Bird Watching

*I'm in love with a flower, but I don't know which;* *That gives me pain* *I gaze into the cups of all the flowers,* *Looking for a heart* Heinrich Heine *Tulpenmanie* time 😀 Witness a field of multi-coloured tulips without trekking to the Netherlands 🌷🌷🌷 And along the way we'll pass the final home of John Flamsteed, the first Astronomer Royal, who mapped the stars of the Northern Hemisphere, 3000 of them. And who convinced one Isaac Newton that two comets seen in different months were in fact the same object, that had passed round the Sun 😏 Outward Travel: Take the train departing 9.51 AM from London Bridge to SALFORDS. Beforehand from 9.30 AM the organizer will be near the ticket office in the centre of the station, Buy an off peak day return to THREE BRIDGES - £10.05 with a Network card or Groupsave. Walk start: 10:30 AM from Salfords rail station. Bring a packed lunch. Pub stop for drinks. Walk ends at Three Bridges station. *How to join?* * The walk is entirely free of charge; * You only arrange for your own travel and pub expenses; * Understand our terms and conditions below (the "IMPORTANT" part); * Understand how to stay safe outdoors, as you will be responsible for yourself. See our quick safety tips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ *What to bring* * Plenty of water, 1-2 litres recommended * Enough snacks and packed lunch to keep you energized along the walk * Extra snacks and an extra packed lunch just in case * Rainproof (ideally waterproof) clothing, sturdy shoes/boots you don't mind getting muddy * Spare socks * Walking poles and/or an umbrella :-) * Yourself... * ...and your camera! * Cash for train ticket * Cash for pub at the end of the walk? Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section! IMPORTANT Please bear in mind this is a free of charge, self-guided trip with a hobby group. It is not organized by a business nor any entity with commercial purposes. Any trip details, travel advice, route planning, instructions and other content in our group merely represent our shared personal knowledge, research and suggestions as outdoor enthusiasts. As this is no business, there is no "product", "service" or "package" and also no "tour guide", "operator" or "walk leader". Each participant is responsible for their own safety. Even if some of us are very experienced walking outdoors, nobody assumes responsibility for any kind of injury, damage or loss that may happen. Despite this, we take extreme precautions and all trips we plan are very safe, fun, highly educational and popular. Our experienced members volunteer their time and effort to shape a pleasant and quality adventure for everyone :-) By participating you acknowledge and agree with this disclaimer. Here are our tips on staying safe during outdoor trips: http://www.meetup.com/Free-Outdoor-Trips-From-London/about/ TRAVEL, ACCOMMODATION, INSURANCE Although we provide detailed suggestions, each participant is expected to arrange their own travel - this gives everyone the freedom and choice. Anyone interested in travel or outdoor insurance should also arrange this on their own. As mentioned above we always take extreme precautions, but some people may still feel safer if covered. As most of our trips are confirmed or postponed very close to the event date - heavily depending on the weather forecasts - we advise not to buy this until the last minute. People getting tickets from the same station are encouraged to meet early on the day to benefit from discounts such as GroupSave.

Get ready to bring your sketchbook and art supplies for a chilled café sketching session! There'll also be a movie hangout afterwards! You're free to just attend the sketching session. If you'd like to come to the movie hangout, scroll down for more info. No matter your skill level lets grab a coffee and unleash our creativity into our sketchbooks. There's no formal guidance, you'll be free to get on with your own drawings/personal art projects while being able to connect with other local artists. You're welcome to join in on the group conversations or quietly get on with your art studies whatever your preference. A few basic drawing supplies (pencils, colouring pencils, erasers etc) will be provided but please bring your own sketchbook / tablet / paper / something to draw on! After the sketching session at approx 2:30pm, we will make our way to BFI IMAX in Waterloo for 3:30pm to see **The Super Mario Galaxy Movie**. The film starts promptly at 3:30pm - approx 5:20pm. I've booked seat H11 so make sure you book a seat in or around row H! [Link to buy your ticket](https://whatson.bfi.org.uk/imax/Online/default.asp?BOparam::WScontent::loadArticle::permalink=super-mario-galaxy-movie-2d) **(Make sure you book the 2D screening on 11th April at 3:30pm on page 4!)** Hope to see you there 👋 (Also please feel free to join even if RSVPs are full!)

