Friends of Horfield Common (FOHC) started in 2006 when a group of neighbours and interested residents decided to work together to ensure continued access to, availability of, and improvement of the state of Horfield Common. Friends of Horfield Common work in partnership with Bristol City Council and other interested organisations and groups.
They hold regular meetings at Ardagh Sports Club which are well-attended by a wide range of representatives and individuals from a large-number of groups who use the common, local residents and other interested parties which have included Bristol City Council, Avon and Somerset Constabulary, Monks Park School, Local Anti-Graffiti groups, Tesco and local Neighbourhood Watch groups.
The group are very active and organise different events throughout the year, the summer family picnic is always a lovely community day. For information on current campaigns and events linked to Horfield Common please go to the ‘In the Community’ tab on this website or visit the Friends of Horfield Common website. Stay up to date with activity on the common via their Facebook page Friends of Horfield Common or Twitter @FOHC_Bristol. This is an extremely friendly group that always welcomes new members to take part in lots of the interesting projects they are running.
The Friends of St Andrews Park (FoSAP) welcomes anybody that uses the beautiful park in St Andrews. They want to keep it beautiful and an asset for the local people and those who travel from further away to enjoy the activities including, swimming, sliding, walking, running or just sitting!
The group have regular productive meetings (that are open to all), see the ‘What’s On’ section of this website for future meeting dates or visit the FoSAP website.
There are different interest groups within the Friends to include, Appearance/Restoration, Anti-social behaviour, Bristol Park Forum, Graffiti, Social and Arts, Publicity, Recycling and Litter, Play area and Wildlife.
Some wonderful events take place in the park from regular bird watching walks to ‘Park Arts’ – a family day for the whole community with a wealth of visual and musical arts. To keep up to date with events and articles that relate to the park visit the ‘In the Community’ tab on this website or the FoSAP website.
The Golden Hill Community Garden aims to increase the skills and confidence of local people in growing food through volunteering and training. It aims to provide a supportive atmosphere where everyone feels valued and also promote healthy food and healthy activity. The project is inclusive and site accessible. They welcome everyone to come and get involved and especially welcome volunteers with physical and/or mental ill health or impairments, people with learning difficulties as well as children and young people.
They hope that everyone can join in with food growing, taking up learning opportunities, and experiencing the restorative enjoyment of being in an outdoor natural environment. The site uses organic methods and aims to encourage a diversity of wildlife.
The Golden Hill Community Garden recognises the value and importance of volunteering. They value diversity and the range wide of skills and perspectives a diverse group of volunteers can bring. They believe that the garden benefits from having a range of volunteers just as volunteering and gardening benefits individuals. They also aim to financially sustainable through social enterprise.
They also run a toddler group, kids’ playscheme, community events, rent out raised beds and Bale House to community groups and much more!
The Community Garden is open every Wednesday 10am to 4pm. If you have any questions or would like to be put on their mailing list to receive cheery updates from the garden then please get in touch by phone or e-mail.
This community-supported orchard project was started by members of Avon Organic Group in 1998 on the Horfield (H&DAA) allotment site between Bishop Road and Longmead Avenue. The orchard is home to about 100 fruiting trees, including local, unusual, and historic varieties of plum, apple and pear. It also has cherries, apricots, medlar, quince, grape vines, nuts, and soft fruit.The Orchard is a little piece of countryside set amongst the houses of Bishopston and Horfield.
It is open to the public on Apple Day in October (usually the third Sunday). Local people are invited to wander, find out more about the varieties grown, as well as sample the wide range of apples. All ages are encouraged to have a go at apple pressing, and to taste the delicious juice produced. In January the orchard is wassailed – trees are decorated, and toasted, to wish them good health for the year ahead and encourage a rich harvest.Working members manage all aspects of the orchard – everything from planning and planting, to pruning, composting, and harvesting.
Working meetings take place on the second-last Saturday of the month - no matter what the weather - and at other times by arrangement. Supporting members are invited to special celebrations, and to take part in training days. The group is also exploring new ways to include families with young children. Working Membership is open to anyone willing to share the work and the harvests. No previous fruit growing experience is needed. HOCO also welcomes supporting members/friends. To find out more about this lively and hands-on local food project please get in touch.