In photos: Bristol’s climate news – May 2024

Belmont Estate rewilding project celebrated the successful fledging of its first kingfisher chick this month. Kingfishers are emblematic of high-quality aquatic habitats, typically favouring clean, unpolluted waters with abundant fish. Its presence indicates a balanced and thriving ecosystem – photo: ab_photography

Belmont and its rewilding and wetland arm Watercress Farm, situated in Wraxall, also recorded their first sighting of a common sandpiper. The bird’s arrival suggests a thriving ecosystem with plentiful resources, clean water and appropriate vegetation to support a diverse range of species – photo: ab_photography

Festival of Nature volunteers planted up two 17 metre long floating ecosystem islands which will be launched into the water opposite the SS Great Britain on June 1. The plants will help purify the water – photo: Rob Browne

Bridge Farm revellers took part in traditional activities such as Maypole dancing as part of the green cooperative’s Beltane celebrations. Photographer Hanieh, an Iranian refugee who volunteered to document the event, said she “never imagined people could live so free and lovingly, in acceptance” – photo: Hanieh Shabahang

Attendees also took part in nature drawing workshops. The Farm, which hosts a food growers group, refugee gardening and forest school sessions with local children, is still fundraising to keep the project in community ownership – photo: Hanieh Shabahang

Consecration of a prayer labyrinth took place at Thornbury Church over the May bank holiday – photo: Alice

The church, under the supervision of Reverend Joy Ludlow, is close to attaining its Gold Eco-Church status, following measures to support wildlife such as planting and wildflower sowing – photo: Alice

Amrish Pandya, founder of the Bristol Rainforest, delivered wildflower playgrounds workshops to four nurseries in St Pauls, encouraging young children to get involved in the natural world – credit: Amrish Pandya

The workshops were inspired by the work of Nature Rising, a collaborative project with Friends of the Earth which sees Global Majority environmental actors delivering community nature events – photo: Gnisha Bevan

Parents for Future and Mothers Rebellion held another solidarity and awareness raising circle at the harbourside this month – photo: Rob Browne

The caregivers’ arm of Extinction Rebellion hold regular peaceful protests to draw attention to the destructive impact of climate change on childrens’ futures everywhere – photo: Rob Browne

Sparks Bristol celebrated its first birthday with creative sustainability-themed activities over May 11-12 – photo: Jack Moyse

The Sparks team celebrated by gathering outside the main doors holding pledges for the Sustainable Development Goals that underpin the values of Bristol’s alternative department store – photo: Jack Moyse

Young people on Babbasa’s Challenge Programme hosted a sustainability event at the beginning of the month. Mend Earth was designed to interest young people from marginalised backgrounds in climate issues, and included panel talks, workshops and shared food – photo: Shamphat Pro

Green Party leader Carla Denyer officially launched her general election campaign, standing against Labour MP Thangam Debbonaire in Bristol Central – photo: Rob Browne

Bristol Green Party celebrated local election wins this month and came just short of a majority on the council, holding 34 seats of a total 70 – photo: Martin Booth