Quick preview of tomorrow's Summer Wildlife Safari for those who'd like to book up:
There's more to the Avon Gorge than meets the eye, it's most recent hairy residents have been brought in especially to manage the wild grasses and help with the conservation of fragile habitats. So grab a packed lunch and go visit the Gorge-eous Goats on Thursday the 16th of Aug at Bristol Zoo Gardens and the Downs from 10 - 3.30pm. Suitable for 8-12 yr olds, booking essential, further details available here.
There will also be games and the chance to make a felt picture.
Even if you think you know the Avon Gorge and the Downs it's well worth taking a fresh look. You can explore this designated international Special Area of Conservation with one of these illustrated wildlife trails which highlight all the rare plants and animal species we're have right here in Bristol.
Daily outdoor activities around Avon to see you through the summer holidays
Showing posts with label summerwildlifesafari. Show all posts
Showing posts with label summerwildlifesafari. Show all posts
Wednesday, 15 August 2012
Day 15 : Bat Walk at Tyntesfield
Wrap up warm and take the whole family out for an evening of adventure as you search out some of our most elusive nocturnal creatures. Explore Tyntesfield at dusk on a guided family-friendly bat walk on Wednesday the 15th of Aug at 7.45 to 9.45pm - Booking Essential. For further details and directions click here.
If you want to learn more about bats and how they use echolocation check out this Avon Wildlife Trust 'Bats for Bath' website. There are lots of podcasts to listen to that will help you become a bat expert in no time.
If you want to learn more about bats and how they use echolocation check out this Avon Wildlife Trust 'Bats for Bath' website. There are lots of podcasts to listen to that will help you become a bat expert in no time.
Tuesday, 14 August 2012
Day 14 : Take part in magical woodland storytelling at a community farm
Sheep, goats, chickens, ducks, pigs and cows - get up close to farm animals and see how Lawrence Weston Community Farm produces local food - they even have an apiary full of bees busily making honey. As a free outdoor educational experience there's lots to do including a secret garden, orchard and woodland walk (try to spot the water voles!)
And if all that's not enough then Lawrence Weston Community Farm will be holding a magical woodland storytelling for people to join in on Tuesday the 14th of Aug from 1.30 to 3.30pm It's FREE so just turn up on the day, further details and directions available here. Don't forget to give Bear the pig a tickle!
If you'd like to find out where your nearest city farm or community garden is then download this map from farmgarden.org.uk
Monday, 13 August 2012
Day 13 : Go cloud collecting
They're all around and constantly changing - so why not try cloud collecting?
It's an easy way to enjoy being outdoors, impress others with your weather prediction skills and you can even send your photos into the Cloud Appreciation Society. They have a quick reference guide for cloud collectors and an impressive photo gallery of unusual clouds from all around the world. There's even a gallery of clouds that look like things - so if you spot a giant mouse, teapot or battleship be sure to have a camera ready!
You can learn all about clouds, how to identify them, what causes them and what they are made of in this video and quiz from the Natural History Museum (there's also the chance to enter a competition).
It's an easy way to enjoy being outdoors, impress others with your weather prediction skills and you can even send your photos into the Cloud Appreciation Society. They have a quick reference guide for cloud collectors and an impressive photo gallery of unusual clouds from all around the world. There's even a gallery of clouds that look like things - so if you spot a giant mouse, teapot or battleship be sure to have a camera ready!
You can learn all about clouds, how to identify them, what causes them and what they are made of in this video and quiz from the Natural History Museum (there's also the chance to enter a competition).
Sunday, 12 August 2012
Day 12 : Take a tour of the night sky at the planetarium
Ever wondered how stars are made or why shooting stars are in such a hurry?
Feed your curiosity and sense of wonder with a guided tour of what's going on in the summer night sky at the Planetarium. This event is held at regular intervals everyday, contact @bristol for screening times and to book in advance - it's only £1 entry.
Sit back and enjoy stunning vistas of the night sky, learn about the seasonal constellations you'll be able to see from your garden and the incredible science behind whats going on up there.
Why not experience it all for real and camp out in the garden on a clear night. Take a torch, snacks, compass and binoculars if you have any. See if you can find any of the planets or constellations, here's a guide to what you can see in August. Look out for shooting stars and see if you can make out any of the craters on the moon. You should be able to see Mars (orangey-red and in the west) which just so happens to have a little robot roaming around on it at the moment and sending these pictures back to earth.
