This year the Get Growing Trail runs over the weekend of 18–19 September, giving visitors a chance to join in with this year’s harvest celebrations. Plot your own Trail around the city using the map on the leaflet that can be downloaded below. Scroll to the end of this page for a full list of all the weekend’s openings.
You’ll also need a smartphone, SatNav or A–Z to find your way around the city. Use the symbols to plan lunch stops or an outing with the kids, or read a bit more to pick out projects which interest you. Trail admission is free.
All openings are subject to current government Covid-19 restrictions – please check here for any updates:
09/09/21: Due to unforeseen circumstances Easton Community Garden (ECG) are no longer able to be open for the Get Growing Trail.
13/09/21: Alive dementia-friendly allotment Brentry will now be running a workshop for kids at the allotment during the Get Growing Trail (2-3pm). See the listing below for more information.
14/09/21: Please note that The Great Bristol Run is returning on Sunday 19th September. The new 10k route can be found in their website, so please check for any road closures there.
Download the Trail leaflet for 2021
For groups taking part in the Trail, download a customisable poster to promote your Open Days.
Digital Get Growing Trail June 2021
June is when many of the city’s community growing spaces would normally open for Bristol’s Get Growing Trail. The sites taking part range from pocket veg beds on high streets or in public parks, to acres of productive fields. From miniature orchards tucked behind shops, to historic gardens, to working farms.
In June 2021 Bristol Food Network showcased some of the amazing growing sites around the city digitally, and groups sent in ‘homemade’ short videos which we’ve stitched together into the short film below.
Growing has improved many aspects of mental health for the city’s citizens and helped us feel more peaceful and content and often better in the moment. As Jeff from Bridge Farm says, “Some of us have got really green fingers, some of us less so, but we’re all learning all the time from each other. The sense of well-being and self-empowerment you get from growing food, you cannot beat it!”
Garden openings on 18th and 19th September 2021
Alive dementia-friendly allotment Brentry
Plot 18, Charlton Road Allotments, Brentry BS10 6JZ
Free on-street parking on Charlton Road. We are the first plot to the right inside the gate.
Sunday 19 September, 12 noon–4pm
Come and visit Bristol’s first fully wheelchair-accessible dementia-friendly allotment. We have a beautiful plot overflowing with colourful fruit, veg and flowers, a polytunnel, ponds, a wildlife area and a relaxing sensory seating space. There is also a compost toilet, a social shed and tea and coffee making facilities. Wheelchair accessible. Dog friendly. On the day the team will be offering miniature garden workshops for children between 2-3pm.
Volunteer sessions: Alive are currently recruiting volunteers to support sessions
aliveactivities.org · communitygardening@aliveactivities.org
Baggator
The Pickle Factory, 13 All Hallows Road BS5 0HH
The building with the large mural opposite the church.
Saturday 18 September, 1–4pm
Sunday 19 September, 4–7pm
An oasis in the heart of Easton. The Pickle Factories Garden is created by volunteers, used by local families, and is a vital part of our Young Scientists initiative – the Easton Data Garden. Mature Fig, Bay and Cherry trees shelter new and maturing plants where you’d least expect them. Sometimes used by the East Bristol Social Club, its actual residents are birds, hedgehogs, foxes and a load of sensors giving data for us to learn by.
baggator.org
Blaise Community Garden
Next to Blaise Museum, off Church Lane BS10 7QS
Through the big black gate, just past Blaise House Museum (to the left as you look at the house).
Saturday 18 September, 10am–3pm
BCG is a community-run kitchen garden. Dating from the 1800s it had a varied history, but became neglected and overgrown. In 2013 a small group of local residents persuaded Bristol City Council to let them in and start clearing over an acre of brambles. The project is entirely volunteer led and now has over 60 members. It provides an opportunity for people to learn about gardening, sharing both their time and harvest. On the day we will be offering tours and refreshments.
Volunteer sessions: Saturdays, Mondays & Wednesdays, 10am–2pm. No need to book.
blaisecommunitygarden.org.uk
Bramble Farm
Beckington Walk, Knowle BS3 5EA
Sat Nav postcode BS4 1AW. From Redcatch Road, enter Stockwood Crescent and we are midpoint around the crescent. Walk through the privet hedges on to Northern Slopes and turn right. Signs will lead the way!
Saturday 18 September, 11–4pm
Bramble Farm started up more than 10 years ago when TV chef and campaigner Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall helped local residents set up a small-holding on disused land, which featured in the River Cottage TV programme. The farm is going strong with a solid group of committed local families who all muck in to make the farm a very special place. Come and have a look around, and have a bite to eat. See the animals and vegetable patch in this beautiful spot on the Northern Slopes.
