Between 4th - 31st January, specially trained workers from the Avon Gorge and Downs Wildlife Project will be helping to make life easier for some of Bristol's rare, native plants. The Project is currently trying to help wildlife on the Bristol side of the Avon Gorge and Clifton and Durdham Downs and to raise awareness and understanding of its unique location and importance for people and wildlife. The latest work involves selectively removing non-native trees and shrubs including holm oak and black pines that are shading out rarities such as Bristol whitebeam, Bristol rock-cress and dwarf sedge. The work is taking place in the gully / Walcombe Slade area. Kate Jeffreys, Nature Conservation Officer for English Nature, explained: "The Avon Gorge is home to rare and endangered plants, ancient woodland and grasslands, all important in an international context.
 | | The rare Bristol Rock Cress |
"The rare plants inhabit open grasslands and rock faces, but unfortunately most of these areas have succumbed to scrub and secondary woodland over the last few decades. "Management work planned for this winter is vital to retaining the small areas of open habitat left within the Gorge. Without this work, the special value and character of the Gorge may be lost forever." This work is part of the major ongoing restoration work, which is taking place in the Gorge. In the past the Gorge was grazed by sheep, which would have kept grassy areas, where these plants thrive, free from scrubby bushes and trees. This work aims to restore the balance between grassy areas and scrub. | 
