Day 10 : Balloons and birdsong for breakfast

You've probably already noticed that there's a Hot Air Balloon Fiesta going on in Bristol with nightglows and fireworks at Ashton Court between Thursday 9th and Monday 13th of Aug. It's all FREE to attend and further details can be found here.
Each day over 100 balloons make fly over Bristol towards Bath at 6am and again at 6pm. As they can be enjoyed practically anywhere along that route why not make a magical experience of this spectacle by getting up with the larks and taking breakfast in the local park as you watch all the balloons gracefully pass overhead. You'll also catch some of the dawn chorus, to know which birds you can hear check out this guide to birdsong from the Guardian.
If getting up early is a horrible prospect then many local parks hold mass picnic events in the evening to watch the balloons go over - such as Perretts Park in South Bristol who have a fantastic view of Bristol and the balloons approaching.

Day 9 : Gorilla Grubs at Arnos Vale

If you haven't explored Arnos Vale Cemetery yet then you're in for a treat - there are woodland trails, plenty of wildlife to look out for, an exhibition centre (handy for sheltering from the rain) and a cafe.
So why not pack up a picnic and head on over to Arnos Vale Cemetery on Thursday the 9th of Aug where there will be FREE minibeast activities. For details click here.

If you want to discover why minibeasts are so important and how you can attract all sorts of wildlife to your own garden then download this guide to making a bug hotel from the Royal Horticultural Society (finally an excuse for doing less gardening!) .

Day 6 : Explore Brandon Hill nature park

Time to take it easy and enjoy one of Bristol's best city centre wildlife havens - so pack a picnic, take the bus and spend the afternoon in the peaceful wildflower meadows of Brandon Hill nature park. Click here for directions.

1. Climb to the top of Cabot Tower to be rewarded with breathtaking views across the city. This is also a great spot to look out for peregrines which like to perch just across the way on the Wills Memorial Building. There's so much to see from up there that you'll be glad of having taken a pair of binoculars!
2. Then when you get back down to earth look for dragonflies in the pond - download this free spotters guide so you can tick off each type that you see! The pond is also home to toads, frogs and newts so tread carefully and avoid disturbing them.
3. Afterwards, treat yourself to some lovely homemade ice cream from the van at the top of the hill - scrumptious!

For an insight into what other wildlife there is on Brandon Hill then check out this wildlife map and photos from the wonderful Brandon Hill Nature Blog