Feed your curiosity and sense of wonder with a guided tour of what's going on in the summer night sky at the Planetarium. This event is held at regular intervals everyday, contact @bristol for screening times and to book in advance - it's only £1 entry.
Sit back and enjoy stunning vistas of the night sky, learn about the seasonal constellations you'll be able to see from your garden and the incredible science behind whats going on up there.
Why not experience it all for real and camp out in the garden on a clear night. Take a torch, snacks, compass and binoculars if you have any. See if you can find any of the planets or constellations, here's a guide to what you can see in August. Look out for shooting stars and see if you can make out any of the craters on the moon. You should be able to see Mars (orangey-red and in the west) which just so happens to have a little robot roaming around on it at the moment and sending these pictures back to earth.
Saturday, 11 August 2012
Day 11 : Watch Jurassic Park at the zoo surrounded by animatronic dinosaurs !
Ok thrill seekers, this Summer Wildlife Safari isn't until 18th but you might like to book early . . .
If you followed our previous 'dinosaur special' Summer Wildlife Safari then you'll love this: An outdoor cinema screening of Jurassic Park at Bristol Zoo Gardens on Saturday the 18th of Aug. Booking is essential, for further details click here.
This is where movies really come to life - surrounded by 12 life-like animatronic dinosaurs in the atmospheric setting of the zoo grounds. They advise you bring a blanket to sit on or even hide under.
If you followed our previous 'dinosaur special' Summer Wildlife Safari then you'll love this: An outdoor cinema screening of Jurassic Park at Bristol Zoo Gardens on Saturday the 18th of Aug. Booking is essential, for further details click here.
This is where movies really come to life - surrounded by 12 life-like animatronic dinosaurs in the atmospheric setting of the zoo grounds. They advise you bring a blanket to sit on or even hide under.
Day 11 : Wildflower and Butterfly walk at Dolebury Warren
Walk through the rolling meadows of Dolebury Warren near Churchill taking in the stunning views across the Mendips. To discover all the best bits about this reserve in summertime download this walk which will make sure you don't miss any of the highlights which include an iron age hill fort, a medieval rabbit warren, prime viewpoints and meadows brimming with unusual wildflowers and rare butterflies.
You can help butterflies by stopping off along the way to do the Big Butterfly Count survey - just download this easy butterfly spotting sheet and find a spot to relax, you'll be amazed at how many butterflies pass you by in just 15 minutes! (don't forget to submit your butterfly count online later).
It's also worth keeping an look out for buzzards which are often seen soaing over the slopes of Dolebury Warren and the surrounding Mendips.
For directions and details about this special Avon Wildlife Trust nature reserve click here.
Friday, 10 August 2012
Day 10 - WildAbout play scheme
If you're aged 8-12 don't forget to book a place on next week's forest school play scheme in association with Bristol Zoo, so that you can properly get out into the wilds and have some fun. WildAbout hosts summer holiday activities in a beautiful, secluded, private woodland on the outskirts of Bristol. Get creative with nature and make clay creatures, musical instruments and dream catchers. Learn woodland skills such as firecraft and spoon whittling, build a den and then cook your lunch over an open fire.
The play scheme runs all week, starting from August 13 and booking is essential. For more info email Jackie Roby or call 0117 974 7354.
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.
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.
Thursday, 9 August 2012
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!) .
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!) .
Wednesday, 8 August 2012
Day 8 : Let's go fly a kite . . .
If flying a kite isn't good enough reason to get outside in itself then you can make your very own kite with this hands on kite making workshop at the MShed on Wednesday the 8th of Aug from 2pm. FREE and suitable for children age 4 and above. For further details click here.
Whilst you are there make sure you don't miss the Urban Sports Exhibition at the MShed - you won't look at Bristol in the same way after seeing how urban sports, such as parkour, take on the cityscape.
If you want to try it out for yourself here's a handy little introduction to parkour (and where to find woods to train in) from visitwoods.org.uk
Whilst you are there make sure you don't miss the Urban Sports Exhibition at the MShed - you won't look at Bristol in the same way after seeing how urban sports, such as parkour, take on the cityscape.
If you want to try it out for yourself here's a handy little introduction to parkour (and where to find woods to train in) from visitwoods.org.uk
Tuesday, 7 August 2012
Day 7 : Fantastic Fossils at Bristol Museum
Here's a rainy day activity that should inspire a little curiosity about the natural world -
Did you know that Bristol has its very own dinosaur and it used to roam the Durdham Downs when it was a tropical landscape - You can learn more about Theco (as the dinosaur is affectionately known) and where it was found by checking out the Bristol Dinosaur Project.
