Urban Growing
Get Growing Trail programme announced!
By Bristol Food Network
Dive into Bristol’s vibrant community of fruit and vegetable gardens, encompassing allotments, orchards, and urban farms. Running 15-16 June this year, the trail offers a unique opportunity to explore the city’s green spaces and engage in hands-on workshops, all while enjoying free entry to these lush havens.
Plot your own route around the city using our map. Use the symbols to plan lunch stops or a day out with the kids, or read a bit more to pick out projects that interest you. Entrance to all of the gardens and workshops listed below is free.
Access: Community growing sites often have uneven ground, and sometimes the approach roads or tracks may also be uneven. Discover the accessibility features of some of the Get Growing Trail sites and learn about health and social benefits that many of them offer.
Download the full Get Growing Trail leaflet here
Survey and prize draw
Have you visited the Get Growing Trail? Tell us what you think via our quick survey and enter our prize draw. Win a £50 voucher to be spent at The Community Farm online shop!
Buzz Community Garden: Create a Rustic Hanging Basket
Saturday 8 June, 10am-12noon Buzz Community Garden (7 on map)
Saturday 15 June, 10am-12noon Buzz Community Garden (7 on map)
Garden Folk CIC: Community Print Lino Cut Carving Celebrating Seed Saving
Saturday 8 June, 2–4pm · Garden Folk CIC (14 on map)
Filwood is Growing: Sowing, Planting and Bug Hotels
Saturday 15 June, 12noon · Filwood is Growing (12 on map)
Horfield Organic Community Orchard: Learn to Prune Fruit Trees for Beginners
Saturday 15 June – 1-hour taster sessions – 2.30pm & 4pm Horfield Organic Community Orchard (18 on map)
Bridge Farm: Learn About Seed Sowing
Sunday 16 June, 11.30am–12.30pm Bridge Farm (6 on map)
Garden Folk CIC: Learn About DIY Plant Breeding
Sunday 16 June, 1-2pm · Garden Folk CIC (14 on map)
Bridge Farm: Explore Locally Grown Nut Trees
Sunday 16 June, 2pm · Bridge Farm (6 on map)
North Bristol Charlton Road Allotments, Brentry, BS10 6JZ
We’re opposite 332 Charlton Road
Sunday 16 June, 12–4pm
Our site operates on permaculture principles, prioritising harmony with nature. We avoid chemicals and prioritise soil care alongside crop cultivation. Features include a wildlife pond, carnivorous plants, and a dedicated wildlife area with hedgehog homes, bug hotels, and native plants. Visitors may also have the opportunity for willow weaving.
Volunteer sessions: Mondays & Tuesdays 1–4pm.
Volunteers assist our dementia-friendly allotment sessions, engaging participants in gardening and green craft activities while offering companionship and conversation.
aliveactivities.org/dementia-friendly-allotment-community-sessions
Bedminster Down Road BS13 7AF
Bedminster Down C allotment site, next to the City Central Cattery
Saturday 15 June, 12–4pm
A one-acre farm, pesticide-free, growing food for the community and businesses that feed the community. We have animals and bees, and are restoring a wildlife pond. We want to encourage more volunteers to join us.
Email: bedminsterdowncommunityfarm@outlook.com
Facebook: Bedminster Down Community Farm
Instagram: @bedminsterdowncommunityfarm
Belfast Walk, Knowle West, BS4 1LB
what3words: kinds.medium.tried
Entrance to garden is between house numbers 3 and 5 Saturday 15 June, 9–11.30am
Sunday 16 June, 10.30am–1.30pm
We have raised beds for local residents to grow their own. We grow plants and vegetables to sell to the community at a low price. We have fruit trees and wildlife areas, including a foxes house wildlife pond. Solar panels power our off-grid site, while rainwater is collected for plant irrigation. The land was not used until Filwood residents group took over in December 2021 and turned it into a community garden.