Friends of Bramble Farm
Bridge Farm
Bell Hill BS16 1BQ
Saturday 18 September, 10am–5pm
Sunday 19 September, 10am–4pm
A bridge between city and country, this farm is emergent and creative, self-organising and inspiring with plants perennial and vegetable, herbs and trees, animals, insects, people and history. Come be a part of something special. Bridge Farm will be open to all on both days, for both visits and volunteering. No need to book.
bridgefarmbristol.co.uk
City Academy Bristol Community Allotment (CABCA)
City Academy, Russell Town Avenue BS5 9JF
The allotment entrance is opposite City Academy’s staff car park (look for sign on Russell Town Avenue).
Sunday 19 September, 12 noon–2pm
Our allotment is based within the grounds of City Academy Bristol (CAB). Our site runs as a mix of local resident plot holders and community groups including Easton Community Children’s Centre, alongside students from CAB. We run Stay and Play sessions for local families and residents lead regular work days to keep the site safe and looking good, and to share skills and knowledge! Wheelchair accessible.
Volunteer sessions by arrangement: communityallotmentCAB@gmail.com
The Community Farm
The Community Farm, Denny Lane, Chew Magna BS40 8SZ
Farm tour: Saturday 18 September, 11am
Volunteer sessions: Saturday, 10am–1pm and 2–4pm
Actively participate in the work of our organic, nature-friendly farm: you will get your hands dirty and learn lots about growing and food production, through sessions that have been designed to be sociable and fun! The exact activities will depend on what’s needed on the fields, but normally include planting, weeding and harvesting.The Community Farm is in a beautiful setting, overlooking Chew Valley Lake. Adults and (supervised) children are welcome but places are limited so please book your place in advance.
To book your place, please email: volunteer@thecommunityfarm.co.uk
www.thecommunityfarm.co.uk
Dame Emily Park Project
Dame Emily Park, Morley Road entrance, BS3 1DT
Open access site 24/7 all year round
Volunteers on site Sunday 19 September, 2–4pm to help you get involved
Planting, seeding and digging · Visit our Bee Village Collect free herbs for visitors · Nature related kids activity · Have a chat over coffee & snacks · Pirate band playing!
dameemilypark.com
Elm Tree Farm
Park Road, Stapleton BS16 1AA
Our entrance is next to Stapleton Cricket Club, we have a sign outside. Follow the driveway until you reach the car park or to the end and turn right if on foot/cycling.
Saturday 18 September, 10.30am–3.30pm
We are a 12-acre care farm, producing veg, flowers, meat and eggs. All of our growing is powered by organic principles, lots of organic matter and the joyful work of many pairs of hands. We support adults with learning disabilities and autism, who grow, learn and thrive alongside us – we would love to show you around our gardens.
www.elmtreefarm.org
Fishponds Community Orchard
Plots 180–182, Thingwall Park Allotments
Thingwall Park, Fishponds BS16 2AE
The orchard will be signposted from the two entrances to the allotments. Entrances are on Thingwall Park opposite Hawkesbury Road and Knowsley Road.
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September, 11am–4pm
The orchard was first planted 16 years ago and includes a number of rare Gloucestershire varieties. Produce is organically grown and includes an espalier, cordons and nursery beds for grafted trees from our own stock. A small pond, edible hedges, an insect hotel and close proximity to the Frome Valley provides a wildlife friendly environment. There is a willow dome den for children and two picnic benches. We don’t plan to provide refreshments but visitors are welcome to bring their own picnic, snacks etc.
Volunteer sessions: Sundays 2–4pm on 15 August, 12 & 26 September
fishpondsorchard@gmail.com · Fishponds Community Orchard
Grow Wilder (Avon Wildlife Trust)
181 Frenchay Park Road, Stapleton BS16 1EL (near the corner of Stoke Lane. Sat nav postcode BS16 1HB)
Saturday 18 September, 10am–4pm
Sunday 19 September 10am–4pm
Grow Wilder is an Avon Wildlife Trust site aimed at enabling nature to recover on a grand scale through inspiring people, communities, schools and businesses to take action for wildlife. Our six-acre site demonstrates the value of nature for wellbeing, wildlife gardening and food growing. We manage a range of habitats for you to explore and have built up living seedbanks on the site to support our wild flower nursery. The site also acts as an incubator for other urban agriculture businesses including Black Hen,Market Garden, Tree to Treen woodworking, Hedgeroe Apothecary, Sims Hill and Street Goat. Have a cup of tea and slice of cake at our Café, take a tour of our Market Garden and peruse the plants in our Wildflower Nursery.
www.growwilder.co.uk · growwilder@avonwildlifetrust.org.uk
The HAVEN Land & Community
Wainbrook Drive, Royate Hill BS5 7EG
End of Wainbrook Drive, walk across grass patch (look slightly right) through metal gates and tunnel, the HAVEN is straight ahead.