**Discover the outer islands with gentle guided walking, scenic views and good company.** This holiday mixes relaxed walking with a comfortable stay — all designed for a calming escape in one of Britain’s most remote and beautiful regions. ### What to Expect * Sociable small-group walking across the Outer Hebrides’ landscapes * Guided walks at an easy to moderate pace * Comfortable accommodation for a restful stay * Evenings to relax and enjoy the group’s company * Suitable for solo walkers, friends or couples ### Important RSVP on Meetup does **not** guarantee your place. Booking must be completed via the main Large Outdoors website. 📍 **Location:** Outer Hebrides 🔗 **Full details & booking:** [https://www.largeoutdoors.com/scenic-walking-holiday-exploring-the-outer-hebrides](https://www.largeoutdoors.com/scenic-walking-holiday-exploring-the-outer-hebrides) A calm holiday with walking, fresh air and good company.

Let's sketch the Pergola at Hampstead Heath! Bit of a change of pace from the urban environment but I want to try and explore the world's greenest city more thoroughly. This area looks bloomin' lovely with lots of beautiful nature scenes, hopefully the weather will be good! The best way to get to the Pergola at Hampstead Heath is by taking the Northern Line to Golders Green or Hampstead stations, both of which are about a 10-20 minute walk away. You can also use bus routes 210 and 268 for convenient access. Inverforth Close, North End Way, Hampstead Heath, London, GB NW3 7EX Rendez vous by the big lake/infinity pool bit Completely free of charge, no need to sign up, bring a friend! Feel free to drop in for the whole two hours or just short while if you'd prefer. Look for the tall ginger fella sketching away as the central meetup spot, I'll hang by the pool but feel free to roam as far and wide as you like and sketch anything you damn well please! Please bring your own sketchbooks and pens/pencils. The plan will be to meet at 1pm, sketch for a couple of hours and meet back and chat at 3pm. We can then meet back in the garden and compare pictures. \-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\-\- About Sketchbook London Every week we will choose a location around the magnificent city of London and draw people, buildings, pigeons, bins, anything you want.... No payment, no pressure, no need to sign up, just show up and draw for a couple of hours. All levels, abilities and professions welcome, bring a friend! Zero pressure to interact, network, impress in any way, this is just a way to get out and about and appreciate the joy of urban sketching and all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit this thriving metropolis. I am a storyboard artist working in animation and I am happy to discuss sketching techniques or give feedback on any work but this is by no means an exclusive event for artists, all are welcome :)

Come with me on a enjoyable walk along The River Thames, along the Thames Path walking the Greenwich Circular distance 8 miles approx. We will meet in the Gate clock {Wetherspoons this is next to the Cutty Sark DLR Station} at 10.45 am for a hot drink, leaving at 11. 15 am to start our walk.. We will follow the Thames Path to North Greenwich, and get the cable car {as above} to take us over to Victoria Dock. Lunch will be at Trinity Buoy Wharf {or you can bring your own}. After lunch we will walk along the Thames Path to Island Gardens and walk through the Greenwich Foot Tunnel, and then back to the Gateclock Pub for a drink. Time will be given to take photographs. £7 meet fee required please have the right amount. Please note: This walk is on concrete paths, so trainers, would be OK to wear. \*JOIN OUR 45+ NOT GRUMPY FACEBOOK COMMUNITY \* <[https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/](https://www.facebook.com/45plusnotgrumpy/)>