Email: belfastwalk.communitygarden@gmail.com
Phone: 07359 337 811
Facebook: Filwood Residents Association
Church Lane, Henbury, BS10 7QS
Through black metal gate next to Blaise Castle Museum
Saturday 15 June, 10am–2pm
In 2013, a group of volunteers set up a Community Garden project within the former walled garden of the Blaise Estate. The total garden is an area of over an acre, including the frames of seven large greenhouses. The project is entirely volunteer-led, and is intended to provide a chance for members of the community to come together, share their time and learn about growing delicious produce.
Volunteer sessions: Mondays, Wednesdays & Saturdays 10am–2pm
blaisecommunitygarden.org.uk
Beckington Walk, Knowle, BS3 5EA
Satnav postcode BS4 1AW. From Redcatch Road, enter Stockwood Crescent and we are midpoint around the crescent. Walk through the privet hedges onto Northern Slopes and turn right. Signs will lead the way!
Saturday 15 June, 11am–4pm
Bramble Farm started up more than a decade 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. It’s sustained by dedicated local families – join us for a BBQ at this scenic spot on the Northern Slopes. More details to come on our Facebook page: Bramble Farm Bristol
Bridge Farm, Glenfrome Road, BS16 1BQ
Corner between Glenfrome Road and Bell Hill (under M32 bridge)
Sunday 16 June, 11am–4pm (now also offering a lunch spot)
The Farm hosts self-organised volunteer groups cultivating food, herbs, flowers, and trees. It includes communal vegetable gardens, a developing food forest, flower patches, perennial vegetables, and a tree nursery. We also raise pigs and chickens, emphasising healthy soil and organic practices while preserving wild areas. During the event, enjoy our café, site tours, talks on food forest gardening principles, workshops on seed sowing, tree life cycles and mushroom bed preparation, hands-on activities, and a plant sale. Visit our website and social media for workshop details and volunteer opportunities. Bridgefarmbristol.co.uk
Email: bristolbridgefarm@gmail.com
Behind Gainspace, Gainsborough Square, Lockleaze, BS7 9XA
Access to the garden is down the slope directly behind Hong Kong Takeaway, Gainsborough Square Open access site 24/7 all year round
Staff on site Saturday 15 June, 10am–12pm
Join us for a garden-themed craft and fun activity on Saturday. Discover what’s growing, share your tips and enjoy a cuppa in peaceful surroundings. Meet new people, talk about nature and find out how you can get involved in this delightful community garden.
Volunteer sessions: Wednesdays & Saturdays 10am-12pm
lockleazehub.org.uk
Phone: 0117 914 1129
Dame Emily Park, close to Morley Rd entrance, BS3 1DL
Open access site 24/7 all year round
Volunteers on site Saturday 15 June, 2–4pm
During the Get Growing Trail, volunteers will participate in planting and digging activities. Visitors can receive free herbs, engage in nature-related kids’ activities, and purchase plants. Additionally, enjoy coffee and snacks while chatting with volunteers. Plus visitors are welcome to engage in discussions about the environmental emergency.
Volunteer sessions: Mondays 5–6pm
Email: dameemilypark@gmail.com
Facebook: Dame Emily Park
Instagram: @dameemilypark
Between 58-60 Gordon Road, Whitehall, BS5 7DR
eastoncommunitygarden.org.uk/where-we-are
Sunday 16 June, 11am–3pm
Come along and see how we grow in our permaculture garden that is community owned and run in the heart of BS5.
Volunteer sessions: Sundays & Wednesdays 11am–2pm
eastoncommunitygarden.org.uk
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 on foot/bike.
Saturday 15 June, 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.
www.elmtreefarm.org
Facebook: Elm Tree Farm
Instagram: @elmtreecarefarm
Elm Park, by Filton Leisure Centre, BS34 7PS
Access from leisure centre car park or A4174 Open access site 24/7 all year round
Volunteers on site Saturday 15 June, 11am–1pm
Join our regular volunteers as we plant vegetables and tend to the garden. We provide equipment and guidance. Explore our fairy tree, pond, orchard, and herb beds. Children can enjoy fun garden activities. Take a guided tour to see how we support pollinators and wildlife and adjust planting for dry summers. Learn about our community involvement for inclusivity. Volunteer sessions: alternate Saturdays 11am–1pm
Email: communitygarden@filtontowncouncil.gov.uk
Facebook: Filton Community Garden
Barnstaple Road, Knowle, BS4 1JP
Saturday 15 June, 9am–4pm
Our project started in March 2024 to encourage Knowle residents to connect with food, gardening and nature. The new raised bed has been designed as an F-shape for Filwood. You’ll find a variety of fruit and vegetables including a cut-flower patch and herb bed. Buy plants grown by the volunteers, sow vegetable seeds, try some of the homegrown produce and make bug hotels. Filwood Community Centre is also hosting Knowle West Fest this weekend – see our website for details.
