Environment / The Downs
Celebrating the new trail on the Downs
A woodland corner of the Downs has been celebrated, in a recent ceremony that launched a new tree trail in the area.
The trail aims to encourage people to explore the area and teach them about the wildlife in Bristol. The woodland is home to a number of both native and exotic trees such as English oak, wild cherry and purple beech, which are in full bloom and best enjoyed from late April.
The trail takes its visitors on a flat 1.1km walk, through both grass and tarmac paths and is accessible for all. Along the way, with the help of the guide provided, visitors can follow the map inside and learn about the 17 trees they encounter on the trail and the history of the Downs.
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The trial begins between Westbury Road and Westbury Park. Known to many as ‘the Granny Downs’, it is said to be the spot that residents of a local care home would sit and enjoy the sunshine and nearby nature. It’s the fifth in a diverse range of nature trails in the area, all of which are accessible and have accompanying information guides.
One of the 17 tags, featured on each tree on the trail
The lord mayor Cleo Lake attended the recent opening ceremony, alongside the chief executive of Bristol Zoological Society, Dr Justin Morris. Also in attendance was the late Richard Bland’s family, who completed the initial research for the trail and was instrumental in the development of the new route.
Richard Bland was a passionate naturalist who admired the wildlife on the Downs for decades, and during his life he lead hundreds of guided walks through nature. Richard passed away last year, and the trial has been completed in his memory.
“Richard would be looking down at this trail, and be so pleased people were learning something,” said Mrs Bland, Richard’s wife. “Richard loved to teach.”
Mrs. Bland sharing memories of her husband, the late Richard Bland
During the opening ceremony, Mrs Bland and the lord mayor attached the final tag to tree 17 at the end of the trail, in memory of Richard.
Robert Westlake, chair of the Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge said: “I’m so very pleased that we have been able to collaborate with the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project to complete the trail in Richard’s memory, thereby sharing Richard’s passion for trees with visitors to the Downs.”
The trail was completed with help and funding from the OVO Foundation, and Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge: “The Granny Downs Tree Trail has been very much a labour of love for all concerned.” Richard said.
Copies of the Granny Downs Tree Trail can be picked up from Cafe Retreat on the Downs. Alternatively you can request a postal copy by emailing mleivers@bristolzoo.org.uk or call the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project at Bristol Zoo Gardens on 0117 903 0609.
Read more: Plans for cafe to replace public toilets on the Downs
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