lose ourselves in Clare Reddaway’s immersive acting and story telling in ‘Saints, sinners and false diamonds’ on 12th October – bookings open soon.
“The use of stories and characters brought the history to life. For example hearing about the racing through the eyes of the artist was far more interesting than a simple description of the event.” Saints, sinners & false diamonds 2025
“I have learned so much over the last year and every time we head out I learn something more; this was another fantastic walk.” Tapestry of trees 2025
“Libby Houston was extremely knowledgeable…I didn’t realise how lucky we were to have her as a guide until I looked her up after!” Scramble among botanical jewels 2025

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 August Downs Diary here.

Book now on our What’s On page for summer and autumn 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), brown long-eared bat (©Hugh Clark), flying peregrine falcon (©Sam Coppard) . All other photos © Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project and © Phil Jearey.