**Masters Saturday Golf** Join us for a relaxed Saturday afternoon watching the Masters at Redwood Sports Bar in London Bridge. Expect a laid-back social atmosphere with golf on the screens, good conversation, and a chance to enjoy the drama of moving day at Augusta together. Whether you’re a big golf fan or just fancy a casual Saturday drink while the tournament is on, you’re welcome to join. 📍Redwood Sports Bar 📅 11th April, Saturday – Masters weekend ⛳ Casual drop-in watch party

Open your eyes to a new way of 'seeing' and composing your images. In this informative and fun workshop we are going to help you to bring new elements into your composition. We will look at the work of some of the photography masters and break down how their images are made. It will be surprising! You will be given a series of challenges to carry out to help create your images and develop your eye. EXPERIENCE * All levels welcome WHAT YOU WILL LEARN * Understand the elements that help engage your viewer * Develop your eye for the elements that will aid your composition EQUIPMENT * Any camera including smartphones * Any lens you have such as kit lens, 18-70, 24-105 OTHER ESSENTIALS * Dress appropriately for the weather TRAVEL * As usual check the TFL website for any issues that may delay your journey CONTACT * Alex 07956 264049 VENICE PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKEND - Oct 2026 [https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095](https://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events/313109095) UPCOMING EVENTS [www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events](http://www.meetup.com/londonphotographicopa/events)

Spring is here with its sparks, its sunny spells and wild flowers. Love is in the air, baby animals all over the place and the nature is showing off with various dresses of greens, purple or pink. What a better season to visit our woodlands and fields, our castles and rich historic heritage? and you know what? IT IS BLUEBELLS SEASON! So this year, I am taking you on a new trail in the Kents Down, about 45 minutes away from London for what best countryside has to offer! There is no better season to visit our ancient woodlands and after a few months by the sea, it is time to enjoy nature at its best! We will walk 11 miles in the woods, the fields, in Castle grounds surrounded by bluebells, herds of the three species of deer that inhabit these ancient lands. We will walk pass two impressive middle ages buildings, first Knole castle, a stunner and Ingham Castle, the castle is a medieval moated manor house. The architectural writer John Newman once described it as "the most complete small medieval manor house in the county. The house is a Grade I listed building , and a stunning one! After this beautiful hike yet so close to London, those who wish will be welcome to join us at a pub or restaurant to fill our bellies or get tipsy. So now! What you should do you are asking? Well, click attend, send me some pennies and get ready for a lovely day out with the world's funniest people, the infamous Jonions and their mama!(me) 😃 INFORMATION: Distance: 11 Miles/16 km Duration: about 5 hours Steepness: Medium, a couple of short climbs, not too steep. Difficulty: Medium, there will be small hills so it is perfect for beginners or keen hikers alike. PRICE: £17 for the guide's fee via paypal Less than £20 in cash for the train ticket, probably less, we will buy a group return ticket together to save about 35% INCLUDED: Guided hike A great time with lovely people NOT INCLUDED: Train Anything 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. MEETING POINT: London Charing Cross at 10am 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: If you miss a trip: £17 trips: You may transfer to a future trip of the same price if you cannot make it. £70 or above: No refund or transfer possible as you would have blocked a spot and I would have paid for transport already.

Starting in **Seaford**, we follow the coastal path past a historic **Martello Tower** before climbing onto **Seaford Head**, where wide views open across the **English Channel**. The trail rises and falls along the chalk cliffs before dropping into the **Cuckmere Estuary**, a protected wildlife area and our lunch stop near the visitor centre. In the afternoon, we join the **South Downs Way** and enter **Seven Sisters Country Park**, climbing steeply to the trig point at **Cliff End**. From here, we follow the cliff edge over the iconic **Seven Sisters** to **Birling Gap**, then climb past **Belle Tout Lighthouse** and continue to **Beachy Head**, the highest chalk sea cliff in Britain. We finish by descending to the coast and walking the **Victoria Promenade** into **Eastbourne**, where you can join the group for food and drinks or head straight home by train. *** **Grade:** Intermediate / Challenging **Distance:** 22 km / 13 miles **Ascent:** approx. 670 m **Hiking Time:** 6.5 – 7 hours (including breaks) *** ### Schedule & Meeting Info **Meeting Time:** 08:20 – London Victoria Station near the information booth Platform 12 **Trains:** 08:54 London Victoria → Seaford (via Lewes) Arrival: 10:19 Journey time: approx. 1 hr 25 min (1 change at Lewes) **Tickets:** Return to Eastbourne 🚆 Train fare is **not included** – please purchase your own return ticket, in advance or on the day **Hike Start:** 10:30 – Seaford Station **Hike Finish:** Approx. 18:00 – Eastbourne **Return Trains:** Frequent services to London Victoria **What to Bring** ✅ Hiking boots or sturdy shoes ✅ Waterproof jacket & layers ✅ Packed lunch, snacks & water ✅ Sun protection (exposed cliffs) ✅ Train ticket / Railcard *** ### 👣 **Hike Leader:** Gary 📱 07968585224 📧 golondongary@hotmail.co.uk *** ### 💚 **Stay Connected** 📱 WhatsApp: 07968585224 📩 Mailing List: [https://www.golondonhiking.co.uk/contact](https://www.golondonhiking.co.uk/contact) 🌐 Website: [https://www.golondonhiking.co.uk](https://www.golondonhiking.co.uk) 👥 Meetup: [https://www.meetup.com/GO-London](https://www.meetup.com/GO-London) 🎟️ Eventbrite Page: [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/go-london-hiking-17576718759](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/go-london-hiking-17576718759) 📸 Instagram: @golondonhiking 👍 Facebook Page: [https://www.facebook.com/GoLondonAdventure/](https://www.facebook.com/GoLondonAdventure/) 👥 Facebook Group: [https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoLondonHiking/](https://www.facebook.com/groups/GoLondonHiking/) 📜 **Terms & Conditions** By signing up, you agree to our full T&Cs including our cancellation and refund policy. [https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XSic4Aj9VJguTQuiWrTd6I1A-EmvmQCqCHggB0omlX8/edit?usp=sharing](https://docs.google.com/document/d/1XSic4Aj9VJguTQuiWrTd6I1A-EmvmQCqCHggB0omlX8/edit?usp=sharing)

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** Join us for a scenic and adventurous hike starting at Sothease, winding through the peaceful South Downs, and uncovering the hidden hamlet of Telscombe—tucked away from time and crowds. We’ll continue on to Peace Haven cliffs, and onto Peace Haven meridean line, then striking coastline toward Newhaven, where cliffs, sea views and a super long pier reward the journey before the pub. Expect rolling hills, secret paths, and a mix of countryside charm and coastal drama. A perfect day for nature lovers, curious wanderers, and those craving a lesser-known trail with a stunning seaside finish. **WHAT TO EXPECT - HIKING INFO** Distance: **20km** Ascent: c.**376 metres** Estimated Duration (approx.): **5 hours walking** depending upon the speed of the group and excluding any breaks. Difficulty: **[Moderate](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/hike-grade)** **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: 08:30 Move to the departure platform at 08:45 The train departs at 08:54 The train arrives at 10:06 Southease We will aim for the 17:00 from New Haven town back to Victoria for 18:36. **Pricing Info:** * £30 per person – includes hike + train travel. Book by 11:59 PM on Tuesday before the event to guarantee your spot at this £30 discounted price - after this time there might or might not be limited £30 tickets left upon checking event. * Want to join for the hike only? Message me privately on Meetup to pay £10 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 * 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. [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

We will meet outside the Wanstead tube station, to your right as you exit. We will then take a short stroll to Wanstead Park, where we will do a circular walk round the Ornamental Water, the Grotto, Perch Pond, Heronry Pond and return to the station via the Chalet Wood. It's a bluebells season so hopefully that should be a treat. We will finish our walk at Wanstead Station. Optional drinks/lunch at the end of walk at local pub. What to bring: Comfortable footwear Water Photo-taking gadgets and chargers An umbrella just in case (it's London after all) The walk is free for members who have subscribed for an annual membership. For other members the fee is £5 cash/card on arrival to contribute towards the organiser's meetup fees and costs. The annual pass option is £15 payable by cash or card on the day. This will provide access to at least 40 walks per year (members are welcome to bring a guest to each event). All walks are free for the NHS staff (also welcome to bring a guest). ***'No Show' Policy:*** *If the member replied 'yes' but did not attend the event, did not update the RSVP and did not inform the organiser on 3 occasions – this triggers an automatic removal from the group. That's once for events with a waiting list.*

Who else is ready to sit outside? Join us for a casual chat over coffee & tea at Grandview Grind! Come out and meet some new people, enjoy your favorite drink, and make some new friends!

LICKING COUNTY LIBRARY Author & Artist Julie Zickefoose Saturday, April 11, 2026 1 p.m. Licking County Library 101 W. Main St. | Newark, Ohio Julie Zickefoose: Author, Painter, and Bluebird Extraordinaire Zickefoose is an American nature book writer, naturalist, bird artist, and blogger. She lives in Ohio on an 80-acre wildlife sanctuary, which she said inspires much of her work, including her 2012 novel, The Bluebird Effect: Uncommon Bonds with Common Bird, and NATURAL GARDENING FOR BIRDS The novel is illustrated with 320 of Zickefoose’s colored paintings, life sketches, and drawings, and it was one of Oprah’s 2012 book club reads.

Join us as we get together to get together to help those in need at this CMG Gives Back event! We have a great little community of Movie Group friends so rather than see a movie this time, we’ll help “create a better world” by helping serve those in need. Here are complete details and our plan for this event: FAITH MISSION – GRANT KITCHEN: The Faith Mission kitchen and dining room serves residents 3 meals a day, every day of the year. For this event, our group will help prepare food, serve meals, assist residents in the dining room, wash dishes, and clean surfaces. PLAN: We will be preparing / serving / cleaning for BRUNCH from 10:30am to 12:30pm and have space for a total of 7 volunteers. Please arrive at 10:20am and wear closed-toe shoes and long pants. LOCATION: Faith Mission – Grant Kitchen is located at 245 N. Grant Ave. Enter the kitchen at Dock 1 (in the back of the building), indicated in the attached map. On-site parking in the adjacent lot and street parking is available in the surrounding area. Below are some links / attachments with additional info/details: IMPORTANT REMINDER: Our group will be providing all of the volunteers on this day so a firm RSVP count is essential. Please only sign up if you are certain you’ll be able to attend. If something unavoidable comes up, please try to update your RSVP no later than one week prior to the event. With few exceptions, no shows or cancelations within 1 week of the event will not be eligible for future CMG Gives Back events. I appreciate your understanding as we try to ensure the agencies have the volunteers needed to provide the essential services they provide to the vulnerable population they serve. Our Partner Agency for this event is Lutheran Social Services! A huge THANK YOU to all of YOU for volunteering at this (and any of our previous) CMG Gives Back events! Should be a good/fun/meaningful time together, Dan

Let’s get together for a relaxed Saturday brunch! This will be the very first event for our group. Whether you’re looking to meet new friends, get out more, or just enjoy good conversation over brunch, this is the perfect place to start. We’ll be meeting at The Goat Gahanna for great food, drinks, and a welcoming, no-pressure atmosphere.

Join WQC on April 25th from 11am-1pm at Inniswood Metro Park for a Nature Photo Walk. All types of cameras welcome! Let's enjoy spring to the fullest... 🌻🌼🌷🐤