www.filwoodcentre.org.uk
Facebook: Filwood Community Centre
Instagram: @filwoodcentre
Thingwall Park Allotments, Fishponds, BS16 2AE
Access is via two entrances to the allotments off Thingwall Park. Follow signs for about 300m down through the allotments to the orchard
Saturday 15 June, 2–5pm
The orchard covers three adjoining plots bordering the Frome Valley. It contains a wide variety of fruit trees, grown organically and managed to encourage wildlife. Some of the trees are rare Gloucestershire varieties. There are also edible hedges, a small pond and willow den, picnic tables and benches. Visit this beautiful space and learn about how the orchard has developed, the regular events and activities and how it is managed by its volunteers and supported by its members.
Email: fishpondsorchard@gmail.com
Facebook: Fishponds Community Orchard
Purple Patch Market Garden, Watercress Farm, Boiling Wells Lane, BS2 9XY
Please walk or cycle. Nearest parking is on Stottbury Road – follow the footpath downhill to the garden. For access by car, please contact us in advance. Coming from St Werburghs, keep going to the end of Boiling Wells Lane where it becomes a cycle/footpath, and just before it turns uphill towards Muller Road.
Saturday 15 & Sunday 16 June, 11am-1pm
Explore our market garden where we grow produce for our members locally and an abundance of flowers. Guided tour at 11am. On Saturday enjoy a coffee or food from our friend Chez Candice who also sells our flowers.
Volunteer sessions: Fridays 9am-12noon & occasional Saturdays
www.gardenfolk.org
End of Monk Road, BS7 8NE
We are though the allotment gates down the lane behind the prison walls
Saturday 15 June, 10am–1pm
Come and join us in our beautiful garden for cake and tea. They’ll be some plants for sale and garden tours and pond dipping for kids and the young at heart. Our child friendly and wheelchair-accessible site has 40+ raised beds, two ponds, an edible forest and a straw-bale building. Our peaceful site is a haven for wildlife and feels a million miles away from nearby Gloucester Road.
Volunteer sessions: Wednesdays 10am–4pm
www.thegoldenhillcommunitygarden.com
Facebook: The Golden Hill Community Garden
Instagram: @ghcommunitygarden
181 Frenchay Park Road, Stapleton, BS16 1EL
Sunday 16 June, 10am–1.30pm
Our mission at Grow Wilder is to bring about urgent action for the restoration of wildlife. We do this through sharing knowledge, skills and empowering people, communities and businesses to make positive changes through wildlife-friendly gardening and sustainable food growing. During the opening times we will be running a couple of site visits, and our land partners Sims Hill Shared Harvest will be running a volunteers’ day.
Volunteering ongoing – see website or social media.
growwilder.co.uk avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/explore/grow-wilder
Hillfields Park, Thicket Avenue, Hillfields, BS16 4EP
Open access site 24/7 all year round
Volunteers on site Saturday 15 June, 10am–1pm
A monthly group for all ages, growing edible plants, litter picking and building structures for the garden. We also harvest, prepare, cook and share a hot vegan meal in the park for all volunteers to share.
