Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Open Days 2023
News
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Bake-off and Open Day Saturday 17th September 2 – 5pm
The Friends are holding their annual Bake off with prizes and also reserve Open Day come and have a look around to see the wildlife and bring a picnic along if you want. There will be some children activities such as hunting mini beasts as well a Tree Trail sheet as well.
Suggested donation £2
Please note there are no toilets on the site. Sorry No Dogs or BBQ’S please.
The Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is run wholly by volunteers. Any profits or donations are used to maintain or improve the Nature Reserve and provide educational events for the local community. Donations to the reserve is welcomed.
For further information please contact us:
Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve September Conservation workdays
Saturday 10th & 24th September
11:00am – 3:30pm
The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve are continuing their conservation workdays to maintain and preserve the nature reserve and increase the biodiversity.
About this event
As we draw into Autumn/Winter we start getting busy with important work which will involved tasks such as invasive species control, cutting the butterfly scallops to try and increase the number of butterflies species and coppicing some of the trees. Also will be doing some tree ID training for the volunteers.
If interested please go to the Volunteering workdays page to book your place.
If you have any questions please get in contact the Conservation Co-Ordinator Ernie Thomason at ernestthomason@talktalk.net or garthorne.reserve@gmail.com
Please bring lunch and drinking water and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and sturdy shoes (preferably steel toe cap boots).
Please note there are no toilets on the site you are welcome to find a bush!
Tickets will be offered on a first come first serve basis. There will be a waitlist so if you book a ticket but something comes up and you can no longer attend please cancel your ticket on Eventbrite so that it will become available for someone else.
We’ll continue to maintain the following precautions:
Volunteer numbers will be limited.
Please do not attend if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to isolate by the NHS Test and Trace.
If you do have Covid-19 symptoms or need to isolate and get tested, please inform us should you test positive after recently attending a volunteer session. We will then inform other attendees (anonymously) and advise/take the necessary safety precautions.
Hand sanitiser will be available.
We will maintain distance during tasks and refreshment breaks as much as possible, unless the specific task at hand requires closer contact, in which case, the use of masks is advised, but is ultimately at individual’s discretion.
Contact with shared items (including tools) should be minimised and where possible,
Many thanks and see you soon!
Ernie (Conservation Co-ordinator)
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LATEST – Lewisham wins highest-ever number of Green Flag Awards
Article from Nature Conservation Lewisham Blog
From the Lewisham Council Website
Lewisham’s parks and green spaces have been awarded their highest-ever number of Green Flags, the award given to the very best green spaces in the UK.
The latest green spaces in Lewisham to be given prestigious Green Flag Community Awards are Garthorne Road and Dacres Wood, managed by Lewisham Council with the help of the Friends groups.
In partnership with local groups Lewisham Council has also successfully retained its three existing Community Green Flags for Grove Park and Devonshire Road nature reserves and Albion Millennium Green, as well as its sixteen Green Flags for other parks and green spaces in the borough.
The Green Flag Community Award recognises quality sites managed by voluntary and community groups. Any green space that is freely accessible to the public is eligible to enter for the annual Green Flag Awards, which are based on a set of robust criteria, including accessibility, community involvement, cleanliness and biodiversity.
Lewisham Council, in partnership with Glendale, manages 47 parks and 15 nature reserves in the borough – each with its own unique character and environment. The last 18 months have seen public green spaces play a vital role for residents as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely. Last year, the Council adopted a new Parks and Open Spaces Strategy, which aims to make the borough’s green spaces even better by improving community involvement, boosting biodiversity and getting residents – including young people – more involved in decision-making.
Cllr Patrick Codd, Cabinet Member for Environment and Transport, said:
“Gaining two more prestigious Community Green Flag awards is fantastic news for Lewisham. This achievement wouldn’t be possible without the huge contribution that Friends and volunteers of our nature reserves make. I would like to thank every single resident and community group involved in this effort for helping to give us all healthier and greener neighbourhoods.
“Our nature reserves are a key part of Lewisham Biodiversity Partnership’s new action plan, which the Council recently endorsed as part of our work to create a greener Lewisham for residents and wildlife. As an inner-city borough, we are very proud of the many nature reserves, parks and green spaces that have brought much needed happiness to our residents during the very challenging times of the pandemic.
“The news that two more nature reserves in Lewisham have achieved the Green Flag Community Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the teams that make the borough’s green spaces sanctuaries that everyone can enjoy.”
Nick Lee, Treasurer of the Friends of Garthorne Road said:
“We are excited that Garthorne Road Nature Reserve has received the Green Flag Award. As volunteers who work to protect and develop it, and open it to others, we are pleased and proud to have received the recognition that the Award brings. We thank Lewisham Borough, the volunteers and committee members for the support that they give us in managing the Reserve.”
Paul Todd, Green Flag Award Scheme Manager, said:
“I would like to congratulate everyone involved in making Garthorne Road Nature Reserve and Dacres Wood worthy of a Green Flag Award. To meet the requirements demanded by the scheme is testament to the hard work of the staff and volunteers who do so much to ensure that these two nature reserves have high standards of horticulture, safety and environmental management and are places that support people to live healthy lives.”
