Sierra Club

Welcome to our Epping book club — a welcoming space for people who love reading, meaningful conversation, and meeting like-minded book lovers. We’ll explore a mix of thought-provoking fiction, contemporary favourites, and empowering reads, creating engaging discussions in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Our meet-ups will take place at The George and Dragon on Epping High Street, the perfect cosy venue to unwind, connect, and share perspectives. There’ll be plenty of options to enjoy during the evenings too, including tea, coffee, alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic options, so everyone feels comfortable and included. Whether you’re an avid reader or just getting back into books, everyone is welcome! This is not a paid event, though we do ask that you purchase a copy of the book we will be reading.

Join the Eco Around Community for a litter-pick walk from Catford to Ladywell 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, 27 June, from 11:00 am to 12:30 pm **Where:** We’ll start from Halfords in Catford and make our way under the Catford Bridge, entering the Ladywell Fields. Following the Ravensbourne River, along the Waterlink Way, we’ll finish the walk exiting on the Ladywell Rd. Use the What3Words navigation below to see the exact meeting points. Start: what3words: [///dash.liver.flip](https://w3w.co/dash.liver.flip) Finish: what3words: ///[legal.brass.tigers](https://w3w.co/legal.brass.tigers) 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.

Join us for screenings and take part in the discussions and workshops to explore local, regional and national actions. Join us for these screenings and discussions about the **Peoples Emergency Briefing** and explore how we can take action at community level in response to the global emergencies addressed in this compelling film. ADDRESS: **THE IDEAS FACTORY,** **28 BIDDER ST, E16 4ST** BOOK HERE: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-climate-action-week-the-great-imagining-tickets-1991185994912 We are running a series of gatherings around **London Climate Action Week** where people will have an opportunity to watch a screening of this very important call to action and then take part in discussions and workshops which will lead to local, regional and national action. Through **The Great Imagining** we are aiming to launch a highly collaborative national initiative next spring with the aim of shifting attitudes towards a **greener, fairer, wiser** future through **active citizenship, youth social action and collaboration** at a grassroots and systemic level.

**Taiwan Travelogue by Yang Shuang-zi and translated by Lin King** *✨Winner of International Booker Prize 2026✨* *A bittersweet story of love between two women, nested in an artful exploration of language, history, and power.* May 1938. The young novelist Aoyama Chizuko has sailed from her home in Nagasaki, Japan, and arrived in Taiwan. She's been invited there by the Japanese government ruling the island, though she has no interest in their official banquets or imperialist agenda. Instead, Chizuko longs to experience real island life and to taste as much of its authentic cuisine as her famously monstrous appetite can bear. Soon a Taiwanese woman-who is younger even than she is, and who shares the characters of her name-is hired as her interpreter and makes her dreams come true. The charming, erudite, meticulous Chizuru arranges Chizuko's travels all over the Land of the South and also proves to be an exceptional cook. Over scenic train rides and braised pork rice, lively banter and winter melon tea, Chizuko grows infatuated with her companion and intent on drawing her closer. But something causes Chizuru to keep her distance. It's only after a heartbreaking separation that Chizuko begins to grasp what the "something" is. \*\*\* Chapters & Conversations is a space for fiction lovers to connect over great stories and lively chats! Whether you’re into literary fiction, contemporary novels, or fantasy worlds, we’re here to explore it all together. We’re hoping to meet fellow bookworms who enjoy getting lost in a good story and are open to sharing thoughts, laughs, and recommendations. At each event, we’ll dive into a chosen book, chat about characters, themes, and twists - above all, it’s about community, curiosity, and a shared love of reading! Stasia and Yana:)

Welcome everyone, we are here with an exciting event at London Climate Action Week (LCAW). The event consist of two parts. The first part features a role-play called **JoyFuel**, centered on exploring and understanding the root causes of the climate crises. This is followed by a facilitated **discussion and an interactive workshop**, providing space for deeper reflection, dialogue, and collective learning around the same theme. Objective: Participants will engage with climate science in a tangible and accessible way, combining play, activity, and reflection. The performance also encourages participants to reflect on how our individual actions, lifestyles, and consumption patterns contribute to ecological imbalance. Part 1. **JoyFuel** is a play that explores Climate Crisis through reflective and deeper questions to understand its roots. The play stages a story of a graduate student (Arjun), who is ambitious and wants to get all the so-called happiness in his life. He looks up to influential figures, including pop stars and business magnates, as his role models. The story peeps through his own life and the lives of his role models who influence a mass of people to lead a life where happiness is synonymous with more consumption. The collective actions, of the characters, driven by bottomless greed negatively impact the environment. This is depicted through the tragic story of a family of Albatrosses, a seabird. One by one, a family of Albatrosses falls silent, become victims of a meal that was never food but the plastic left behind. Similarly, the adverse conditions of Penguins due to change in the climate, particularly the molt stress is also presented. Through these narratives, the play emphasizes human responsibility in creating and perpetuating this crisis, while encouraging inquiry, awareness and collective action towards protecting ecosystems. The play aims to shift the prevalent notion of happiness through consumption and burning Fossil fuel to fueling the joy within - hence JoyFuel. **Part 2.** **Voice of Earth,** the group discussion and the workshop is an interactive session where the facts about the climate crises will be discussed in detail. In particular, we will scientifically describe the basic terminology associated with climate change like ocean acidification, shifting weather patterns, climate feedback cycles, greenhouse effect etc. For example, through engaging and lively demonstrations, participants will learn about the concept of planetary boundaries, which are the environmental limits within which Earth remains habitable. Crossing these boundaries can lead to serious and potentially irreversible consequences for the Earth To make the experience more engaging, participants will interact with each planetary boundary presented in a human-like form. This approach will help participants better understand the condition of our planet and the importance of these limits. [Register here](https://forms.gle/jBovWuFDYnHQZ2B5A)

