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.
Not so early Dawn Chorus
International Dawn Chorus Day is the worldwide celebration of nature’s greatest symphony and Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is taking part in this come and join us for a ‘Not so early bird walk around the reserve and listen to the many species seen and heard.
Meet at reserve gates at Beadnell Road (see map below)
Please use public transport if possible
Train: Honor Oak Park: Southern & London Overground
Bus: Honor Oak Park Station P4 & P12 (10 minutes walk)
Brockley Park: 122, 171 (6 minutes walk)
Forest Hill Fire Station: 122 & 185 (10 minutes walk)
Parking available in nearby streets please consider our neightbours
Sorry No dogs
Please Note: Reserve gates is locked for security purposes and arrive in time otherwise their will be no entry after starting time.
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Dawn Chorus
Sunday 5th May 2024
5:15 -6:30am
Suggested minimum donation £3 per group
International Dawn Chorus Day is the worldwide celebration of nature’s greatest symphony so come join us for a magical morning at the Garthorne Road Nature Reserve! Experience the beautiful symphony of bird songs as the sun rises. This in person event is a perfect way to start your day surrounded by nature’s music. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to connect with the local wildlife in their natural habitat. Get ready to be serenaded by the dawn chorus at this hidden gem in the heart of the city!
Please be on-time as site is secured and locked. Also wear suitable clothing and footwear has path can become muddy
Bring binoculars if you have them?
If you’re keen on joining Ernie, the chair of the Friends group, go ahead and book below!
Meet at reserve gates at Beadnell Road (see map below)
Please use public transport if possible
Bus: Brockley Rise: N171 (10 minutes walk)
Parking available in nearby streets please consider our neighbours
Sorry No dogs
Please Note: Reserve gates is locked for security purposes and arrive in time otherwise their will be no entry after starting time.
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Bat Walk
Led by Dr.Iain Bolton, this is a great opportunity to see and hear bats at this beautiful site.
Bats use sonar or echolocation to hunt for prey during the night, sending sound out into the world around them to create an aural picture of their surroundings. Each bat has a different call from which they can be identified. We will be using bat detectors to listen to the sounds of these wonderful mammals.
If there is heavy rain or thunderstorms the walk will be cancelled.
Previous walks at have provided sightings of bats, but patience is required in the early stages.
Dr. Iain Bolton
Dr Iain Boulton is an ecologist working for the London Borough of Lambeth, and has been there for almost 23 years. Iain’s responsible for managing, promoting and protecting wildlife and biodiversity in Lambeth, especially in parks and other open spaces.
He has a particular interest in British bats, not just because they are fascinating animals with a very unusual lifestyle, but also because they act as important ‘biological early warning systems’, telling us about how our and their own environment is changing and what it could mean for us as humans – unless we heed the warning signs and act on them!
Friends of Garthorne Road
The Friends formed in January 2016 and have plenty of plans for the future, these include helping the Nature Conservation Team at Lewisham Council manage and open the site on a regular basis. They also help to carry out a number of surveys (butterfly, wildflower) and lead guided walks. We are also keen for schools to use the site and if you are a school and are keen to get involved, please contact the Friends who will be able to help.
If you are interest in joining the Friends Group, please contact the Friends.
This event is free, but donations to the Friends Group to help continue their work on the site are welcome. Donations can be made on the day if you wish.
NB Please wear sensible shoes/outerwear for the weather and walking in the reserve after dark. Please arrive on time as the gates are closed for security purposes.
Please note: Whilst we understand that plans can change at short notice, this event attracts a lot of people and we always have a waiting list. If you are no longer able to attend, please let us know as soon as you can so that we can offer the place to someone else.
Garthorne Road Spring Open Day
Saturday 23th 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, a children’s bug hunt, and an informative stall.
Suggested Donation: £2
Location Information:
- Address: Entrance on Beadnell Road next to alleyway to Garthorne Road, Postcode SE23 1AA
- What3Words: jump/music/regime
Consider using public transportation if possible. There is free parking available on nearby streets.
**Nearest Railway Station: Honor Oak Park (10-minute walk)
Buses:
- Honor Oak Park Station: P4 & P12 (10-minute walk)
- Brockley Rise: 122, 171 & 172 (10-minute walk)
- Stansted Road 122 & 185 (10-minute walk)**
For further Information contact us
Saturday 21st September 2pm – 5pm
The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is opening the reserve for the last time this year as we close over the winter months. Come and have a look at our six new information boards funded partly by the Kenneth White Legacy and The Worshipful Company of Gardeners and also come and explore this green quiet oasis and support us.
We will be also having the usual children’s Mini Beast hunt and also a tree trail will be available.
Suggested Donation £2
Bring a picnic and enjoy the nature listen to the birds and see the bees.
Sorry No Dogs or BBQS allowed
Please use public transport or use a bike we have limited bike secure area
Honor Oak Park Station: London Overground & Southern Rail
Entrance on Beadnell Road next to Garthorne Road alleyway.
