Environment & nature > Country pursuits

Country pursuits

Castle Quarry Activity Centre
We offer activities for families, schools, community groups and businesses - the perfect venue for a memorable birthday party.
Castle Quarry Activity Centre is in Tytherington, in a beautiful natural setting. Choose from indoor climbing, archery, shooting, caving, open canoeing or our 80 metre aerial runway.
All instructors are qualified and experienced - all necessary safety equipment is supplied. One call takes care of it all - 01454 411474
www.castlequarry.org.uk
Email:

Mumbleys Farmhouse Rural Courses
A wide range of inspirational courses on smallholding, horticultural and rural skills and crafts. You can choose from learning to keep bees, wildlife gardening and learn to work with felt, plus many other fascinating workshops for both men and women. A popular and original gift idea.

Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury, BS35 3JY
Tel: 01454 415296

www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk
Email:

Old Down Country Park
Set in 60 acres of South Gloucestershire countryside Old Down Country Park is a fun day out for all the family. There is plenty to see and do at the park including taking a stroll around the farm and meeting the resident animals.
In addition the park boasts a Victorian Walled Garden, woodland walk, adventure playground, rockery and fishing lake.
Refreshments are available from the café year round with seasonal snacks and cakes prepared fresh every day. Next door to the café sits the farm shop stocked with a selection of locally sourced produce, toys and gifts.
Old Down Manor sits in the grounds of the country park and will be available for private hire and weddings.

Foxholes Lane, Tockington, BS32 4PG
Tel: 0845 6830730

www.olddowncountrypark.co.uk
Email:



Alveston Gardens Association
We meet in the Jubilee Hall, Alveston on the first Monday of the month at 7.30pm. Each month there is a guest speaker to enlighten us on all manner of things "gardening". Visits are made to several lovely gardens/properties each year (both National Trust and privately owned) either as part of an extended trip or as day trips.
The club is managed by a Committee operating under a Constitution and is affiliated to the Royal Horticultural Society and to the Gloucestershire Federation of Gardening Societies.
Anyone interested finding out more can contact the Secretary, Frank Wells, on 01454 415443 or by email below.
Email:

Avon Wildlife Trust – Thornbury Group
The group organises evening meetings (mostly talks illustrated with slides), working parties on local nature reserves, and guided walks. For further information phone Allan Burberry on 01454 413528.
Working parties are free, of course. Tools are provided. Guided walks are £1 per person. Illustrated talks: £3 (non-members welcome).
www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk

Eastwood Gardeners' Club
Our meetings are in the Armstrong Hall on the second Tuesday of each month between 7pm and 9pm. We have a varied selection of speakers and also organise trips to gardens of interest during the year. If you would like to join the club, please contact either Jill Lowden on 01453 842235 or Ann Varney on 01454 260235. Membership for the year is only £12. You can also come along as a visitor to see if you would like to join - at a cost of only £1.50.

Friends of Park Farm Medieval Fishponds
The group has been created to conserve, monitor, maintain, promote and protect Thornbury's Medieval Fishponds. The aim is to preserve the site so that it continues to support a wide range of flora and fauna, and to ensure that the archaeological aspects of the site are protected. For more information, please contact Dave Rowley on 01454 412941 or by email below.
Email:

Ian McGuire - Wild Owl Educational Services
Yate-based, covering all South Gloucestershire
Tel: 07770 684200

Olveston Young Farmers Club
We now meet at Falfield Village Hall on Mondays at 7.30pm. For more information, please email Kathryn Hart below.
Email:

Raptorcare
Tel: 01454 294258

Severnside Ramblers
We arrange walks each weekend as well as midweek evenings in the summer. The area and length of the walk varies greatly and members also arrange occasional weekends away.
We have regular social events such as skittles evenings, quiz nights, barbecues and the like, and there is always a Christmas dinner.
However, we are more than just a walking club. The Ramblers is a registered charity and one of its aims is to campaign to keep the footpath network open.
Please visit our website below for details of our walks.
www.severnside-ramblers.org.uk

Severnvale Smallholders Association
Meetings are held in the Stuart Room at the Chantry, Castle Street, Thornbury. See the calendar for details. For more information, please contact Chairman Rex Davis 01454 415286, Secretary Vicky Ford 01453 511787 or Publicity Officer Jules Moore 01454 415296 or 07788 658792.

