Help us with tasks to maintain and improve Goblin Combe Lodge site and woodland.
Next session: Monday 29th April 2024
Time: 10am - 2pm, or whatever you can
Location: Goblin Combe Lodge, Cleeve Hill Road, Cleeve, Bristol, North Somerset, BS40 5PP
What3Words: burns.leathers.coached
Activities: Tasks will be varied and may include DIY and maintenance on lodge, cottage and outdoor facilities, woodland brush clearance, path repairs, habitat creation, species monitoring.
• Please note all activities are due to take place outside. Please bring layers and a waterproof in case of cold and rainy weather
• Wear old clothes that you won’t mind getting muddy or a little dirty; there are ticks in the area so long trousers may be advisable – if shorts are worn please check for ticks at the end of the day
• Solid/sturdy but comfortable shoes or boots – no open toes or heels
• Gloves and any personal protective equipment will be provided but you are welcome to bring your own if preferred
• Please bring sun cream and a sun hat if it is forecast to be a hot day
Getting there: The entrance is marked by a waymarker sign reading 'Goblin Combe Lodge' on Cleeve Hill Road. You will need to go through the gate off the road, which takes you along the right hand side of a small caravan site (not owned by Groundwork), and then there is a second gate through to our site at the end of the drive. Please ensure both gates are closed behind you when entering and leaving the site.
For those who are travelling by car, there is plenty of parking available at the bottom of the drive by the lodge and field – though we would recommend car sharing if possible.
If you prefer to travel by public transport, buses from Bristol City Centre and from Weston stop on the A370 main road in Cleeve, and you can then walk approx. 1 mile up the hill or through the woodland to reach our site. Please note there is no pedestrian pavement on the road.
About Goblin Combe
Goblin Combe is situated in the heart of North Somerset, covering 130 acres of woodland. It is an SNCI and SSSI, and a site of historic interest from the Iron Age.
Our site, on the edge of the woodland, features a 38-bed lodge, listed cottage, yurt, outdoor classroom and camping field. We used to use the woodland as an outdoor classroom for people of all ages (toddlers through to people in their 80’s), working with schools, community groups, rehabilitation centres and more, with several of these groups also using the residential lodge. However use of the site began to decline and Groundwork South took the decision to close it temporarily whilst the future of the site was reviewed. Throughout this period, the woodland continued to be hugely popular with local residents and visitors from north Somerset and beyond, and thanks to interest and support from a range of local stakeholders as well as the Groundwork South Board of Trustees the site was re-opened to hirers in 2022 and has been re-launching a programme of outdoor and environmental education activities.
In order to help us get there, we’ve benefited from the support of local volunteers, who have been carrying out a wide range of activities to improve the site. Having the support of volunteers is vital to help us to continue making improvements to the lodge site and woodland space as well.
Thank you for volunteering and making it possible!
Who are Groundwork and what do we do?
Groundwork South has owned Goblin Combe lodge and a large part of the woodland since 2014.
Groundwork is a federation of charities mobilising practical community action on poverty and the environment across the UK.
We’re passionate about creating a future where every neighbourhood is vibrant and green, every community is strong and able to shape its own destiny and no-one is held back by their background or circumstances.
We create better places
By making communities greener, safer and healthier and by enabling people to work together to bring about change in their local area
We improve people’s prospects
By increasing the confidence, skills, wellbeing and employability of those struggling in education or out of work.
We promote greener choices
To help people and businesses reduce their environmental impact, improve their health, cut waste and save money.