As a valuable wildlife area close to the centre of the city, the Avon New Cut is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species.
Walks organised by FrANC include bird, tree and wildflower identification and discovery; one with Bristol Naturalists Society explored and recorded bug life on the riverbank near Vauxhall bridge.
Look out for any future walks in the What’s On section on our home page or join our mailing list to become a member and stay informed:
Birds
Over 30 species of birds have been seen along the New Cut, including the grey heron and the cormorant.
Both birds eat fish from the New Cut, an indicator of the health of the waterway. (Birds list)
Recording of Bat Sounds
Plants
More than 120 species of flowering plants are present between Gaol Ferry Bridge and Ashton Avenue Bridge.
Look out especially for the rare Ivy Broomrape growing on ivy-covered sections of the banks of the Cut. Recognised by a yellowish-purple stem and creamy flowers, it is unusual in that it is a parasite of ivy roots.
The Ivy Broomrape is illustrated on the FrANC logo.
See our plants list (pdf), our flowering plants list (pdf) and our ‘springwatch’ survey (pdf).
Trees
At least 30 species of trees have been noted along the New Cut, including one or two rather large fig trees.
As non-native to the UK, it is believed that these grew up from fruits discarded by passing sailors when the New Cut was in regular use.
See our trees list (pdf)
Butterflies and moths
Wanting to take some preventative action over the decline of butterflies and moths in our area, we maintain a patch of scrubland on an abandoned industrial site close to the Create Centre and Ashton Avenue bridge and have named it ‘Butterfly Junction’.
Go to the Butterfly Junction page for more information about butterflies and moths.
