Conservation Volunteering London

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 💛

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/)**.

Beyond Human Rights: Defending Freedoms (Alain de Benoist)

Litter Pick - Lewisham/Deptford (SE London)

Join the Eco Around Community for a litter-pick walk from Lewisham DLR station to Deptford Bridge station along the Waterlink Way, facilitated by Biljana. Waterlink Way connects several parks and green spaces in Lewisham borough, following the Pool and Raversbourne rivers. It stretches 8 miles from South Northwood Country Park to the Cutty Sark ship in Greenwich. Considered one of South London’s hidden gems, it not only provides an enjoyable route to walkers and cyclists, but it also improves habitats for aquatic wildlife. While maintained by Lewisham Council, contributing to the Waterlink Way’s extra clear-up would be much appreciated. **When:** Saturday, 1 August, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm **Where:** We’ll start from Lewisham DLR station and follow the Ravensbourne River along the Waterlink Way, cutting through Brookmill Park, and finishing at Deptford Bridge DLR station. Use the What3Words navigation below to see the exact meeting points. Start: what3words: [///survey.ruler.labs](https://w3w.co/survey.ruler.labs) Finish: what3words: [///honey.page.lands](https://w3w.co/honey.page.lands) We are planning to have some optional drinks/food afterwards. **How to dress and what to bring:** Appropriate footwear, no open-toed shoes and we recommend some waterproofs (just in case). We have some gloves, bin bags and litter pickers but feel free to bring your own and a refillable water bottle in case you get thirsty. Hand Sanitiser is also useful. **Updates:** Unless there is a heavy rain forecast, we will stick to our plans. Please check the event for updates. **Photo Consent:** We plan to take general pictures and a group picture to document the activity and help us promote future online events. If you wish not to be in the pictures, let us know.

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!

The Wendover Five: Chilterns Hills | Free Hike 23km

**Grade 🥾🥾🥾🥾 Level 4/5** —— **📕ABOUT** A 23 kilometre circular trail in the **Chilterns** from Wendover Station, Buckinghamshire. The trail goes through woodlands and farmlands, featuring steady ascents and descents with great views including **Bacombe Hill Nature Reserve**, **Coombe Hill summit**, **Beacon Hill**, **Whiteleaf Hill**, **Pulpit Hill nature reserve**, and **Goodmerhill Woods**. —— **⭐️HIGHLIGHTS** * **Bacombe Hill Local Nature Reserve** This chalk grassland hill offers magnificent views over Aylesbury Vale. It is renowned for its rare wildflowers and butterflies, with orchids blossoming in spring. * **Coombe Hill** As the highest viewpoint in the Chiltern Hills at 260 meters, Coombe Hill features the **Coombe Hill Monument**, which commemorates local men who perished in the Second Boer War. It provides extensive views over the Vale of Aylesbury and, on clear days, extends to the Cotswolds. The open grassland at the summit is an ideal spot for a pause and picnic. * **Beacon Hill** This small, rounded summit with open grassy slopes is part of the **Chequers Estate**. Historically utilized for signaling with beacons, Beacon Hill offers panoramic views and conveys a sense of expansive open space. * **Whiteleaf Hill** Whiteleaf Hill is home to the Whiteleaf Cross, a chalk hill carving that likely dates back to the 18th century or earlier. It contains a **Neolithic barrow (burial mound)**, with excavations in the 1930s uncovering ancient remains and artifacts. * **Chequers Estate:** A historic country house used as the **official country residence of the British Prime Minister**. It has been the designated retreat for Prime Ministers since 1917, when it was gifted to the nation by Sir Arthur Lee, a politician and former soldier, to provide future leaders a place to relax and host guests. * **Ninn Wood & Pulpit Hill Nature Reserve** This area includes mixed broadleaf woodland with ancient trees and historic earthworks. Pulpit Hill houses an **Iron Age hill fort**, surrounded by banks and ditches that are now moss-covered and mysterious. —— **📖SUMMARY** 🥾23km \(14\.3mi\) \| Ascent: 740m \| Max Elevation 265m 🚆**Train:** Return ticket **London Marylebone** **🔁 Wendover** ⛳️ **Meeting Point:** **2 Options** **1-** London Marylebone station Ticket Office \| **08:30** (Train is at **08:57**) **2-** Wendover outside train station \| **09:45** *⚠️*This is a **Circular** Hike **📍** **Hike** **start:** **Wendover** train station \| **09:55** **🔚** **Hike** **finish:** **Wendover** \| approx\. **17:00** —— ️🚊**TRAIN TICKET INFORMATION:** I would recommend you get: **🎟️Super Off\-Peak Day Return \|** **London Marylebone 🔁 Wendover** (direct) with a *Network Railcard* is £16.10 (instead of £24.20). * **➡️Outbound:** London Marylebone **08:57 → 09:46** Wendover * **⬅️Inbound:** Wendover **any Off-Peak time →** London 💡If you’d like to join other hikers using a **Network Railcard**, please arrive earlier so we can organise small groups. Note that each card can cover up to 4 people. 🚦Visit **[National Rail](https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/)** for details —— **💷COST: Free** This hike is completely free to join but participants need to purchase their own transport tickets. —— 🎒**WHAT TO BRING** * 2L Water * Packed lunch and snacks * Comfortable walking/hiking shoes * Weather-appropriate clothing (layers, waterproofs, hat, sunscreen) * Optional: trekking poles, camera —— *✅***WHO CAN JOIN** * Our hikes are open to adults aged 21 and over. * For safety reasons, we’re not able to include children. * We love animals, but pets (including dogs) can’t join our hikes. —— **🚨RSVP & ATTENDANCE** RSVP only if you plan to attend. Please cancel as early as possible if you can no longer make it so others can join. A no-show means you RSVPed but did not attend or cancelled just before or after the start time. Repeated no-shows or late cancellations without a valid reason may lead to removal. Reliable regulars who end up on a waitlist may message the host for priority consideration. —— **☯️STAYING TOGETHER** A dedicated back marker is not always present, so please keep others in sight and avoid moving too far ahead or falling too far behind. Faster walkers should wait at junctions. The hike leader will pause at key points to regroup and reduce the chance of anyone becoming separated from the group. —— ⚠️ **DISCLAIMER** By joining, you confirm that you have read and accepted the group policy on the About page. You are responsible for your own safety, and neither the host nor the group can be held liable for injury, loss, or damage.

Canterbury’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Countryside Hike

Eco Around Litter Pick - Canterbury

Join the Eco Around Community this July for a litter pick session outside London. The litter pick will take place in Canterbury and will be hosted by Ludovica (07724 337 288) and by Jon who will meet us there. The plan is to start the litter pick by 10 am, have afterwords lunch break (either a picnic or walking in at The Veg Box Cafe) and then have a walk around the town. We can then take a train back to London at 5.20 pm. **When:** Saturday 25th July. Meeting at 8.15am at St Pancreas International station to catch the fast direct train to Canterbury at 8.40am. **Meeting Point:** Inside St Pancreas railway station, in front of Pret A Manger, Unit 61, Euston Road St Pancras International Station, London N1C 4QL **How to get there:** By Underground or by Train: King's Cross and St. Pancreas **Train tickets:** People can team up at the station and get a discounted return group ticket (3-9 people) which should be around £28/30. **How to dress and what to bring:** Appropriate footwear, no open-toed shoes and we recommend some waterproofs (just in case). Bring some gloves (no-single use ones though!), a black bin bag, a litter picking stick would be ideal (although this is not necessary if you have gloves at least) and a refillable water bottle in case you get thirsty. Hand Sanitiser is also useful and sun cream. **Updates:** Unless it's heavy rain we will stick to our plans. Please check the event for updates.

July meetup celebrating flight-free trans-Atlantic travel

A meet up in London for people interested in flight-free travel. Please join @flightfreeUK and @notjetset for a social event, pub night, and conversation about climate-friendly transportation, at Bow Street Tavern in London (37 Bow St, London WC2E 7AU), Thursday 30 July, 7pm. We will hear from Parke Wilde, a US-based academic and co-founder of [flyingless.org,](http://flyingless.org,/) a petition to reduce academia's flying footprint. Parke has traveled across the Atlantic on a sail-powered freighter for 19 days (a long way to come for a draft beer at a London pub). Come share your flight-free travel stories, hear other people's stories, or just be part of a group of like-minded travel enthusiasts. A few ways to RSVP: email parke.wilde@gmail.com email info@flightfree.co.uk click 'attending' but NOTE: this event will appear full once 10 people have confirmed. Don't worry, it's not full – we have booked a room for around 30 people at Bow Street Tavern. Double-check by email if you're unsure! You are encouraged to eat and drink to help reach the minimum bar spend :) The menu is here: https://www.bowstreettavern.com/food-drink

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.

The shorter Seven Sisters, Friston Forest, and Cuckmere Haven

Hey, Hey, Hey! It is the weekend and what do we do on a Sundat? We join me on a fabulous trip. :) This is one of the most fantastic coastal trips in the country and we are doing an easier version of it. There will be a few inclines but nothing like the nearby Seven sisters that you will see in the background so if you would like to enjoy walking in a living painting, join me for this trip. We will start and finish in the seaside town of Seaford, walk these gorgeous woods of Friston alongside pretty cottages and flowery gardens before we head back to Seaford for a well deserved diner or a pint or to London if you do not wish to stay along for some more laughter. And last but not least, the view of the Cuckmere river sneaking in the valley all the way to the sea is my favourite postcard view in the country, you could almost hear Vivaldi playing Spring in the background while unicorns and fauns are galloping in the fresh water. Really, do not miss it. The hike is around 10 miles and medium, although there will be a couple of inclines. A BIT OF HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY. FRISTON FOREST: Friston Forest is within the South Downs National Park between Lulington Heath National Nature Reserve and Seven Sisters Country Park. It is the largest area of recently established forest in South East England, it has extensive carpets of Bluebells in late April to mid-May and some of the most stunning autumnal colours at the fall. CUCKMERE HAVEN: It is an area of flood plains in Sussex, England where the river Cuckmeer meets the English Chanel between [Eastbourne](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastbourne) and [Seaford](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seaford,_East_Sussex). The river is an example of a meandering river The beach was commonly used by smugglers in the 16th, 17th, and 18th centuries. For example, in 1783 two gangs of smugglers (each numbering 200 or 300) overcame officers of the law by weight of numbers and carried away a large quantity of goods. It is one of the most visited beaches in the UK. PICTURE PERFECT: The Haven and the nearby cliffs offer some of the most stunning photographs you will ever take, the purple sea thrift flowers adding an impeccable touch to the white and red cliffs INFORMATION: DISTANCE: About 10 miles/15km TIME: about 5 hours TRANSPORT: By train; we will buy an off peak group days return that will allow us to save 35%on the ticket price. Please ensure that you bring £25 in cash MEETING POINT: Victoria station at 9am PRICE: £15 ( for the guide's fee) via PayPal or credit/debit card About £27 in cash for the train or via bank transfer to Wendy INCLUDED: Guided hike A fun day out with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Transport Anything else not mentioned above WHAT TO BRING: Waterproof shoes for the hike, preferably hiking shoes, otherwise good trainers; Weather appropriate clothes, including waterproofs if there is a chance of rain; Water bottle; Packed lunch and snacks. PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU CHECK THIS PAGE AGAIN 2 DAYS BEFORE DEPARTURE AS THE DEPARTURE STATION IS ONLY CONFIRMED BY SW TRAINS ON THE THURSDAY OR FRIDAY. ATTENTION: Our trips will not be cancelled due to weather conditions so please ensure that you do wear and carry appropriate clothing. 😄 POLICIES: 1: This group is designed for the pleasure and enjoyment of all of us, we do not accept any derogatory comments or behaviours towards anyone. Racism, discrimination and other unacceptable behaviours will only lead to your rejection of any of our trips and this is without exception. Everyone is welcome, we have religious and non-religious people, gay, straight, bisexual people, all shades and colours or nationalities, people of all ages, sex and political beliefs and mutual respect is the fundamental spirit of this group. 2: Our trips are only refundable up to 30 days before departure, if you wish to cancel after that, you will be offered a transfer to another trip for the same price or you may resell your slot to somebody else. 3: If we do cancel the entirety of the trip on our site, you will be fully refunded. 4:In the eventuality that our trains are delayed, or cancelled which is out of my control, I do not pay for taxis or alternative route, if this happens, you will be able to claim delay repay from the train companies who will reimburse your train ticket and some eventual costs occurred. By signing up to my events, you agree to this.

Guided Forest Bathing @ THCP

**Introduction** In our busy city, it can be difficult to find time to slow down and smell the roses! Forest bathing offers you the chance to do just that. Over the course of 2 hours, you will be guided through a multi-sensory exploration of the natural world, giving you time to slow down, breathe, and find peace among the natural world. **What is forest bathing?** Forest bathing typically consists of slow walking, mindfulness practices, and resting (seated or lying down) in nature. Remember being a kid and just watching the branches overhead in the breeze? Originating in Japan in the 1980s, Shin-Rin Yoku or forest bathing, was created as a preventative response to climbing rates of stress in urban areas. Since then, many research studies have shown that even one hour a week spent engaging with nature can significantly reduce symptoms of stress. **What to expect:** * 2-hour duration * Small group size (maximum 6) * Multi-sensory activities * Sharing circle (optional) * Herbal tea offering * A guide to take care of you, so you can truly relax into the wonder of the natural world * Phone-free environment * Opportunity to chat and connect with others (if you would like to) * **Please note there are no toilets available** \- there are several cafes on Mile End Road with toilet facilities\. **What to bring:** * Warm clothes; even on a summer day, spending prolonged time in the shade can begin to feel chilly! * Shoes with a good grip, and that you don't mind getting dirty * A journal and pen * A mug (for tea if you fancy it!) * Any medications you might need, such as EpiPens or inhalers. **How much is it?** This experience is offered on a donation basis; this means you can decide what you can reasonably afford to give. To help you decide, we want to be transparent with our cost breakdown: * £8.50 - meets the recommended donation to Friends of THCP and contributes to important conservation work * £12 - covers the above and supports the guide at the minimum wage rate * £15-20 - pay it forward / supporter option. You are welcome to give less or more depending on your personal circumstances. **[Make a donation here](https://buy.stripe.com/14AfZg0Gn3qL9Dx86M2VG02)**. **About your guide:** Hello! I'm Lizzie, a life-long nature lover. Having been gifted the Kingfisher Concise Field Guide to Animals & Plants of Britain and Europe at the tender age of five, it's perhaps unsurprising that I am happiest outdoors! After several years as a geography teacher and data analyst, I began my studentship as a Forest Bathing Practitioner with Nature and Therapy in June 2025. I have experienced the medicinal influence of nature in my own life when I've struggled with burnout and grief; it's a gift I am keen to share with others. If you have any questions, please do reach out. I look forward to welcoming you! **What next?** Sign up! Then, you will receive a participation form by email with a couple of questions about health and safety; please try to respond before the event, so we can go straight to the trees! Your answers will help us to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone and are encrypted. Our GDPR policy is available on request.