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve wins Green Flag Award
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is pleased to announce and been recognised and awarded as a Green Flag Award Community Winner. This is a key criterion for the Green Flag Community Award as it looks to how well the site relates to and encompasses the local and wider community.
- Welcoming Place
- Healthy, Safe and Secure
- Well maintain and Clean
- Environmental management
- Biodiversity, Landscape and Heritage
- Community Involvement
After 18 months that have seen our parks and green spaces play a vital role for people through lockdowns as a place to relax, exercise and meet friends and family safely, the news that Garthorne Road Nature Reserve has achieved the Green Flag Award is testament to the hard work and dedication of the Lewisham Council Conservation team and the reserve’s volunteers in maintaining and open the reserve that make the green space a great space that everyone can enjoy.
The reserve joins Darces Wood in Sydenham as well wider diverse sites as the National Memorial Arboretum in Staffordshire, Woodhouse Park in Peterlee and Chiswick Old Cemetery in London.
Annual Bake-off and Cake Sale 2021
Ours Annual Bake-off and Cake sale was once again a success with very interesting entries from an edible flower cake to an Hungarian cheesecake. We had about 120 visitors and raised about £132.25 towards purchasing interpretation boards for the reserve. Which we had two entries an Adult baker and a Junior baker winners.
More updates to follow.
Network Rail and Mitie workday
We was privileged to getting assistance from Network Rail and Mitie employees to clear the historically amount of fly tipped rubbish from behind Beadnell Road houses consisting from garden waste to bedframe to even an old oven and bits of motorbikes. We manage to fill a 10 yard skip which can take about 100 rubbish bags. Also some very angry wasps other wildlife found was several Slow-worms and a new species never recorded on the site Common toad and Sparrowhawk. A big thank-you to the team for all their hard work and Amanda from Network Rail for organising the event.
Common Toad 
Common Toad 
Female Sparrowhawk 
Slow-worm 
Slow-worm 
Guarding the gate 
The poser 
One of a couple of dumped water tanks 
Beadnell Road entrance 
Bagging up old discarded books 
More bagging up 
Digging deep 
Still on guard 
Digging even deeper 
The team
Female Sparrowhawk photo by Ernest Thomason
Family Afternoon
We are opening the reserve for families to enjoy the site wildlife. Please wear a mask at the entrance when queuing and keep 2m apart from other parties.
Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Taskday
Saturday 30th November 2019
11am – 3:30pm
The Friends will be taking out invasive species such as Snowberry and Holm Oak and will creating a dead hedge to encourage Hedgehogs and invertebrates to use. Also planting a Hornbeam tree.
All the workdays run from 11am – 3:3:30pm with a break about 1pm, bring food and drink if required. Please let us know so we can provide sufficient tools for the number of volunteers expected and please let as know when at the gate by phoning or texting Ernie (Chair and Taskday organiser) or you are coming at the last minute on 07707023359 as the gate is kept closed due to licence conditions by Network Rail.
We have gloves in limited supply, please bring gardening gloves if you have them and wear appropriate clothing and footwear for the weather and safety (No sandals please). The program of taskdays is subject to change or cancellation at short notice due to weather conditions and other matter out of the control of the friends groups. Tasks maybe swapped between workdays as necessary and maybe subject to weather conditions and will be cancelled at sometimes very short notice due to high winds or rain is forecasted
No Barbeques or dogs please
You can follow us on
Website: Garthorne Road Nature Reserve
Facebook: Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve
Twitter: @garthorneroadnr
E-mail:garthorne.reserve@gmail.com
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Open Day
Saturday 20th May 2 – 5pm
The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve are opening the site on Saturday. Come and explore this quiet oasis!. We have an Tree Trail as well as a Mini Beast for the younger children. Bring a picnic and watch the wildlife.
Limited Bicycle parking available
Sorry No on-site toilets
Sorry No BBQ’s, Cycling or Dogs allowed.
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Open Day today
The Friends are open the reserve today come and have a look around to see the wildlife and bring a picnic along if you want. .There will be some children activities such as hunting mini beasts as well a Tree Trail sheet as well. Suggested donation £2 Please note there are no toilets on the site. Sorry No Dogs or BBQ’S please. The Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is run wholly by volunteers. Any profits or donations are used to maintain or improve the Nature Reserve and provide educational events for the local community. Donations to the reserve is welcomed. The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve conduct monthly volunteer days are on the second Saturday of each month and starts at 11am – 3.30pm. We meet at main entrance on Beadnell Road. The work ranges from controlling non-native species to surveying and recording the many wildlife species. if you wish to join us please reserve a place. Further information can be found on the Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Volunteering page.As per government guidance, Covid-19 restrictions ended on Monday 19th July 2021 across England. However, the Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve will still maintain certain precautions across various areas of operation and Lewisham Council Nature Conservation managers have been given the choice to incorporate elements of previous guidance in order to make ourselves and volunteers feel comfortable and safe whilst volunteering. How to find us: Main gate is at North end of Beadnell Road next to the alleyway to Garthorne Road.  |
Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Workday
Saturday 13th July
11:00am – 3:30pm
Book here
The next workday we will be making some paths safe for the Open Day and cutting back invasive species. After lunch either volunteer tree ID training or conduct butterfly transect recording the number of species on-site. Please bring lunch and drinking water and wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and sturdy shoes (preferably steel toe cap boots).
