Autumn is arriving at speed on the Downs and in the Avon Gorge – enjoy the colours as they move through the rainbow.

horse chestnut tree conkers

Bristol Zoological Society compressed logo

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

Think Bristol, think Downs

Love your living Downs

What’s happening on the Downs this autumn?

Our ‘Love your Living Downs‘ campaign – keeping our stunning and special green space ‘fire and barbecue free‘ and ‘taking litter home‘ re-ignites in the spring of 2026 – with the aim of eliciting responsible use of our beautiful Downs among all users.
Join in our autumn events below to discover more about why the Downs and Avon Gorge are made up of so many fascinating elements.
Promenade of beech trees autumn Birdsong workshop with Ed Drewitt
Following a fantastic autumn programme we just have a couple of sessions remaining for 2025! Then we’ll be onto 2026 in no time!
  • Take a deep dive workshop into bird id, behaviour in flocks and winter migrants with expert naturalist and author Ed Drewitt at ‘Birds of a feather‘ on 9th November.
  • Discover the secrets of identifying the Promenade’s stunning winter trees in ‘Buds, bark and beauty‘ on 16th November. Join us after Ed’s amazing talk on Urban peregrines for the Clifton Lit Fest.
“They loved the day, thank you.” Autumn Antics children’s session 2024
“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
“Ed’s depth of knowledge, the welcoming and supportive learning environment. It was amazing to hear so many different birds and the peregrines’ flying display made it even more special.” Tweet talk 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 November Downs Diary here.

Book now on our What’s On page for late 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 the Society of Merchant Venturers, Bristol Zoological Society, Downs Committee, University of Bristol Botanic Gardens, Natural England, Bristol City Council, Forestry England and National Trust.

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), promenade of autumn beeches (©Adrian Wyatt). All other photos © Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project and © Phil Jearey.