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September, 11am–5pm
‘Meet and greet’ sessions over the Get Growing Trail weekend. The HAVEN is a community land project supporting people in recovery from trauma, mental health and addiction issues. Based in Bristol on 1.2 acres of green space, we’re volunteer-led and provide a safe space where people can enjoy nature, relax, socialise and learn new skills related to gardening, permaculture, nature, conservation, health, well- being and many other therapeutic activities.
Volunteering sessions: Tuesdays & Fridays, 11am–4pm onwards
thehavenbristol.wordpress.com · haven.land.community@gmail.com · 07523 287919
Hazelnut Community Farm
The rear of Eden Grove Methodist Church, Eden Grove Horfield BS7 0PQ
Saturday 18 September, 10am–4pm
Sunday 19 September, 10am–1pm
We are a community garden that aims to grow food to give away to the community and enable people to grow their own food. Come along for creative nature crafts and tours of the site. We would love to meet people who are looking to be involved in growing food in North Horfield.
See website for volunteering sessions: www.hazelnutcommunityfarm.com
Lawrence Weston Community Farm
Saltmarsh Drive BS11 0NJ
Tuesday–Sunday, 9.30am–4.30pm
We
are a community-managed farm that aims to improve the quality of life for local
people by providing inspiring and inclusive educational, environmental and
recreational activities to promote health and mental wellbeing, social cohesion
and community regeneration. We are also a free, safe community green space. We
will be selling nettle soup and teaching people about harvesting, storing and
sowing saved-seeds from this year’s crop. Volunteers will go home with seeds
for their growing spaces. Wheelchair accessible. Activity is suitable for all ages,
no experience required.
Volunteer
session: Sunday 19 September, 11am–2pm
lwfarm.org.uk · 0117 938 1128
Long Ashton Growers
Theynes Croft, Long Ashton BS41 9NA
Across wooden footbridge over the stream next to 21 Theynes Croft (next to cycle path from Bristol) and turn left in the field.
Saturday 18 September & Sunday 19 September, 11am–4pm
A co-op of 40 members growing no-dig organic veg and fruit on a sunny half-acre site, including a 60’ poly tunnel and solar powered water pumping system from the stream.
www.transitionlongashton.co.uk/?page_id=22
Royate Hill Community Orchard & Allotment
Royate Hill Allotments Site, Royate Hill BS5 6RN
Turn off Royate Hill down the lane under the viaduct, into the allotments site. Walk 400m and you’ll find the Orchard on your left.
Saturday 18 September, 11am–4.30pm: Communal apple-pressing
Come along and experience the sticky thrill of making apple juice, and take some away (bring a 2L container) when you leave. From collecting the apples, to squishing and pressing, and composting what’s left – this is permaculture in action, with no waste! Families welcome and kids over six can participate when supervised by carers.
Communal apple-pressing at Royate Hill
Sunday 19 September, from 12 noon–3pm: open site visits & chats
Open day to explore the site. Pop by to explore our beautiful site on a south facing slope. Chat with project guide Mike Feingold, the Bristol permaculture legend, and find out: the history of the site and project; about permaculture and no dig growing; taste some of our 40+ varieties of apples and pears; buy by donation some apple juice and cider vinegar.
Volunteer work-parties every Saturday 11am
St George Park Community Garden
St George Community Garden, The Old Bandstand, St George Park, St George BS5 9AT
The community garden is on a raised area opposite the kiosk café and children’s area in the park centre. It is on a raised hillock surrounded by a low wooden ‘henge’ fence.
Open access site 24/7 all year round
Volunteer session: Saturday 18 September, 10am–12 noon – places must be booked via Eventbrite: see Facebook page
The Community Garden work parties can include sowing seeds and planting new crops, harvesting produce, tidying up and removing wild plants, mulching with leaf mould, clipping the grass around base of beds, turning compost bins and occasional watering or adding organic feed to the fruit and veg beds may be needed. Sharing a chat and a drink at tea break is also an essential part of the whole work party. No smoking.
friendsofstgeorgepark.org.uk
St Werburghs City Farm & The Propagation Place
Watercress Road, St Werburghs BS2 9YJ
www.swcityfarm.co.uk/city-farm/get-directions (directions for travelling on foot, bicycle, bus and train)
On both days the Farm’s Smallholding will be open to the general public from 9am–5pm.
