Conservation Volunteering London

Balancers Community Volunteering - Archway

Hi Balancers, We believe community is about more than meeting new people. It's also about showing up for those who need support. As part of our ongoing partnership with Refugee Community Kitchen, we're inviting you to join us for a special evening helping distribute summer care kits to people experiencing homelessness in London. We'll be working alongside the Refugee Community Kitchen team during their evening meal service in Archway, helping hand out essential care kits to those who need them most. **💛 What to Expect** \* A meaningful evening giving back to the local community. \* Work alongside the Refugee Community Kitchen team during their meal distribution. \* Help distribute summer care kits to people experiencing homelessness. \* Meet other Balancers who want to make a positive impact. **📍 Meeting Point** 17.30 PM Outside \*\*Archway Underground Station\*\* We'll begin with a short briefing from the Refugee Community Kitchen team, who will explain how the distribution works and answer any questions. The process is simple. Camden Council requires a short form to be completed for each care kit distributed, and you'll be shown exactly how to do this during the briefing. No previous volunteering experience is needed. 🔹 Stay connected: [Join our WhatsApp group \[here\] for last-minute updates.](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HYbCWaNidNV9aYK3TW9WGm) 🌱 **About Refugee Community Kitchen** Refugee Community Kitchen is a grassroots, volunteer-led organisation that has served over 3.5 million meals to displaced people and those experiencing food insecurity in the UK and northern France. Their mission: to serve warm, nourishing meals with dignity and build community through food. 👉 Learn more: [refugeecommunitykitchen.org](https://refugeecommunitykitchen.org) *** 💡 **Can’t Make It This Time?** You can still contribute: * **Donate directly (100% goes to RCK):** [https://www.justgiving.com/charity/refugeecommunitykitchen](https://www.justgiving.com/charity/refugeecommunitykitchen) * **Volunteer with RCK:** [Sign up here](https://rck.my.salesforce-sites.com/outreachvolunteer/) * **Spread the word** to others who’d love to join in Let’s keep showing what our community can do when we act with heart. See you there 💛17

FREE HIKE – Summer Love on the Green Trails – Epping Forest Hike

# **🌿A Shaded Epping Adventure** Step into the cool green heart of **Epping Forest**, where ancient trees cast long summer shadows and the air feels like it’s carrying its own quiet melody. There’s something about warm days under deep woodland shade that brings a soft, nostalgic energy — the kind you find in those timeless summer love songs that drift through the season. Dappled sunlight, leafy canopies, quiet ponds, and long winding trails create a rhythm of their own. Whether you come for the scenery, the shade, the miles, or simply the company, this woodland loop carries that gentle, dreamy “summer‑in‑the‑air” feeling that makes the forest feel almost cinematic. ## 📅 **Event Details** **Meeting Point:** Outside Chingford Station **Meeting Time:** 10:45 AM **Parking:** Chingford Plain Car Park (E4 7QJ) – approx. 7‑minute walk **Distance:** 13–15 miles **Route Type:** Circular **Pace:** Medium **Estimated Finish:** By 6:30 PM **Difficulty:** Moderate to challenging (some hills) ## 🌳 **Route Highlights** * Wander beneath **ancient oak and beech canopies**, where the summer sun filters through in soft, golden patches. * Follow shaded forest paths that feel cool, calm, and quietly atmospheric — perfect for a warm July or August day. * Walk sections of the **Essex Way**, opening into bright meadows and wide countryside views. * Pass the historic **Queen Elizabeth’s Hunting Lodge**, a striking 16th‑century landmark. * Enjoy a mix of terrains: woodland trails, open plains, gentle hills, and peaceful ponds. * Keep an eye out for **deer, birds, and forest wildlife** moving through the trees. * And as always, we’ll end with a well‑earned drink at a pub near the station — the perfect summer finish. ## 🎒 **What to Bring** * Proper hiking boots or sturdy shoes * Packed lunch & snacks * **At least 2L of water** (it can get warm even under the trees) * Light rainproof layer (just in case) * Sun protection for the open sections and a cap or hat * Good vibes and your best summer‑forest energy ## 📌 **Important Notes** * **Stay Together:** Please stay with or behind the hike leader to keep the group moving safely and smoothly. * **Group Rules:** Please read the “About Us” section before joining: [https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities](https://www.meetup.com/free-hiking-outdoor-fitness-and-social-activities?utm_source=copilot.com "www.meetup.com") * **Safety:** This is a voluntary activity. You are responsible for your own safety and for respecting fellow walkers, wildlife, and the environment. No risk or service is inferred or accepted by the organiser. 📱 **If you’re lost or running late:** 07830 374 629

Ladies Deeper Conversation Lunch JULY

HI Ladies! Fancy an elegant lunch and a deeper conversation? 🌸 We skip small talk (mostly) so ask that you bring with you a single question that's slightly outside of 'usual thinking' ... example suggestions might look like: \* If you were not in the career you are currently in, which career would you choose and why? \* What is one sentence of advice you would give your 16 year old self? \* Which word summarises your life so far? 🌸 Expect warm, positive vibes and new friendships The restaurant link: https://ivycollection.com/restaurants/the-ivy-city-garden/ I look forward to meeting you!