St. Mary's Almondsbury Church Walking Group
The Church Walking Group meets regularly at St. Mary's Olveston, at 9.30am on the second Tuesday. Some walks start at Olveston and others at nearby villages at 10am. Everyone is welcome to join in. We meet throughout the year, except July and August. Contact Dan Evans for details on 625313 or simply arrive at 9:30am!

Thornbury Allotment Association
Daggs Allotments are at the top of the High Street, and are administered and run for the people of Thornbury by Thornbury Town Trust.

Thomas Dagg gave the field to Thornbury in 1546, so we tend what must be some of the oldest allotments in the country.

There are 120 allotments, and the Association has over 100 members. It organises social events such as the Summer BBQ, the Autumn Talk, the Christmas Meal as well as distributing monthly newsletters, running the Allotment Shop and offering discounts to some local retailers.

Gillingstool Primary School has a large plot which offers all pupils the opportunity to grow and eat their own produce.

Membership costs just a couple of pounds a year, and brings many benefits. You don't need to be a plot holder to become a member. We have discounted seeds, competitive prices on gardening items, guest speakers and visits.

If you would like to become a member, or be added to the waiting list for a plot, click the website link below.

www.thornburyallotments.com/index...
Email:

Thornbury Community Garden
Thornbury's “Secret Garden” is a delightful haven behind Turnberrie's Community Centre, open daily in daylight hours from 1st April to 31st October. It is wheel-chair accessible from Turnberrie's and from Upper Bath Road. There is seating where visitors may eat lunch, read and enjoy watching the birds, insects and squirrel attracted to the flowers and walnut trees.
The garden features a pergola, a solar-powered water feature, an interesting display of rocks and fossils from Aust Cliff and windchimes. It involves local groups, including the disabled and local schools, as well as the wider community.
www.thornbury-community-garden.co.uk

Thornbury Geology Group
We are a section of Thornbury Museum and meet on the third Thursday of each month at 7.30pm in the Chantry. We meet to exchange information about local and world wide geological topics and examine maps, rocks, minerals and fossils. No previous knowledge of geology is needed and beginners and experts alike are welcome. Contact 416882 for details or email below.
Email:

Thornbury Horticultural Society
If you would like to join the Horticultural Society, which is affiliated to the RHS, the current rate is £5 per annum and membership entitles you to a discount on all garden-related purchases at Thornbury Garden Shop. For more information please contact Mr Rex Davis, Chairman Thornbury Horticultural Society on 0793 4560207 or by email below.
www.thornburyhorticulturalsociety...
Email:

Thornbury In Bloom
For more information, click the link below:
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury_i...

Thornbury Rambling Club
The Thornbury Rambling Club has been in existence for 37 years and is known for its friendly atmosphere and diverse activities.
Its objectives are:
- To bring enjoyment to its members through an appreciation and love of the countryside.
- To endeavour to preserve footpaths and means of access to the countryside.
Contact Mary Cowley on 0117 910 4974 for more information.
www.thornburyramblers.org.uk

See also

Garden centres
Wildlife and conservation

Related events

Sunday 12th February 2012
Sock Knitting Workshop
10am-4pm, Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury BS35 3JY

Sock knitting certainly is addictive. This workshop is for knitters who have not knitted socks before and would like to learn the basic techniques.
www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk

Garden Open for the National Garden Scheme
11am-4pm, Rock House, Elberton, Thornbury BS35 4AQ

Admission £2.50 Children free



Wednesday 15th February 2012
Starting your Allotment - Part 1 (1/2 day)
10am-1pm, Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury BS35 3JY
www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk

Saturday 18th February 2012
Barn Force
10am-1pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Court Farm, Church Lane, Winterbourne BS36 1SE

Winterbourne Medieval Barn Force is a small crew of dedicated friends who enjoy improving and maintaining the physical aspects of the barn and its immediate environment. We work as a group one Saturday a month, rain or shine, with a tea and coffee break somewhere in the middle.

