The brilliant team from Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife Project hosted a special fun day for families on Sunday 18th May, called ‘Your Living Downs’.

The well-attended event attracted visitors of all ages throughout the day, with a range of interactive workshops showing visitors how to carefully catch, observe and release a host of fascinating insects; and how to weave intricate, colourful stick and wool mandalas.

Children were also invited to finetune their hoola hooping skills, and dress up as butterflies, ladybirds and beetles in the costumes provided. For visitors who wanted a slightly more sedate activity, guided walks to see the goats in the Gully provided an inviting alternative.

The Lord Mayor also paid a visit to judge a special art competition, which was slightly behind schedule because so many visitors wanted to have their photo taken with him!

Dr Jacqueline Cornish OBE, a member of SMV, volunteered on the day and hosted the extremely popular mandala workshop. She said, “The Clifton and Durdham Downs is such a beautiful, tranquil place to spend time, and on a day when the sun is beaming down and the sky is blue, families are scattered across the huge expanse of green grass enjoying picnics, playing games and counting butterflies – this must be one of the best places on earth! The family event today has been so much fun, and I’m now an expert in mandala making!”

What a perfect day for making precious family memories in one of Bristol’s best locations.