The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve are continuing their conservation workdays to maintain and preserve the nature reserve and increase the biodiversity. If you have any questions please contact the Conservation Co-ordinator Ernie Thomason at ernestthomason@talktalk.net or garthorne.reserve@gmail.com
Please note there are no toilets on the site you are welcome to find a bush!. Tickets will be offered on a first come first serve basis. There will be a waitlist so if you book a ticket but something comes up and you can no longer attend please cancel your ticket on Eventbrite so that it will become available for someone else. We’ll continue to maintain the following precautions: Volunteer numbers will be limited.
Please do not attend if you have symptoms of COVID-19 or have been asked to isolate by the NHS Test and Trace. If you do have Covid-19 symptoms or need to isolate and get tested, please inform us should you test positive after recently attending a volunteer session. We will then inform other attendees (anonymously) and advise/take the necessary safety precautions. Hand sanitiser will be available. We will maintain distance during tasks and refreshment breaks as much as possible, unless the specific task at hand requires closer contact, in which case, the use of masks is advised, but is ultimately at individual’s discretion. Contact with shared items (including tools) should be minimised and where possible, Many thanks and see you soon! Ernie (Conservation Co-ordinator)
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve July Open Day
The Friends are opening the reserve on Saturday 16th July from 2 – 5pm. There will be some children activities such as hunting mini beasts as well a Tree Trail sheet as well.
Bring a picnic along if you wish.
Suggested donation £2 Please note there are no toilets on the site.
Sorry No Dogs or BBQ’S please.
The Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is run wholly by volunteers. Any profits or donations are used to maintain or improve the Nature Reserve and provide educational events for the local community. Donations to the reserve is welcomed.
| The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve conduct monthly volunteer days are on the second Saturday of each month and starts at 11am – 3.30pm. We meet at main entrance on Beadnell Road. The work ranges from controlling non-native species to surveying and recording the many wildlife species. if you wish to join us please reserve a place. Further information can be found on the Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Volunteering page. As per government guidance, Covid-19 restrictions ended on Monday 19th July 2021 across England. However, the Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve will still maintain certain precautions across various areas of operation and Lewisham Council Nature Conservation managers have been given the choice to incorporate elements of previous guidance in order to make ourselves and volunteers feel comfortable and safe whilst volunteering. |
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve July After School Event
The Friends are hosting an After School event for families bring a picnic along if you want. There will be some children activities such as hunting mini beasts as well a Tree Trail sheet as well.
Suggested donation £2
Please note there are no toilets on the site.
Sorry No Dogs or BBQ’S please.
The Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is run wholly by volunteers. Any profits or donations are used to maintain or improve the Nature Reserve and provide educational events for the local community. Donations to the reserve is welcomed.
| The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve conduct monthly volunteer days are on the second Saturday of each month and starts at 11am – 3.30pm. We meet at main entrance on Beadnell Road. The work ranges from controlling non-native species to surveying and recording the many wildlife species. if you wish to join us please reserve a place. Further information can be found on the Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Volunteering page. As per government guidance, Covid-19 restrictions ended on Monday 19th July 2021 across England. However, the Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve will still maintain certain precautions across various areas of operation and Lewisham Council Nature Conservation managers have been given the choice to incorporate elements of previous guidance in order to make ourselves and volunteers feel comfortable and safe whilst volunteering. |
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve June events
The Friends are hosting two Open Days in June the first is on Saturday 18th June and is a general one for everyone and the second one on Friday 25th June is for families bring a picnic along if you want. . There will be some children activities such as hunting mini beasts as well a Tree Trail sheet as well.
Suggested donation £2 Please note there are no toilets on the site.
Sorry No Dogs or BBQ’S please.
The Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is run wholly by volunteers. Any profits or donations are used to maintain or improve the Nature Reserve and provide educational events for the local community. Donations to the reserve is welcomed.
| The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve conduct monthly volunteer days are on the second Saturday of each month and starts at 11am – 3.30pm. We meet at main entrance on Beadnell Road. The work ranges from controlling non-native species to surveying and recording the many wildlife species. if you wish to join us please reserve a place. Further information can be found on the Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Volunteering page. As per government guidance, Covid-19 restrictions ended on Monday 19th July 2021 across England. However, the Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve will still maintain certain precautions across various areas of operation and Lewisham Council Nature Conservation managers have been given the choice to incorporate elements of previous guidance in order to make ourselves and volunteers feel comfortable and safe whilst volunteering. |
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve 