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, Old Down Country Park is a fun day out for all the family. There is plenty to see and do, including taking a stroll around the farm and meeting the resident animals.
The park also boasts a Victorian Walled Garden, woodland walk, adventure playground, rockery and fishing lake.
Refreshments are available from the café 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 is 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.

Filnore Woods
Filnore Woods Community Woodland provides a diverse range of habitats for wildlife, gives people a wild place to visit, and provides opportunities for education. The woods are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. To find them, cross the field at the back of the Leisure Centre, the one with the skateboard park in it. The entrance is just beyond the new allotments. Click the link below to find out more.
filnorewoods.blogspot.com

Friends of Filnore Woods
Keeping Filnore Woods attractive for people and for wildlife needs a lot of work. Brambles, thistles and nettles are trying to take over the site and the grass needs cutting at least once a year to retain and promote the wildflowers. We rely on volunteers to do this valuable work. If you would like to get involved you can join the emailing list by emailing below or phone Jerry Dicker on 01454 416945.
Email:

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

Thursday 17th May 2012
1pm: Daggs Allotments Exhibition
Thornbury and District Museum

Thornbury Museum is open Tues–Fri 1-4pm, Sat 10am-4pm

Situated at the entrance to Thornbury, Daggs Allotments have long held a vital place not just in the geography and history of the town but in the hearts and minds of those who pass by on a daily basis.

Although earth-bound (literally), the allotments seem to embody a joyful spirit and offer a feast for the eyes as well as the plate.

This new exhibition, curated by local resident and allotment-holder Nick Large, with the help of museum researcher Meg Wise, will answer questions you might have about the allotments:

What’s their history? How old are they? Who was Daggs?
Who works the plots now?

Discover more about this vital part of Thornbury’s heritage.

Entry is free, to this and all other parts of the museum.

For more details, click below.

www.thornburymuseum.org.uk
Email:

More details >>


Friday 18th May 2012
10am: Bees for Beginners Weekend, Mumbleys Farmhouse

Bees for Beginners Weekend
Fri 18th-Sat 19th May, 10am-4pm, Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury BS35 3JY

This two day course is designed to give you a complete introduction to keeping bees.

It will give you a comprehensive insight into beekeeping and what it entails, including a hands-on session in the Apiary with our bees.

www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk


Saturday 19th May 2012
10am: Barn Force
Winterbourne Medieval Barn

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

More details >>

10.30am: Sustainable Thornbury EcoFair
The Chantry, Thornbury

10.30am–4pm. Admission: Adults 50p, Families £1. Serious fun for everyone! Click below for more information.

www.mythornbury.co.uk/thornbury/e...

More details >>

Alveston Gardens Association Spring Plant Sale

Alveston Gardens Association Spring Plant Sale

For more information, please call Frank on 01454 415443 or email below.

Email:


Sunday 20th May 2012
12pm: Discover Dr Jenner's Glorious Garden
Edward Jenner Museum

12-5.30pm

To celebrate Dr Jenner’s birthday we have a brand new exhibit displaying two beautiful Georgian Silhouette drawings of Dr Jenner and his wife Katherine. To further mark the occasion we are holding a Glorious Garden Event, where there will be tea and cake available on the lawn (weather permitting!) and an exclusive talk and book-signing by Jane Fearnley-Whittingstall, acclaimed Garden Designer and Author.

In 2011 two silhouette drawings were donated to The Jenner Trust by The Hunterian Museum at the Royal College of Surgeons in London. Staff at Dr Jenner’s House have been working hard to ensure they are on display for visitors to enjoy this season.

The two individually framed images thought to be dated around 1815 are completely unique to the collection. Perhaps most interesting is the depiction of Katherine Jenner. Never before has anyone at Dr Jenner’s House seen an image of her and it may be the only image of her in existence.

Helen Jeffrey, Education and... Read more >>

www.jennermuseum.com
Email:

More details >>


Wednesday 23rd May 2012
10am: Friends of Filnore Woods Work Morning
Thornbury Leisure Centre

10am-12.30pm. We meet as usual at the gate on the far side of the Leisure Centre car park.

filnorewoods.blogspot.com
Email:

More details >>


Friday 25th May 2012
10am: Smallholder Taster Day, Mumbleys Farmhouse

Smallholder Taster Day
10am-4pm, Mumbleys Farmhouse, Sweetwater Lane, Mumbleys, Near Thornbury BS35 3JY

Not sure where to start? Come and look round our smallholding and discuss land requirements, time commitment, skills and knowledge needed.

www.mumbleysfarmhouse.co.uk


Saturday 26th May 2012
10am: Bees for Beginners, Mumbleys Farmhouse

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 28th May 2012
Family Fun Day
Old Down Country Park

Old Down Country Park, Foxholes Lane, Tockington BS32 4PG

Traditional Summer games and fun.

www.olddowncountrypark.co.uk

More details >>


Saturday 2nd June 2012
Weekend Festival, The Wheatsheaf Inn
Wheatsheaf Inn

Cider, Music, Crafts and Food Festival
JUNE 2nd, 3rd, 4th & 5th, The Wheatsheaf Inn, Chapel Street, Thornbury

Details to be confirmed.