You can handle real fossils at Bristol Museum and learn about what Bristol was like back then on Tuesday 7th Aug from 2-4pm FREE ENTRY Click here for further details
Want to find your own trilobites, ammonites or sharks teeth? The Natural History Museum has this excellent fossil hunting guide for children. Local fossil sites can be found on the UK Fossils Network website which also gives each location a useful suitability rating for children. Other educational resources are available from the Discovering Fossils site. Happy hunting!
Did you know that Bristol has its very own dinosaur and it used to roam the Durdham Downs when it was a tropical landscape - You can learn more about Theco (as the dinosaur is affectionately known) and where it was found by checking out the Bristol Dinosaur Project.
You can handle real fossils at Bristol Museum and learn about what Bristol was like back then on Tuesday 7th Aug from 2-4pm FREE ENTRY Click here for further details
Want to find your own trilobites, ammonites or sharks teeth? The Natural History Museum has this excellent fossil hunting guide for children. Local fossil sites can be found on the UK Fossils Network website which also gives each location a useful suitability rating for children. Other educational resources are available from the Discovering Fossils site. Happy hunting!
Monday, 6 August 2012
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
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
Saturday, 4 August 2012
Day 5 : Woodland Giant Games at Arnos Vale
Join in the spirit of the olympics with some giant games in the woods at Arnos Vale Cemetary on Sunday the 5th of August, there will also be a scavenger hunt and tricky woodland trail. This old victorian cemetery has a touch of the secret garden about it. A wildlife haven in the middle of the city it has landscaped walks and woodland to explore - not to mention a cafe tucked away in the middle for lunch or just tea and cake.
£7 per family 10-11am or 11.30-12.30pm
For further details click here. (pre-booking essential)
Day 4 : Explore harbourside wildlife from the water
Get a new perspective on the city and take the Bristol Ferry through the city harbour - look out for wildlife including cormorants, otters, and swans - binoculars recommended!
Aside from regular city center harbour trips every day look out for their special wildlife tours and longer cruises to Beeses tea rooms (who doesn't love a trip with a bit of tea and cake at the end of it).
For general ferry times go to http://www.bristolferry.com/
For a rundown of wildlife around the harbour see this guide created by Bristol Floating Harbour
'What about the otters' I hear you say, well take a look at this clip
Friday, 3 August 2012
Day 3 : Discover the bats of Browns Folly
Go bat spotting at dusk on Browns Folly nature reserve
Ancient woodland, quarries and wildflower grasslands make Browns Folly a great place to explore and at dusk you can discover some of its more nocturnal inhabitants.Click here to download a walk showing what to look out for - including Bat Caves!
This extensive website tells you everything about bats and this special Avon wildlife Trust nature reserve. You can listen to bat podcasts and learn how bat detectors work on this site too. There's even a handy guide to building your own bat box for the garden to attract them to your area.
Wednesday, 1 August 2012
Day 2 : Outdoor Theatre at Tyntesfield
An extra activity for day 2 because we just couldn't leave this one out - a storytelling experience and a half!
Relax in the beautiful evening setting of Tyntesfield grounds and enter a world of magic, music, witches and talking animals! Tyntesfield are having an outdoor theatre production of Grimm's fairy tales on Thursday the 2nd of August.
Don’t forget to take a blanket to sit on and a torch - it all adds to the sense of adventure!
Day 2 : Animal Athletes at Bristol Zoo
Are you as fast as a peregrine? can you jump higher than a grasshopper? think you can carry more than an ant? Discover just how these creatures compare to the olympics.
Bristol Zoo Gardens are holding an Animal Athletes day for 8 - 12 yr olds on Thursday the 2nd of August Children also get to make their own peregrine glider toy.
£8.50 per child (pre-booking essential),
For further details click here
£8.50 per child (pre-booking essential),
For further details click here
Day 1 : Den Building at Portbury Wharf
Children love the thrill of making their own little hideout whether its a blanket over upturned chairs in the garden or a secret fort made of mud and sticks in the woods. Portbury Wharf nature reserve is holding a playday all about den building and animal homes on Wednesday the 1st of August
To find out more about the wetland habitat and wildlife that Portbury Wharf has to offer check out our guide to the reserve including directions.
And if you just want to brush up on your den building techniques then download these simple structural den making tips from visitwoods.
And if you just want to brush up on your den building techniques then download these simple structural den making tips from visitwoods.
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