We had a great day on Saturday with four artists scattered around Garthorne Road Nature Reserve for the Art in Nature Open Day, attracting plenty of visitors, including some first-timers.
Cassie Stein, a bird artist from Honor Oak Park, also paints the wildlife she cares for in watercolours until they are healthy enough to be released.
Tracey Parsons from Blackheath brought a baby woodpigeon with her to show visitors how she paints wildlife. Using acrylics, she creates paintings of injured animals she cares for until they are fully recovered and ready to be released back into the wild.
Michael Spencer from Honor Oak Park, drawing scenes from the reserve using pastels and graphite.
Joy Heard from Honor Oak Park showcased her functional artwork, repurposing single-use glass bottles into plant containers and other practical items.
The folks at Garthorne Road Nature Reserve are throwing open the gates one last time this year. Swing by and soak in the peaceful vibes, catch a glimpse of the wildlife, and witness the onset of autumn. Oh, and don’t miss the legendary cake Bake-off, generously sponsored this year by Bryan & Keegan Estate Agents in Crofton Park. You can even snag a slice of cake and help support the Friends group’s important work.
Reserve entrance is on Beadnell Road next to alleyway to Garthorne Road
The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve will be opening the site for the public to explore this hidden oasis of calm in Forest Hill. We will have an information stall and also the children’s can take part in a mini beast hunt and also have a self guided tree walk also plenty of butterflies and spring flowers. Bring a picnic and enjoy the wildlife.
Entrance at north end of Beadnell Road next to alleyway between Garthorne and Beadnell Road.
Sorry no dogs or BBQ’s
Limited bike secure space
Please use public transport if possible
Parking available in nearby roads
Southern Rail/ London Overground: Honor Oak Park (10 mins walk)Buses: Honor Oak Park: P4 & P12 (10 mins walk)Brockley Rise: 122, 171 & 172 (10 mins walk)
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
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.
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.
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.
The Friends of Garthorne Road Nature Reserve will be opening the site has we are holding a special event which local artists we be displaying and selling their paintings and wares. Please come along and support them as the profits will go to the reserve.
We will be also having the usual children’s Mini Beast hunt and also a tree trail will be available.
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.
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
July 18th
August 15th
September 19th – Annual Bake-off
October 17th
Sorry No Dogs, BBQ’S or cycling allowed on the reserve
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.
Garthorne Road Nature Reserve 