Call 01454 412356 for more details or click below.

www.wheatsheafthornbury.co.uk

More details >>


Sunday 3rd June 2012
3rd and 4th June, Charfield Open Gardens

Charfield Open Gardens
1-6pm, 3rd and 4th June 2012 (Sunday & Monday)

Charfield is repeating its successful 2010 Charfield Village Garden, opening with an eclectic mix of six gardens from small plots to grand acres opening their gates on the Sunday and Monday Late Spring Bank Holiday.

There is sure to be something for everyone even if you are not green fingered! Enjoy a stroll round the village, take the opportunity to do more than look over the garden fence, have a cup of tea and a sustaining slice of homemade cake in the village hall while supporting the charities of the National Garden Scheme.

Two families are opening their gardens for the first time and we have old favourites opening too. See what the new ones have to offer and how the others have progressed. There will even be the opportunity to buy some of the plants that you see and admire in the gardens.

The more energetic can visit all the gardens with a long walk, but for those of you who aren't in training... Read more >>


Monday 4th June 2012
10am: Classic Car Show
Berkeley Castle

10am–4.30pm, Berkeley Castle Meadow, Berkeley GL13 9BQ

The Classic Car Show at Berkeley has now been running for 15 years and has gone from strength to strength. The event started as an antique and collectors fair, with only a few classic cars and it has now grown into one of the largest Classic Car shows in the area with hundreds of Classic Cars on display.

In addition to the Classic Cars there are also Club Displays, Trade Stands, Auto Jumble, Classic Cars for Sale and the Antique and Collectors Fair.

Antique Valuations by Philip Tauberheim of Wotton Auction Rooms are also available between 2-4pm. £1.50 per item - proceeds to Chinese Moonbear Rescue.

Tickets are available on the gate for £6 (children under 16 are FREE, when accompanied by an adult).

Access to the Castle grounds will be free of charge from the event, usual admission charges into the Castle will apply.

For more information about the show contact Rafael Fairs on 01454 202638 or by clicking below.

www.berkeleyclassiccarshow.com
Email:

More details >>

7.30pm: Alveston Gardens Association, Jubilee Hall, Alveston
Jubilee Hall, Alveston

Alveston Gardens Association
7.30pm, Jubilee Hall, Alveston

A Plant Lover's View of New Zealand, with Roger Umpelby

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:

More details >>


Wednesday 6th June 2012
9am: School in the Forest Holiday Club 6th, 7th and 8th June
Old Down Country Park

School in the Forest is pleased to announce that we will be running a Holiday Club for the 3 days of the June Holidays.

If you are looking for childcare for your children while you go out to work the School in the Forest may be able to help.

School in the Forest has broken the mould slightly with its Holiday Club and we are proud to do so. We are committed to giving children the best experiences possible and we feel that more of these are had outside in the GREAT outdoors rather than stuck inside in front of a games console and that is what we offer the children who attend our Holiday Club.

www.schoolintheforest.co.uk

More details >>


Friday 8th June 2012
12pm: Hedgehog Day for Half Term
Edward Jenner Museum

Come and meet some rescued hedgehogs with Avon & South Gloucestershire Hedgehog Rescue! Included in standard admission price.

www.jennermuseum.com

More details >>


Saturday 9th June 2012
9am: Junior Nature Detectives Day
Old Down Country Park

Registration starts at 9am and activities run from 10am until 4pm.

Due to popular demand from children who were not old enough to attend the Nature Detectives day on the 6th April we have decided to run a Junior Nature Detectives Activity Day.

The age range for this activity day is up to the discretion of parents but would be ideal for children who are 3–7 years old.

This day will run slightly differently from the Nature Detectives day as parents will have to do the activities along with the children.

So for all of those junior adventurers who like the GREAT outdoors and love getting close up to wildlife then this is their chance.

www.schoolintheforest.co.uk

More details >>

10am: Barn Force
Winterbourne Medieval Barn

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

More details >>

11am: National Gardens Scheme Open Day
The Sheiling School

Open from 11am to 4:30pm. Admission for adults £4, children free. refreshments available and a plant sale.

www.sheilingschool.org.uk

More details >>


Sunday 10th June 2012
10am: Bristol Get Growing Day
The Sheiling School

Thornbury Harvest co-op - Open from 10am to 3pm. Please note that this is a provisional time and may be subject to change.

www.sheilingschool.org.uk

More details >>

10am: Friends of Filnore Woods Work Morning
Thornbury Leisure Centre

10am-12.30pm. We meet as usual at the gate on the far side of the Leisure Centre car park.

filnorewoods.blogspot.com
Email:

More details >>



Where next...?

Related articles in other sections:
Johnson and Furze Optometrists and Opticians

Farmer's Table

La Piazza - Authentic Italian Restaurant

NFU Mutual - click to visit our website

Old Down Country Park - click to visit our website

Active Fitness

Memorial Woodlands: woodland cemetery and funeral directors

Eastwood Park