Volunteer sessions: every third Saturday 10am–1pm
hillfieldscommunitygarden.co.uk
Phone: 0770 905 3290
Facebook: Hillfields Community Garden
Nearest postcode BS7 8JP
Walk down the lane beside 22 Kings Drive (between Bishop Road & Kellaway Avenue), turn left and it’s the first gate on the right OR take the lane beside 134 Longmead Avenue (BS7 8QQ) until you come to the last gate on the left
Saturday 15 June, 2-5pm
Celebrating 26 years of inspiring fruit growing as a way to grow community, wellbeing, and local food. Activities include ‘Bee Active, Bee Fruitful!’ a new community pollinator project for year-round food forage and shelter for the many kinds of insects that pollinate our fruit. Learn from our experiments with nature-friendly fruit tree care. Fundraising taster sessions: including Summer Pruning and Fruitful Drawing. Support the orchard – join HOCO.
community-orchard.org.uk
Theynes Croft, Long Ashton, BS41 9NA
Across the public foot bridge that crosses Ashton Brook into a field, we are on the left after arriving in the field
Sunday 16 June, 10am–4pm
Long Ashton Growers (LAG) is a community cooperative established in 2015 with the purpose of growing organic food locally in Long Ashton to reduce our community’s impact on the natural environment and to manage land sustainably through low carbon means. About 40 individuals grow food communally and share the produce. Much of our land is managed using No Dig techniques, we produce all our own compost on site. Surplus produce is donated to Nailsea Food Bank. Our team will be on site to share our experience of working together and the benefits of No Dig!
Facebook: Long Ashton Growers Community Co-operative
Off Malago Greenway Cycle Track between Marksbury Road and Parson Street, BS3 Entrance via either Marksbury Road or Parson Street. Open access site 24/7 all year round
Saturday 15 June, 10.30am–1pm
A maze in the heart of BS3 made out of more than 16 varieties of berries for all ages to enjoy. Enjoy identifying and foraging for the various berries.
Facebook: The Malago Greenway Berry Maze
Metford Road, Redland, BS6 7LA Next to number 37
Sunday 16 June, 12–5pm
Mature organic orchard/forest garden following permaculture principles, includes apples, plums, pears, grapes, figs, medlars, mulberry, quince, almond, soft fruits, herbs, and wildflowers. Features mixed hedges, a stream, and numerous sunken baths, fostering abundant wildlife. Terrain is steep and uneven, requiring sturdy footwear. Amenities include a compost toilet and a green oak shelter. Light refreshments, guided tours, possible quizzes or treasure hunts, and a warm welcome for fellow nature enthusiasts. Regrettably, accessibility is limited to those without mobility issues, which cannot be altered.
mrco.wikidot.com
The Pavillion, Redcatch Park, Broadwalk, Knowle, BS4 2RD
Saturday 15 June, 10.30am–2.30pm
Garden Tours at 11am & 1pm
We are a community garden growing edible and plant produce using innovative gardening techniques and repurposing old materials. We use a No Dig approach and organic principles. We grow sustainably to encourage soil health and biodiversity. Produce is turned into food available for our Roots Café and events, or sold in our shop. The garden supports our mental health and well-being groups and visiting school groups. Come meet the Gardening Team, tour the growing area and ask questions. This event coincides with our WECA Pollinators Day where there will be a range of talks available – full details on our website.
www.redcatchcommunitygarden.com
St Pauls Learning Centre Garden, 94 Grosvenor Road BS2 8XJ
Ask at reception of St Pauls Learning Centre, the garden is around the back.
Sunday 16 June, 2–5pm
We are a small community garden growing organic fruit and veg and flowers in a sunny spot in St Pauls. We will have a range of activities on site on Sunday 16 June – we will be creating leaf and petal cloth art (hapa zome printing) as well as sowing nasturtiums and lettuces to take home!
Volunteer sessions: Tuesdays 1–3.30pm
www.stpaulslc.co.uk
Instagram: @roots_n_fruits_
Royate Hill Allotments, nearest postcode BS5 7EN
Saturday 15 June, 12–3pm
We have a large variety of apple, pear and plum species, sadly none yet ripe, and allotment vegetable growing. We use a wide range of techniques to ensure sustainability.
Facebook: Royate Hill Community Orchard
St George Park, St George, BS5 7AA Bandstand Community Garden is next to The Bake Box café in the centre of the park
Open access site 24/7 all year round
Volunteers on site Saturday 15 June, 9.30–11am
The community garden comprises a central circular bed planted with pollinator-friendly flowering plants and herbs, encircled by four large raised beds planted up with vegetables and fruit trees. The produce is for everyone to harvest and enjoy. A gardening session, depending on the season, would involve planting out young plants or sowing seeds, weeding, mulching and watering.
Volunteer sessions: 1st Saturday of month May–October, 9.30–11am
friendsofstgeorgepark.org.uk
Email: info@friendsofstgeorgepark.org.uk
Facebook: Friends of St George Park
Sylvan Way, Sea Mills, nearest postcode BS9 2LB Find us up the lane between 43 & 45 Sylvan Way. Park on Sylvan Way, walk up lane and turn left at the top
Saturday 15 June, 1–4pm
Community growing area with raised beds and some paths suitable for wheelchair users. Forage garden where we grow in a more nature-friendly way. Wildlife pond and a recently sown meadow area. Guided tours and some children’s activities will be available.
Volunteer sessions: Wednesdays & Thursdays, 1–4pm
smci.org.uk
Thingwall Park Allotments, Fishponds, BS16 2AE
We are next to Fishponds Community Orchard
Saturday 15 June, 2–5pm
The Food Bank Plot is run by volunteers and in the growing season it supports several local food banks. The plot has an open aspect, is on a slight incline and some of it is on claggy, clay soil. Visitors can view the plot easily, but at the moment we cannot invite visitors onto the plot as the ground is very uneven and still has bits of glass here and there. Volunteers will be on hand to talk about and show photos of the plot’s development.
Wainbrook Drive, Claybottom, BS5 7EG Walk to the end of Wainbrook Drive, go under the tunnel, The Haven is straight ahead
Saturday 15 June, 11am–4pm
The Haven is a community nature project set up by and for people in recovery from addiction, mental health challenges, social isolation and trauma. Join us for an art in nature session, Saturday 2pm. (For anyone coming along to try cyanotype as part of the art session please bring a clip frame so processing can be finished at home just in case we don’t enough sunshine – the best time to join will be from midday to early afternoon) Open days: Tuesday and Fridays 11am–4pm
Volunteer sessions: Thursdays 1–4pm
www.havenlandcommunity.org
Phone: 0752 328 7919
At the bottom of Park Street, Totterdown, BS4 3BJ
Open access site 24/7 all year round Volunteers on site
Saturday 15 June, 10am-12noon
A small wasteland area left over from the 1970s clearances in Totterdown which has been lovingly cleared and planted to create a beautiful wildlife habitat and site for fruit trees and bushes. Fruit trees include apple, pear, quince and cherry and there is a large old unique apple tree probably grown from seed. Work parties are organised through a WhatsApp group which is open for interested people to join.
www.tresa.org.uk
Woodwell Road, Shirehampton, BS11 9UG
Woodwell Road access is a left turn off the Portway by the speed cameras/pedestrian crossing
Saturday 15 June, 10.30am–3pm
Tynings Field Community Group manages an area of land that is part of Tynings Field Allotments. We grow vegetables and fruit on individual plots, but unlike a normal allotment, together we manage an orchard with various fruit trees and wildflowers, and we manage the upkeep of the whole site. We are pesticide and fertiliser-free, and are discouraging the use of plastics on plots as much as possible.
Facebook: Tynings Field Community Group
The Holmes, Stoke Park Rd, Stoke Bishop, BS9 1JG
10am–4.30pm 7 days a week
Sunday 16 June, 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. Wildflower 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. Refreshments on the west terrace provided by Chandos Deli.
botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk
Email: botanic-gardens@bristol.ac.uk
Phone: 0117 428 2041
Philip Street, Bedminster, BS3 4EA Opposite Asda in Bedminster
Saturday 15 June & Sunday 16 June, 9am–5pm
Windmill Hill City Farm is a 4.5-acre green space in South Bristol. On site, you’ll find community gardens, a variety of farm animals, a play area, picnic areas and a café and farm shop.
windmillhillcityfarm.org.uk
So, what change do you want to see happen that will transform food in Bristol by 2030? Do you already have an idea for how Bristol can make this happen? Join the conversation now.
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