We had another successful workday at Garthorne Road Nature Reserve on Saturday. We cleared several areas of two invasive species: Holm oak (Quercus ilex) which is a native to the Eastern Mediterranean but has been naturalised in the UK. It lends itself well to shaping and is found in parks and gardens. Holm oak is not as valuable to wildlife as native English and sessile oaks, but its catkins provide a source of pollen for bees and other insects, the other species is Wild clematis (Clematis vitalba) also known as Travellers joy. The flowers of this plant are visited by pollinating insects during the day, such as bees as well as hoverflies. Traveller’s joy is also a food plant for moth species such as the pretty chalk carpet moth, Melanthia procellata; the small waved umber, Horisme vitalbata; the small emerald, Hemistola chrysoprasaria, as well as others. The seedheads of this plant also provide a food source for birds, such as goldfinches. Both can hinder the growth of other plants so clearing the area, we hope other plant species will thrive.

If you are interested in getting involved in our conservation work day, please contact as by filling in the form on the main page Garthorne Road Nature Reserve or via one of our social media pages

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We had a really successful day at our wok day on Saturday. Thanks to all the volunteers. We tided up the area around the ‘Secret’ pond, digging up the brambles and cutting back invasive species.

We strengthened the dead hedge. We also sowed some ‘wild’ flower seeds. The area should be full of wildlife come spring and summer.

If you are interested in getting involved in our conservation work day, please contact as by filling in the form on the main page Garthorne Road Nature Reserve or via one of our social media pages

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• Garthorne Road Nature Reserve

Saturday 21st March 2 – 5pm

The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve are excited to open the site for the first time this year, just as the spring flowers begin to bloom and bees and butterflies emerge. Explore this hidden green sanctuary at your own pace with a self-guided tree walk,

Suggested Donation: £2

Location Information: Consider using public transportation if possible. There is free parking available on nearby streets. Limited bike parking available

Nearest Railway Station: Southern Rail & London Overground: Honor Oak Park (10-minute walk)

Buses: Honor Oak Park stop :P4 & P12 (10 minute walk) Brockley Park (Brockley Rise) Stop: 122 & 171 Forest Hill Fire Station: 122 & 185

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The Reserve is now closed for winter and will reopen in March 2026

The Friends look forward to your visit, offering the public a chance to explore this quiet oasis in Forest Hill and see what has been done to improve the site during the winter shutdown. Bring along a picnic to enjoy.

Our Open Days are on the Third Saturday of each month from March – October.

March 21th

April 18th

May 16th

June 20th – Art in Nature

July 18th

August 15th

September 19th – Annual Bake-off

October 17th

Sorry No Dogs, BBQ’S or cycling allowed on the reserve

Please contact us:

We held our annual event on Saturday, 20th September, inviting members of the public to bake a cake and bring it along to be judged by Arturo. It was a successful day, raising funds for our plans to purchase bench gabions. These are metal cages filled with bricks, tiles, and old pottery, which are excellent for supporting invertebrates.

Last Open day of the year

The ‘Friends’ will be opening the reserve for the last time this year on Saturday 18th before closing for the winter. There will be a self guided tree walk will be available. Bring a picnic and explore the reserve’s many species of wildlife.

Find Us

Sorry No BBQ’S, riding of electric scooters, bikes or dogs allowed in the reserve.

Please use public transport if possible

Nearest Railway station: Honor Oak Park (10 mins walk)

Buses: Honor Oak Park Station: P4 & P12 (10 mins walk)

Brockley Rise: ( Brockley Park) 122 & 171 (7 mins walk)

Forest Hill Fire Station (Stanstead Road) 122 & 185 (7 mins walk)

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Garthorne Road was once part of the Great North Wood which used to cover from New Cross to Selhurst which Chris Schuler wrote this book about the history and the people that live in here.

Available from Sandstone Press or any good book shop

Friends of Garthorne Road Nature

Reserve Bake-off 2025

The ‘Friends’ will be holding this annual event. The rest of reserve will also be open to explore and also a children mini beast hunt and a self guided tree walk will be available. Bring a picnic and explore the reserve’s many species of wildlife.

Find us here

Sorry No BBQ’S, riding of electric scooters, bikes or dogs allowed in the reserve.

Please use public transport if possible

Nearest Railway station: Honor Oak Park (10 mins walk)

Buses: Honor Oak Park Station: P4 & P12 (10 mins walk)

Brockley Rise: ( Brockley Park) 122 & 171 (7 mins walk)

Forest Hill Fire Station (Stanstead Road) 122 & 185 (7 mins walk)

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Come along and support the reserve and bring a picnic and enjoy getting close to nature.

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Saturday 19th October

2 -5pm

The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve are opening the reserve for the last time this year. We will be having a Childrens Mini-beast hunt as well as a self guided tree walk is available. Come and bring a picnic and enjoy the surrounding and the wildlife. Also see your newly planted native hedge.

Sorry No Dogs, Scoters or BBQ’S

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