News / Avon Gorge
Treeburt family tree trail launched across Downs
The Treeburt family tree trail has launched across an area of the Downs area in an effort to encourage engagement with its unique trees.
The trail which officially started on Friday, just in time for the end of the school holidays, is an activity-based engagement project that hopes to bring some interesting information to kids in a fun way.
The project is being run by Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project, in conjunction with Sarah’s Wildlife Projects.
is needed now More than ever
A Horse Chestnut tree is the first marker in the trail – photo: Hannah Massoudi
Those following the trail are given a booklet with a map and species information inside. The trail which wraps around the Clifton Observatory and Promenade, is marked by QR codes stuck on individual species of trees.
Families are then encouraged the scan them to reveal more information – they have even launched an interactive map.
Anna Stevens who is the biodiversity engagement and learning manager for Avon Gorge & Downs says “We are aiming to foster a love of trees and nature in families and children as they grow.
“We are here to nurture and look after the wildlife on the Downs and the Avon Gorge. The Avon Gorge is one of the top three botanical sites in England. It’s really special.”
Treeburt the mascot proved popular with he children – photo: Hannah Massoudi
The Avon Gorge is home to five species of endemic Sorbus (whitebeams) which grow nowhere else in the world.
Overall it is considered to be one of the top three sites for rare plants in England, with more than 30 nationally rare and scarce plants grow here, from Honewort to Proctor’s rowan.
Since 1999 the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project has worked to save the remaining limestone grassland in the Avon Gorge.
A young boy was particularly excited by the bird species in the area – photo: Hannah Massoudi
Sarah’s Wildlife Project, the charity the project is in conjuction with, was created in memory of Sarah Booley. A committed environmental consultant, she passed away in October 2020.
Sarah’s mother Sally Booley was there with her dog Buddy. She told us that Sarah loved nature and engaging with children. The Downs was an every day part of Sarah’s life.
The project is all about putting a name to something, in the hope that creates a tangible connection to the trees. As an example Sally says, “wildflowers are a weed until you can name it.”
They have also sponsored a tree under the Bristol City Council’s TreeBristol scheme on Brandon Hill, and a number of bat boxes in Leigh Woods and Weston Moor, all special places for Sarah during her life.
For those that can’t make Friday, they can try the Treeburt tree trail anytime – just scan the QR codes on the trees.
Main photo: Hannah Massoudi
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