Parks, wildlife & green spaces
Few city suburbs are as green. Downs, gorge, river valleys and nature reserves are all on our doorstep.
The Downs
Hundreds of acres of open grassland on our eastern edge – for walks, picnics, kite flying, sport and spectacular views. Much of The Downs lies within the Stoke Bishop ward.
Avon Gorge
A dramatic limestone gorge and nationally important wildlife site, famed for rare plants and trees, with peregrine falcons often seen above the cliffs.
Old Sneed Park Nature Reserve
A peaceful local reserve with woodland, grassland and a lake, cared for by volunteers. Great for birdwatching.
River Trym & Sea Mills harbour
Follow the Trym to its meeting with the Avon at Sea Mills, site of the Roman harbour of Abona.
Mariners’ Path
An ancient right of way, once part of the Roman road from Bath, linking The Downs to the river.
University of Bristol Botanic Garden
Beautiful plant collections at The Holmes, Stoke Park Road. Opening times
Stoke Lodge grounds
The open fields around historic Stoke Lodge are treasured by local walkers and families.
Coombe Dingle & Blaise
Wooded valleys and the Blaise Castle Estate are a short trip away.
Caring for our green spaces
Litter picks, tree planting, wildlife surveys, hedgehog highways – small actions add up.
Members can organise and promote volunteer days on the community board, and share wildlife sightings in the forum. Further afield, Avon Wildlife Trust runs events and volunteering across the region.
Hedgehog highways
Link gardens with small holes in fences.
Pollinator patches
Let a corner grow wild.
Litter picks
Volunteer-led tidy-ups.
Wildlife log
Share your sightings.