Modern.gov Breadcrumb
- Agenda item
Modern.gov Content
Agenda item
Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project Annual Report 2022
Minutes:
The Parks Development Officer and the Avon Gorge & Downs Biodiversity Education Manager introduced the Annual Report and highlighted the following points:
· This is the annual report for the project covering January to December 2021. Launched October 1999, the aim of the project is 'to secure the future of the outstanding wildlife interest of the Avon Gorge, Clifton Down, Durdham Down and Leigh Woods, as well as raising awareness and understanding of this unique location and its importance for people and wildlife’.
· Habitat Management Works: tackling invasive scrub that crowds out rare species on rocky outcrops in the gorge. In March, 4 Baggot goats joined 2 existing Kashmir goats, and another 4 Kashmirs were added in July, bringing the herd to full strength. The goat activity was promoted on ITV news.
· The Scrub management plan to restore the wildflower meadow continues, with support from FODAG to construct dead hedges to steer runners onto established paths. The large increase in footfall during covid has damaged meadows, with new paths being created that run through sensitive wildflower areas. So some areas have been roped and signed to encourage walkers to stick to the old paths. University students are studying orchids in the meadows.
· The Education and Community engagement work was made very difficult last year due to Coronavirus disruption. The Education Manager was on furlough until April and the Avon Gorge and Downs Learning and Engagement Officer started 2 months later than normal. Most of the focus in April and May was about restarting the programme including setting up events, contacting schools and booking in educational visits, as well as rebuilding the volunteer team.
· Education events and activities have a long lead time, so we had to offer a reduced programme. It was also not clear when restrictions would be lifted. While attendee figures were lower than normal, we still managed to get people out about and involved, which was much appreciated.
· During the year 529 school pupils were taught in 27 education sessions. This is a lot less than we would normally teach but we spaced out groups to allow us to follow covid precaution protocols. This included giving extra time for cleaning and disinfecting equipment between school visits. We were thrilled to receive positive and enthusiastic feedback from many teachers who bought their classes to the Downs for sessions.
· At the other end of the education spectrum, we also ran a bird ringing session for South Gloucestershire and Stroud College students on the BSc Zoological Management and Conservation course, on the Downs
· Play scheme engagement was limited by Covid issues, with many groups shutting down or struggling with staffing issues.
· We began the Bridge 2 Nature project – a nature connection and wellbeing project for young people run in partnership with Off the Record and the Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge. There were many setbacks caused by Covid so we had to suspend the programme for 2021 and have re-launched it in spring 2022.
· Wastes and Strays project: the Downs is one of 4 Urban Commons being studied nationally. A researcher has collected oral histories. The Downs ‘poet in residence’ ran workshops for school group and a guided walk. There were also creative mapping activities.
· The Education Team attended the Downs Festival and University of Bristol welcome fair to engage the public and recruit volunteers.
· There has been further development of the project’s website with new web resources for children.
· In May there were efforts to build up the volunteer team, reviewing existing volunteers and recruiting newcomers.
· When Bristol Zoological Society closes Bristol Zoo and relocates to Wild Place, it is proposed that the main entrance building will become the Clifton Conservation Hub. It is intended that the Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project education team will be based there. There is a public consultation on Thursday where the plans can be viewed.
· We hope to be back up to speed this year, but some larger events still cannot go ahead.
Discussion notes:
· Members thanked the officers for the quality of the report, especially the photos and quotes from participants.
· The recently planted wildflower beds on Christchurch are doing well, with expected growth in the spring and full bloom in the summer.
The Avon Gorge & Downs Biodiversity Education Manager then introduced the regular update report:
· The new starter with the team was an engagement officer last year, which means she already has a lot of the relevant experience. She will be working between May and October, especially to support major events.
· A recent “meet the goats” event has been well received.
· A project around birdsong, including how birdsongs change during the year will be put on the website. This weekend there will also be a ‘learning birdsong’ talk and a ‘feathered friends’ easter event.
· There have been 32 school sessions booked so far. Scout groups are also coming for evening sessions.
· The Bridge to Nature project starts tomorrow, involving 3 trips to the Downs and 2 to Leigh Woods. Participants will be painting a mural for the Upfest street art event.
· The team has been working with Bristol University to film wildlife on the Downs and Avon Gorge.
RESOLVED the reports were NOTED.
Supporting documents:
- 10.1 Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project Annual Report 2022 for the Downs Committee Meeting on Monday 21st March 2022.pdf, item 10. PDF 1 MB
- 10.2 Summary of activities of the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project education and community engagement programme for February and March 2022, item 10. PDF 338 KB