Growing Sport, Growing Nature: A New Series of Community Events at Hambrook Sports Club

Did you know that one of South Gloucestershire's loveliest little wildflower meadows sits right next to Hambrook Sports Club?

Close up of grasses and wildflowers on the Little Common at Whiteshill, Hambrook. Photograph source: Frome Valley Environmental Network.

This autumn we're launching a brand-new series of nature and environment events at Hambrook Sports Club, bringing together local people to discover, protect and celebrate the incredible wildlife on our doorstep. Whether you're a footballer, cricketer, dog walker, nature lover or simply curious about where you live, these events are for you.

Since February, we've been working with Bristol Climate and Nature Partnership to create a Community Climate and Nature Action Plan for Hambrook Sports Club with our members, volunteers and the surrounding community. This work will explore our environmental impact and how we can make our club more resilient, greener and healthier for everyone. Hambrook Sports Club is one of just six organisations across the West of England selected to help shape community-led climate and nature action!

Why should a sports club care about climate and nature?

Quite simply, because climate change is already affecting grassroots sport. As a community football and cricket club, we rely on healthy grass pitches. Over winter we see more games cancelled because of waterlogged or frozen surfaces, while hotter, drier summers mean more challenging conditions for play, harder pitches, rising maintenance costs and greater pressure on volunteers to keep facilities safe and playable. The Government estimates the financial impact climate change will have on grassroots sport will be £320m.

Looking after nature isn't separate from looking after sport—it's part of the same story. Healthy soils, trees, wildflower meadows and natural habitats all help improve drainage, support biodiversity, reduce flooding and create more resilient green spaces that benefit players, wildlife and the wider community. Later this month, we'll be working with Bristol and Avon Wildlife Trust to run a biodiversity assessment of the land surrounding the club, to form part of our climate and nature action plan. This will also be important as we look to refurbish the club, ensuring that we increase local biodiversity.

The new orchard planted March 2026 on the Little Common at Whiteshill, Hambrook. Image copyright Naomi Bowler.

A hidden gem on Whiteshill Common

Many people don't realise that volunteers from Hambrook Cricket Club help maintain Whiteshill Common on behalf of Winterbourne Parish Council in exchange for the club's use of the land. It's a brilliant example of how grassroots sport can give something back to the local environment. A group of local volunteers (including me, Chair of the club!) have also been helping to plant and care for trees around the common to help increase biodiversity.

One of the Common's real treasures is the wildflower meadow on the "Little Common", which was created by Frome Valley Environmental Network with funding from West of England Combines Authority in 2022. Over the years it has developed into a haven for wildlife, with an impressive variety of native wildflowers including pyramidal orchids, cowslips, harebells, field scabious, bird's-foot trefoil, kidney vetch, ox-eye daisies, black knapweed, yellow rattle, viper's bugloss, marjoram and many more.

Summer grasses visible on the Little Common at Whiteshill Common, Hambrook. Image copyright Frome Valley Environmental Network.

These flowers don't just look beautiful—they provide essential food and habitat for bees, butterflies and other pollinators that are vital to healthy ecosystems.

Get involved this September

Winterbourne Parish Council and Frome Valley Environmental Network are kicking off the series with two fantastic opportunities to get involved:

🌾 Free Scything Workshop – Friday 19 September

Learn the traditional skill of scything and help manage the wildflower meadow on Whiteshill Common. No experience is needed and all equipment is provided.

Book your free place.

🌳 Tree Care Day – Friday 19 September

Join local volunteers to care for young trees on Whiteshill Common and learn how simple conservation work can make a lasting difference for wildlife and the local landscape. Book your place.

We'll also be hosting a series of free events at the club, including films, guided walks, talks, practical conservation sessions and family-friendly activities at the club, all designed to help people discover more about the amazing natural environment around Hambrook and the surrounding villages. Check out our events page to find out more and book.

Whether you're interested in local wildlife, want to learn new skills, care about the future of grassroots football and cricket, or simply fancy spending time outdoors with friendly people, we'd love you to join us.

Together we can protect our local nature, strengthen our community and help ensure Hambrook Sports Club continues to thrive on Whiteshill Common for generations to come.