The Town Green, Clifton Wood

The Town Green, Clifton Wood, otherwise known as Ambra Vale East Community Garden is a small area of land which was first claimed for the community in 1980 and registered as a Town Green in 2004.  The Green is dearly loved by the local community who have tended it for the last thirty years but is open to all.

You can see the full history of the Town Green dating back to the 18th Century here.

1. The Town Green from the East

In recent times, the communal area has been extended and the banks planted out. A barbecue and picnic table were constructed and are used in all weathers

2. A damp barbecue!

The Green is a focus for community events: pancake races, an Easter egg hunt, Halloween and dressing the Christmas tree to name a few. 

The Town Green has received much recognition including being rated outstanding in the RHS Britain in Bloom scheme and Gold awards from Bristol in Bloom.

3. Dressing the Christmas tree.

Sadly, social events and gardening to a high standard have been impossible in the past 2 years.

Two years ago, the wall behind the garden had extensive repairs and the garden was fenced off for a year.

Then Covid-19 struck and we were unable to have events or work parties. However, the garden became an invaluable place of retreat and peace where distancing was possible.

4. Halloween

Now Covid-19 restrictions are easing we have been able to resume work on the garden. The steps and banks, which had become unsafe, have been repaired and we have laid fresh chippings to prevent accidents on the muddy surfaces.  

This was made possible by the generous help of the HCCA for which we are extremely grateful. 

5. Spreading the chippings.

The seating area has been extended to facilitate social distancing, and the summerhouse, Wendy house, and the shed have been painted. A little library for local residents has been established in the summer house.

These projects required over two hundred and fifty hours of voluntary labour.  More volunteers are welcome, details of how to join the team are displayed on the Town Green noticeboard. 

6. The new seating area