We asked UWE Bristol students what their favourite places are in Bristol to get out amongst nature, here are the top five...
Did you know that studies have shown that spending time in green spaces can help to reduce your stress levels? Here’s some of UWE Bristol students’ favourite green spaces around the city. Many of them are very close to our campuses, making them the perfect place to explore and de-stress!
You can find Stoke Park right between Frenchay and Glenside campuses. This expansive area provides plenty of space for long walks or a picturesque jog.
Within Stoke Park you can find the iconic yellow Dower House, which has stood on the hill since 1553. The park also has two small lakes, woodlands and huge grassy fields which are occasionally home to grazing cows at certain times of year.
Not far from Fishponds, exploring Snuff Mills makes for a relaxing escape from the city. Spend a tranquil afternoon wandering on the wooded riverside walks along the River Frome, or take a look around the flower-filled gardens and enjoy a cuppa and the small independent café.
The area is full of wildlife, keep an eye out for herons, moorhens, ducks or even a kingfisher. There has also been sightings of some of Bristol’s elusive otters at Snuff Mills, if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse!
Located just off Park Street, near Clifton, Brandon Hill is a green oasis in central Bristol. It is the oldest park in Bristol and, as well as lots of winding paths, contains a nature reserve which is a haven for wildlife. The nature reserve is filled with blossoming wildflowers in the spring and summer and you can also find a pond which is inhabited by frogs, toads and newts.
If you want the very best views of the city, climbing Cabot Tower is a must! Once you’ve navigated the steep spiralling staircase, you’ll find amazing views as far as the eye can see.
You can find Ashton Court right next to Bower Ashton campus. The vast estate covers a total of over 850 acres of woods and grassland, so you can always find somewhere new to explore, including deer parks which are home to Fallow and Red deer.
If you visit at the right time you might spot hot air balloons taking off as it’s one of the few areas in the city that they’re allowed to launch from. Every August, it hosts the Bristol Balloon Fiesta which (if the weather allows) sees over a hundred hot air balloons take flight over four days.
Last, but certainly not least we’ve got our very own Community Garden! Located on Frenchay campus, the Community Garden is a beautiful green space with fruit and veg growing as well as lots of plants to attract bees and wildlife.
This peaceful corner of campus is the ideal spot for a quiet lunchbreak to get some fresh air. If you’d like to get involved with growing, why not join our Community Garden Sessions, during which you can help the Grounds team look after the garden, as well as enjoy some free tea and biscuits.
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