If you would like to join us in this often satisfying work, please just show up and pitch in. Everyone is welcome.
www.winterbournebarn.org.uk


Thursday 23rd February 2012
Thornbury and District Flower Club AGM
7.30pm, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury

For more information please contact the Secretary Penny Mackinnon on 07733 368967 or click below.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury/s...


Saturday 25th February 2012
How to Track African Wildlife
9.30am, Thornbury Castle, Castle Street, Thornbury

Jenny, from Sense Africa, will guide you through a wealth of knowledge about how to get the best out of an African safari, from what to wear and listen for to weird and wonderful facts about specific wildlife.

Learn how to track animals and try out your new skills to see whether you are an 'Ace Tracker'!

Arrive at 3pm in the Tudor Hall for the informative talk, this will be followed by a delicious traditional cream tea.

£18.50 per person

Stay the night based on two people sharing - we are offering a special rate of £150.00 per night to include accommodation in a classic bedchamber and full English breakfast. Single occupancy £105.00 Quote 'Events'
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury_c...
Email:


Sunday 26th February 2012
Friends of Park Farm Medieval Fishponds Pond Survey
10am-4pm, meet at Sheiling School, Park Road, Thornbury BS35 1HP

Friends of Park Farm Medieval Fishponds have arranged an archaeological survey of two of the historic ponds within the Sheiling School estate.

The details of this event are yet to be finalised. However it is likely to be of another pond on land owned by Camphill Communities Thornbury (of which the Sheiling School is part). The good news is that this pond is DRY.

The survey will be led by Paul Driscoll (the South Gloucestershire Council Community Archaeologist). Training will be provide under the auspices of the SCARP initiative, a Heritage Lottery Funded project to help local groups research their historic environment.

Participants should bring packed lunches and drinks. A room will be provided for lunch breaks, and toilet facilities will be available. As this investigation is taking place in the Winter it is very weather dependent. Suitable clothing and footwear are essential. In the event that the weather prevents work on site, we will be looking into what can be done to occupy the time we are unable to work.

For more information, please contact Dave Rowley on 01454 412941 or by email below. He will email interested parties with more details nearer the date.
Email:

NGS Gardens Open for Charity
11am-4pm, Edward Jenner Museum, Berkeley

Garden Admission Only.

Dr Jenner's Garden will once again be open as part of the National Gardens Open Scheme 2012. This is an exclusive chance to visit Dr Jenner's Garden off season. Come and explore, see the snowdrops and even visit Dr Jenner's Temple of Vaccinia!

Our Old Cyder House gift shop will be open, light refreshments will be available along with crafts and free trails for children.

Tickets are just £2.50, children go free and all ticket proceeds go to NGS.
www.jennermuseum.com/events.php


Tuesday 6th March 2012
Eastwood Gardeners' Club
7pm-9pm, Armstrong Hall, Thornbury

An Evening with Matthew Wilson, garden designer and television presenter.

Tickets available from Pam Benson 01454 419245 and Ann Jones 01453 842317.

Click the link below for more information about Eastwood Gardeners' Club.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/hobbies.php

Alveston Gardens Association
7.30pm, Jubilee Hall, Alveston

Butterflies and Garden Flowers, with Sue Dodds and Sue Smith.

Meetings are held on the first Monday of each month, with a guest speaker to enlighten us on all manner of things "gardening".
For more information, please call Frank on 01454 415443 or email below.
Email:


Thursday 8th March 2012
Thornbury and District Flower Club
7.30pm, Thornbury Methodist Church Hall, High Street, Thornbury

Demonstration: ‘Travellers Joy’ - Elizabeth Graham

For more information please contact the Secretary Penny Mackinnon on 07733 368967 or click below.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury/s...