Saturday 18 September, 10am–2pm, staff will be on the following sites too, specifically for the Trail:
Propagation Place will be offering on-site sales of vegetable plug plants, a tour of our beautiful organic community garden project and the option to learn about sowing and caring for seedlings from one of our experienced staff members. Plant sales will be available over the whole weekend but if you want more specific info about plants being sold, you should come during the staffed hours for the Trail. The Boiling Wells Conservation Site (orchard plus food forest) and open-air amphitheatre, and our Community Garden on Mina Road will also be open to the public 10am–2pm on Saturday only. Both are great sites for a picnic and to connect with nature. Meals available at the City Farm Café as usual. The Propagation Place and Smallholding are wheelchair accessible.
www.swcityfarm.co.uk · propagationplace.co.uk
SusWoT (Sustainable Westbury-on-Trym)
Behind 135 Stoke Lane, Bristol BS9 3RW
The Community Garden is down the lane by Hunters, 135 Stoke Lane.
Sunday 19 September, 2–4pm
SusWoT volunteers will explain what SusWoT does to promote growing food in the area. Visitors can appreciate the Community Garden and visit the small vegetable garden next to Westbury Library.
www.suswot.org.uk · suswot2050@gmail.com
Tynings Field Community Group
65 Woodwell Road, Shirehampton
Before the railway bridge on the left.
Saturday 18 & Sunday 19 September, 10am–4pm
Eggs for sale. Meet the geese. Digging and clearing. Nature trail. Fruit for sale. Picnic on site.
Volunteer session: Saturday afternoon bramble cut, no need to book
Tynings Field Community Group
University of Bristol Botanic Garden
The Holmes, Stoke Park Road, Stoke Bishop, BS9 1 JG
10am–4.30pm 7 days a week
Sunday 19 September, 11am: special tour of the Botanic Garden focusing on the growing of exotic vegetables. No need to book.
Entry free on production of the Trail leaflet at the Welcome Lodge.
Dramatic
displays illustrating collections of Mediterranean flora, rare native, useful
plants (including Chinese and Western herbs) and those that illustrate plant
evolution. Wild flower meadow, enchanting lake and pond with aquatic flora,
glasshouses, home to giant Amazon water lily, tropical fruit, medicinal plants,
orchids, cacti and a unique sacred lotus collection. Fascinating summer art and
science exhibition using augmented reality to illustrate how flowers attract
pollinators. Refreshments on the west terrace provided by Chandos Deli.
Wheelchair accessible.
botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk
· mailto:botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk·
0117 4282041
Windmill Hill City Farm
Phillip Street, Bedminster BS3 4EA
Saturday 18 September 10.30am & 11.30am: Two garden tours with Beth, Community Gardener
Join us for a tour of the productive gardens by Beth, our Community Gardener. We grow our food and flowers following organic principles to help nature thrive and minimise our impact on the environment. Our gardens are managed with significant support from local volunteers, many of who join us for well-being and mental health reasons. Our produce goes into our award-winning café and is for sale in the farm shop and in our new veg boxes. Wheelchair accessible.
www.windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk· queries to mailto:info@windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
Upcoming events & volunteering sessions
The Golden Hill Community Garden
Through allotment gates at end of Monk Road BS7 8NE
Behind Horfield Prison and Bishop Road School
Volunteering sessions: Wednesdays
Join us in our big beautiful garden. New volunteers are welcome along. Come at 12pm or 2:30pm on any Wednesday for your first visit and after that you can drop in between 10am–4pm. There is no need to come every week or stay all day and we’ve always got a range of jobs to suit different energy levels, including sitting down jobs. Our wildlife-friendly site has two polytunnels, 40+ raised beds, a strawbale building, a well and solar powered water recycling system. Our garden is at with wide hardstanding paths and our toilet is wheelchair accessible.
www.thegoldenhillcommunitygarden.com · The Golden Hill Community Garden
Horfield Organic Community Orchard Apple Day
Walk down lane beside 22 Kings Drive BS7 8JP
Sunday 17 October – times to be confirmed
Pioneering, member-managed orchard. A hidden urban oasis inspiring fruit growing as a way to grow community, wellbeing, and local sustainable food. Celebrate with the community group who transformed marginal land into a beautiful, fruitful orchard bursting with life from the soil to the tops of the trees. Activities: Apple ID –more information on our website. Fruit trees and produce for sale. Pre-order from our website and collect on the day. Find out how to join the orchard – share harvests and know-how.
www.community-orchard.org.uk
