Friends of Horfield Common at the Ardagh Monthly Market

Thank you to everyone who helped make our information stall at the Ardagh Monthly Market such a success. From organising, setting up and chatting with visitors, to investing in a handy table and designing our bright new banner, it was a real team effort... and what a beautiful autumnal day it was for it!

Our aim was to highlight the work Friends of Horfield Common are doing to look after and improve this much-loved space, and to hear directly from local people about what matters most to them. Over the course of the day, we spoke with many interested locals of all ages — families, dog walkers, regular park users and those simply enjoying the market atmosphere.

It was particularly heartening to welcome twenty-eight new supporters who signed up to become Friends, and our brand-new donations box had a very positive first outing. Every contribution helps us continue our community projects, from habitat creation to public events and educational activities. Thank you to everyone who gave so generously.

We were delighted to receive so much positive feedback about how the Common has developed over the past couple of years. Visitors mentioned the growing number of wildflower patches, the longer grass in areas managed for wildlife, less litter, and the engaging educational sessions that have taken place. People were especially enthusiastic about our ongoing rewilding work, the creation of mosaic habitats, the installation of bat boxes, and the exciting plans for the new Quab pond at the bottom of the Common. Many commented that it has become a more welcoming and interesting space for both people and nature.

As always, the conversations also brought some valuable ideas for what could make the Common even better. Suggestions included setting aside more areas to allow nature to flourish, improving the walking route near the Leisure Centre — particularly the section that becomes muddy and boggy in wet weather — and organising more hands-on nature activities such as bug hunts, plant identification sessions and mini wildlife surveys. These ideas will help guide our future plans and community events.

A huge thank you once again to everyone who came to say hello, shared ideas, signed up, or simply stopped for a friendly chat. It was a real reminder of how much the Common means to local people, and how much can be achieved when the community comes together to protect and enhance it.

If you would like to get involved, share your ideas, or hear about future events, please sign up to our mailing list or follow us on Facebook.