Saturday 10th March 2012
Rag Rugging Workshop
10am-4pm, Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury BS35 3JY

If you have ever dismissed creating a rug out of rags as being dull and uncreative, think again.
www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk


Monday 12th March 2012
Sheep for Beginners
10am-4pm, Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury BS35 3JY

This one day course will give you a complete introduction to keeping sheep, whether as lawnmowers, pets or fattening lambs.
www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk


Saturday 17th March 2012
Barn Force
10am-1pm, Winterbourne Medieval Barn, Court Farm, Church Lane, Winterbourne BS36 1SE

Winterbourne Medieval Barn Force is a small crew of dedicated friends who enjoy improving and maintaining the physical aspects of the barn and its immediate environment. We work as a group one Saturday a month, rain or shine, with a tea and coffee break somewhere in the middle.

If you would like to join us in this often satisfying work, please just show up and pitch in. Everyone is welcome.
www.winterbournebarn.org.uk


Friday 23rd March 2012
Experiments in the Garden: The Design and Use of Domestic Gardens by Edward Jenner and John Hunter
7.30pm, The Old Cyder House, Berkeley

An Old Cyder House Talk by Dr Claire Hickman, Author of Historic Gardens of England - Northamptonshire

Tickets: £8 standard, £5 Concessions/Residents of Berkeley. Cash bar on the night.

Booking in advance is recommended. Email below or call 01453 810631.
www.jennermuseum.com
Email:


Saturday 24th March 2012
Thornbury Food Fair
10am-2pm, Castle Street and The Plain, Thornbury

Come and indulge in a celebration of food in Thornbury. Castle Street is being closed off to allow local food suppliers and caterers to display their products and services. There'll be plenty to see, try and buy.

This event is being organised by the Thornbury Chamber of Commerce, and has been arranged in conjunction with the Thornbury Arts Festival.
www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury_f...

Thornbury Horticultural Society: Spring Colour Goes On Show
1.30-4pm, Armstrong Hall, Chapel Street, Thornbury

Thornbury will be all of a bloom this month with the annual spring flower show, organised by Thornbury Horticultural Society.
Entries in the show to include classes for bulbs in pots, cut flowers, floral classes, Easter basket arrangements, the beauty of spring, any other plant classes, photographic section, colour prints of British birds, wash day, and children’s classes – up to 7 and 8 to 14 years old.
Try your skills at the cookery classes, adult craft for fun classes. In conjunction with Thornbury in Bloom – we are running classes for a container of plants Winter into Spring. Our show is open to anyone to enter. There will be a plant sales table and refreshments.
Schedules for the Spring Flower Show are available from T & J Owen Florists, The Garden Shop, Thornbury Town Hall, Thornbury Library and on our web site below.
We are desperately looking for a Treasurer for our Society. Please contact Rex Davis (Chairman) 07934-560207.
www.thornburyhorticulturalsociety...


Sunday 25th March 2012
Bees for Beginners
10am-4pm, Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury BS35 3JY

This one day course will give you the knowledge you need to understand all about beekeeping and what it entails, including a hands-on session in our Apiary.
www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk


Monday 26th March 2012
Alveston Allotments Association Annual General Meeting
7pm, Jubilee Hall

We invite nominations from members to stand as an officer on the committee. Please contact Chairman Gareth Rees by 12th March 2012.

www.alveston.org/alveston/communi...
Email:


Friday 30th March 2012
Wellbeing Weekend
Friday 30th March–Sunday 1st April, arrive from 3pm, Old Down Manor, Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Tockington BS32 4PG

Dietary and nutrition advice, holistic therapies, yoga classes and use of swimming pool and grounds for walking/jogging. The perfect weekend of relaxation and detox in the most peaceful of surroundings. Further information announced soon.
www.olddownmanor.co.uk



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