LONDON: Bushy Park Wander

Join London Wildish Club for a relaxed wander through Bushy Park, one of London’s most beautiful royal parks and home to roaming deer, ancient oaks, hidden waterways and wide open landscapes. We'll follow a **9km** circular route through the park's woodland paths, grasslands and ponds, taking time to notice the changing seasons, spot wildlife and enjoy being outside with good company. Expect easy-going conversation, plenty of green space and a slower pace than city life usually allows. As always with Wildish, the focus is on spending time outdoors, meeting friendly people and sharing a small adventure together. **What to bring** * Comfortable walking shoes or trainers * Water and any snacks you'd like * Layers suitable for the weather * Binoculars if you enjoy bird or wildlife spotting * A dog friend, if you have one We'll walk rain or shine, so come prepared for Whatever the British weather decides to do. Wildish Club is a place for outside people — bringing curious, friendly folk together to spend more time outdoors. A bit like Cubs, but for adults.

Beyond Human Rights: Defending Freedoms (Alain de Benoist)

Free: RHS Wisley, Ockham Common & Brooklands Aviation History Hike

Hidden Gems of Kent: Bourne Valley, Greensand Way, Ightham Mote & Deer Park

GROUP TICKET | South Downs Circular via Ouse Valley

**Group Travel Ticket (Optional)** Participation in group travel is optional. You are welcome to attend the hike using your own transport. The hike itself is free of charge. \-\-\- **PAID:** TBC **NOT PAID:** everyone else \-\-\- **EVENT** South Downs Circular via Ouse Valley \| Free Hike \~21km \(\~13mi\) \[**[HERE](https://www.meetup.com/freehiketogether/events/315558039/?eventOrigin=group_events_list)**] \-\-\- **EVENT DATE** Saturday 1 August 2026 \-\-\- **IMPORTANT** Anyone who signs up for a group ticket but does not pay may be removed to allow others to take their place. \-\-\- **THIS OFFER IS FOR YOU IF** * You want to pay £13 total travel cost for the day * You are happy to travel in a group of four * You understand that individual tickets are not issued * You will travel ⇄ London Victroia \-\-\- **HOW IT WORKS** * You pay **£13 in advance** * Once a group of four is confirmed, tickets are purchased * If a group is not formed, you receive a full refund \-\-\- **REFUNDS** A full refund will be issued if a minimum group of four participants is not reached. After National Rail tickets have been purchased, no refunds can be provided. If another participant takes your place and purchases your ticket, the ticket cost may be recovered from the replacement participant. \-\-\- **PAYMENT** Pay using the link: **[https://monzo.com/pay/r/hike-together_AeRVQWb4aRkCRN?from_qr=true](https://monzo.com/pay/r/hike-together_AeRVQWb4aRkCRN?from_qr=true)** **OR bank transfer:** Adrian Barnett trading as Hike Together Account number: 79677613 Sort code: 04-00-05 After payment, message AdrianB with: * Transaction ID * Meetup profile name \-\-\- **CONTACT** WhatsApp - AdrianB: +44 (0) 7438 812 663 \-\-\- **CLOSING DATE** Tuesday 28 July \-\-\- 📍 **MEETING POINT** 08:20 – Meet at the London Victoria ticket office 08:35 – Leave meeting point and board the train 08:54 – Train departs London Victoria 09:56 – Arrival at Lewes \-\-\- **JOINING EN ROUTE** You may join at stations like Clapham Junction or East Croydon. You must have your own valid ticket to pass through barriers at those stations. \-\-\- **❓ FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS** **Can I leave the group and travel alone later?** No. You must stay with your group of four for the entire journey. **Will I get an individual ticket?** No. This is a group ticket only. **Who holds the tickets?** The organiser holds the tickets and the group passes through barriers together. \-\-\- **⚠️ FINAL NOTE** If you are late and miss the group, the group will continue without you. \-\-\- **NOTE** If you prefer to arrange your own travel, you can purchase tickets directly from National Rail **[HERE](https://ticket.southernrailway.com/daysave/2026-08-01/VIC/4/)**.

West London Thames, Boston Manor House & Canal/Parkland Circular Hike

PIRATES festival at Heartwarming Hastings seaside - Arrr you ready?