Guided Bat Walk at Garthorne Road Nature Reserve
Date and time
Fri, 6 Oct 2023 18:30 – 20:00 BST
Location
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Beadnell Road Lewisham London SE23 1AA
About this event
- 1 hour 30 minutes
- Mobile eTicket
About the event
Led by Dr. Iain Bolton, this is a great opportunity to see and hear bats at this beautiful site.
Bats use sonar or echolocation to hunt for prey during the night, sending sound out into the world around them to create an aural picture of their surroundings. Each bat has a different call from which they can be identified. We will be using bat detectors to listen to the sounds of these wonderful mammals.
If there is heavy rain or thunderstorms the walk will be cancelled.
Previous walks at have provided sightings of bats, but patience is required in the early stages.
Dr. Iain Bolton
Dr Iain Boulton is an ecologist working for the London Borough of Lambeth, and has been there for almost 23 years. Iain’s responsible for managing, promoting and protecting wildlife and biodiversity in Lambeth, especially in parks and other open spaces.
He has a particular interest in British bats, not just because they are fascinating animals with a very unusual lifestyle, but also because they act as important ‘biological early warning systems’, telling us about how our and their own environment is changing and what it could mean for us as humans – unless we heed the warning signs and act on them!
Friends of Garthorne Road
The Friends formed in January 2016 and have plenty of plans for the future, these include helping the Nature Conservation Team at Lewisham Council manage and open the site on a regular basis. They also help to carry out a number of surveys (butterfly, wildflower) and lead guided walks. We are also keen for schools to use the site and if you are a school and are keen to get involved, please contact the Friends who will be able to help.
If you are interest in joining the Friends Group, please contact the Friends.
Moving On The Slow Non- Linear
A sound installation in Garthorne Road Nature Reserve A time out to connect to nature and neighbours.
By Exit Map
Date and time
Sunday, September 3 · 11am – 2:30pm BST
Location
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve, Beadnell Road, London SE23 1AA, London SE23 1AA
Refund Policy
Contact the organizer to request a refund.
Eventbrite’s fee is non refundable.
About this event
- 3 hours 30 minutes
- Mobile eTicket
Disclaimer: The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve has NOT organised or take any responsibility for the cancellation or any claims for refunds of this event.
An immersive ambience of sounds and words, found in one of London’s hidden gem’s, Garthorne Nature Reserve. A magical and transformative experience awaits you to connect to nature for a renewed sense of navigating life through our senses.
All ages are welcome – children under 16 years of age go free!
Moving On events fine tune your attention to sensory input in nature. Feel and reconnect to your own body through audio imagery and sounds to ease movement and find dances inspired by what you see and sense. Let nature move you and connect to land and all that grows from it.
The installation is part radio installation and part transmitted through headphones. For that you need to bring your phone and headphones! We will send you the sound files a couple of days prior to the event.
It is an intergenerational project that invites all cultures, genders and abilities to join in. Should you have concerns about navigating natural terrain, please get in touch, we are happy to assist.
We want people to encounter nature and each other on common natural ground to foster a togetherness based on equality and openness that reconnects to nature as something that grows away and back into us, to remember our own nature and how to resource from it to be well.
Before and after
Doors will open at 11am and as soon as people have made their way in, we will gather to begin together.
After the event you are welcome to stay on and we invite you to bring food to picnic and hang out.
Disclaimer: The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve has NOT organised or take any responsibility for the cancellation or any claims for refunds of this event.
Exit Map Social Media
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Open Day
Saturday 21st September 2pm – 5pm
The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is opening the reserve for the last time this year as we close over the winter. Come and have a look at our six new information boards funded partly by the Kenneth White Legacy and The Worshipful Company of Gardeners and also come and explore this green quiet oasis and support us.
We will be also having the usual children’s Mini Beast hunt and also a tree trail will be available.
Suggested Donation £2
Bring a picnic and enjoy the nature listen to the birds and see the bees.
Sorry No Dogs or BBQS allowed
Please use public transport or use a bike we have limited bike secure area
Honor Oak Park Station: London Overground & Southern Rail
Entrance on Beadnell Road next to Garthorne Road alleyway.
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Open Day
Saturday 15th July 2pm – 5pm
The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve is opening the reserve come and have a look at our six new information boards funded partly by the Kenneth White Legacy and The Worshipful Company of Gardeners and also come and explore this green quiet oasis and support us.
We will be also having the usual children’s Mini Beast hunt and also a tree trail will be available.
Suggested Donation £2
Bring a picnic and enjoy the nature listen to the birds and see the bees.
Sorry No Dogs or BBQS allowed
Please use public transport or use a bike we have limited bike secure area
Entrance on Beadnell Road next to Garthorne Road alleyway.
Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve Conservation Workdays September – December 2023
About this event
The Friends will be having a Conservation Workday and will be installing some wooden steps and after lunch will be doing a Butterfly transect recording the species and number on the reserve (weather depending) .
Please wear clothes you don’t mind getting dirty and safety boots with steel-toe caps if possible.
Bring food and drink if you are staying all day.
If you are interested please book a place it is a first come first serve basis in joining us.
Please meet at gate on Beadnell Road near alleyway at time shown as the gate will be locked for security reasons.
For further details contact us
Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve 