Bristol is literally a green city, with a fabulous variety of parks, woods and other open spaces. The Avon Gorge is both a geological wonder and the home to plant species, such as the Bristol whitebeam and Bristol rockcress, which are found nowhere else in the UK. Ashton Court, Blaise Castle and The Downs are fascinating places in which to play, walk, ride and explore nature.

Appreciating the value of Bristol's open spaces and natural resources the city council recently adopted both an extensive Biodiversity Action Plan and an ambitious twenty-year development plan which aims to give everyone access to a park within easy walking distance. A related venture, Bristol Living Rivers, endeavours to engage the public in an ongoing campaign to maintain and improve the city's waterways.

But the council is by no means working alone in these ventures. The citizens of Bristol are fierce guardians of their natural environment, keen both to pressure and to work alongside the city authorities, as they do in the running of local parks. Avon Wildlife Trust (AWT) plays a vital role both in managing numerous Local Nature Reserves and in encouraging people to enjoy nature.

Education is a priority of the Bristol Natural History Consortium, a unique alliance between the city and a host of resident experts. Bristol Zoo Gardens and AWT are represented, as are the Universities of Bristol and the West of England, along with national agencies and the BBC Natural History Unit. The BNHC is responsible for the city's annual Festival of Nature, as well as events like Bioblitz, in which scientists, schoolchildren and members of the public race to identify all the species within a given area.

Bristol is also keen to exploit local woodlands as a commercial resource. While the council explores the possibilities of growing coppice willow as a fuel crop, the Forest of Avon is becoming a centre of expertise in traditional crafts and furniture making.