They say that pictures speak a thousand words, and so here are pics from this previous day trip on our website (click on this event): [www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes](www.aaahiking.co.uk/day-hikes) **DESCRIPTION** Don’t forget to bring your pirate hat and embrace the spirit of the day—Arrr you ready for the adventure?” Join us for an adventurous hike from Three Oaks to Hastings, exploring scenic trails, lush countryside, and coastal views before arriving at the lively Hastings Pirate Festival! Immerse yourself in the festival’s swashbuckling atmosphere, with pirate ships, live music, and seafaring fun, with its castle, beach front, fair ground, pubs and chip shops etc, highly recommended. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **12kM** Ascent: c.**400 metres** Estimated Duration (approx): **5 hours walking** Difficulty: **[Energetic](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade) due to some hills in the country park through the trees, some call it the hidden Seven Sisters.** **PROGRAMME** Meeting Point: Meeting Point: **[London Victoria Station](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/meeting-places/)** (see pic in in link) in front of the ticket machines where the Benches are. Assembly time: 08:00 Move to train: 08:15 Train leaves: 08:24 Arrive at Three Oaks station: 10:35 Departure Train: 16:55 from Hastings station, arrive back at Victoria 19:05 **Pricing Info:** * £32 per person – includes hike + train travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this £32 discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited £32 tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £12 anytime. **HIKE INCLUDES** * Guided Hike planned and led by experienced AAA leaders, trained Summer Mountain Leader with Wilderness First Aid Training. * PayPal fees **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs ***(Unless you selected the train price)*** * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * Souvenirs * Meetup Fee levied on all purchases via meetup * Entrance fees to any attractions you wish to visit **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST [(](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)[full list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist)** * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Waterproof jacket and trousers (Please no jeans!) * Water [2L recommended] * Warm/Windproof layer, e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer, e.g. Polyester/Tencil/Merino * Camera & Phone * Picnic lunch and snacks **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the event, please message the host and update your RSVP status on MeetUp to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the event sells out, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', please email us on [info@aaalondongroup.com](info@aaalondongroup.com) after the event date, requesting a refund, including your PayPal email address, so we can locate the payment. Unfortunately, as PayPal retains the original transaction fee, we cannot refund this. If the hike is not full, we are sorry, we are unable to issue a refund. **QUESTIONS** If you have any other questions, please check visit our[ FAQ page](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq). If you are still unsure, contact the event Host shown on this page. We have operated over 1,000 events without significant incidents in the last ten years, achieved through meticulous planning. All participants (members and their guests) in any AAA Hiking event or activity are personally responsible for their fitness, safety and welfare, and must be equipped accordingly. If you have signed up for the event, you acknowledge and accept the AAA Hiking Terms and Conditions. © AAA Hiking Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/aaahiking/) \| [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/@aaahiking) \| [Trip Advicer](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [TicTok](https://www.tiktok.com/@aaahiking) \| [Website](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/) © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted

July meetup celebrating flight-free trans-Atlantic travel

A meet up in London for people interested in flight-free travel. We are gathering to celebrate the flight-free journey of Parke Wilde, a US-based academic and founder of flyingless.org, a petition to reduce academia's flying footprint. Parke is travelling from the US to Europe on a sail freighter and arriving in London at the end of July. This is the perfect opportunity to have our first Flight-Free Travellers Meet-Up. Come along and share your flight-free travel stories, hear other people's stories, or just be part of a group of like-minded travel enthusiasts. Venue TBC, depending on numbers. Either a table in a pub or a reserved area/room. Likely location near central London. We will confirm as soon as possible. Hosted by Flight Free UK and Flying Less.

Balancers Community Volunteering - Goodge Street

Hi Balancers, We believe community is about more than meeting new people. It's also about showing up for those who need support. As part of our ongoing partnership with Refugee Community Kitchen, we're inviting you to join us for a special evening helping distribute summer care kits to people experiencing homelessness in London. We'll be working alongside the Refugee Community Kitchen team during their evening meal service in Archway, helping hand out essential care kits to those who need them most. **💛 What to Expect** \* A meaningful evening giving back to the local community. \* Work alongside the Refugee Community Kitchen team during their meal distribution. \* Help distribute summer care kits to people experiencing homelessness. \* Meet other Balancers who want to make a positive impact. **📍 Meeting Point** 6:00 PM Outside \*\*Goodge Street Underground Station\*\* We'll begin with a short briefing from the Refugee Community Kitchen team, who will explain how the distribution works and answer any questions. The process is simple. Camden Council requires a short form to be completed for each care kit distributed, and you'll be shown exactly how to do this during the briefing. No previous volunteering experience is needed. 🔹 Stay connected: [Join our WhatsApp group \[here\] for last-minute updates.](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HYbCWaNidNV9aYK3TW9WGm) 🌱 **About Refugee Community Kitchen** Refugee Community Kitchen is a grassroots, volunteer-led organisation that has served over 3.5 million meals to displaced people and those experiencing food insecurity in the UK and northern France. Their mission: to serve warm, nourishing meals with dignity and build community through food. 👉 Learn more: [refugeecommunitykitchen.org](https://refugeecommunitykitchen.org) *** 💡 **Can’t Make It This Time?** You can still contribute: * **Donate directly (100% goes to RCK):** [https://www.justgiving.com/charity/refugeecommunitykitchen](https://www.justgiving.com/charity/refugeecommunitykitchen) * **Volunteer with RCK:** [Sign up here](https://rck.my.salesforce-sites.com/outreachvolunteer/) * **Spread the word** to others who’d love to join in Let’s keep showing what our community can do when we act with heart. See you there 💛