Where ideas and strategies to shape the future of media reform come together through talks, panels, workshops and a peoples' assembly. Get your tickets [HERE](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/media-democracy-festival-tickets-1985240489746) From tackling corporate monopolies and algorithmic censorship to building a brand-new Media Consumer Union, the official schedule for Media Democracy Festival 2026 is officially locked in. Join us on Saturday 27th June, where the sharpest minds in media reform, frontline journalism, grassroots organising - and more - come together to build a public information landscape that serves democracy, not media moguls. Explore the sessions, map out your day, and claim your free pass [HERE](https://mediademocracyfestival.co.uk/programme/)

We will be meeting at The Racketeer! We will divide into smaller groups to discuss this month's book. It will be very obvious when you arrive to the pub, where our group is, but please feel free to give me a call if you are struggling to find us. For new members, shoot me a message on meetup and I will send through my phone number!

**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.

Journey out to the heart of West Sussex, for a gathering in the forest. Immerse yourself in nature, with a guided walk amongst the trees on ancient land, spend time around the camp fire, listening to stories of ancient folklore and their relationship to the trees and creatures around you. Anam Cara is a retreat centre set in 10 acres of remote and peaceful country side yet only 15 minute drive from Haslemere train station, a 50 minute ride from Waterloo. There is the option to bring a tent and stay the weekend or rent a tent or cabin from Anam Cara. (GU84SQ)

Connecting people into Philosophy. All welcome. No previous philosophical experience needed. **What it is** Philosophy in the Park is a fun and friendly space for people to come together and have discussions that get deep. It’s a safe space where active creative thinking is encouraged and enjoyed, and where everyone can explore abstract concepts in a way that combines both sincerity and playfulness. Where the most important question is always - what do you think? **What is Philosophy?** Philosophy is about analysing concepts. It's thinking about thinking. It's not about empiricism or the physical world (eg Science and statistics). It's about abstractions, concepts and ideas (eg Identity, Morality, Mind and Truth). **How Philosophy in the Park Works** * Each hour begins with a group vote on which questions to discuss. You can vote for more than one question if you'd like. * We then break out into groups, each focusing on one of the chosen questions. The question is just a starting point and it's cool if you go on tangents and end up talking about different things. You're welcome to join in and participate or if you'd prefer to sit back and enjoy the conversation, that’s also welcome. * After an hour we regroup, take a quick break and then repeat all over again. So across the 3 hours, we’ll break out 3 times. **Where it is** We meet at Baroness Burdett Coutts Drinking Fountain in Victoria Park (East Park). It is marked down as "13" on the official maps found in the park. Please feel free to bring snacks and drinks with you if you want. After the event finishes most people stay and hang out. There’s a local supermarket to get drinks and snacks, or bring your own. You are very welcome to join us. **Guidelines** In order to make the conversations as fun, interesting and productive as possible please follow these simple guidelines: 1. Keep it Philosophical (No Science, no History, no Sociology, no Evolutionary Psychology, no contestable facts, personal anecdotes etc). 2. Think for Yourself (No phones, no looking up definitions, no name dropping Philosophers / books you've read). 3. Tangents are Cool (Don't worry too much if the subject drifts and you don't answer the question). 4. Keep it Succinct (Like this). 5. Be Excellent to Each Other (But of course). Please remember: It's not about debating and trying to win - it's about listening to people and working collaboratively to increase our collective understanding. **Community** Follow us on instagram: [https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/](https://www.instagram.com/londonphilosophycollective/) We have a WhatsApp group if you'd like to continue these conversations between meetings. To join the Philosophy in the Park WhatsApp Group please click here: [https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK](https://chat.whatsapp.com/CdFaxJHbeOw9UOfuk7spiK) In order to stop spam bots this will take you to a Waiting Room. Once in please write your name, answer the joining question and we will add you to the main chat. **Saying Thanks** If you would like to help support Philosophy in the Park you can buy me a coffee here: [https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel](https://buymeacoffee.com/philosophyjoel)

**🎟 Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot 🎟** Looking to escape the city and immerse yourself in nature? Our fully guided, women-only day hikes offer the perfect chance to explore awesome landscapes, connect with like-minded adventurers, and discover the great outdoors—all within easy reach of London. Whether you're trekking through rolling hills, lush woodlands or tranquil river banks, these hikes promise fresh air, epic views, and a rewarding day in the countryside. We’re thrilled to bring back three of our favorite adventures: the Wendover Loop, the Balcombe Loop, and the Epping Forest hike! So join us on one (or all!) of these fantastic walks and let nature work its magic—leaving you refreshed, inspired, and connected. **🌿 Location** **🌲 Epping Forest Walk (15.5km) Discover London’s Largest Green Space** Step into the wild beauty of Epping Forest, a historic woodland spanning 6,000 acres! Wander among towering beech trees, iron-age forts, and hidden ponds, with a chance to refuel at a charming tea hut along the way. **📍** Epping Tube Station ⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Easy to moderate comfortable pace (3-4 km/hr) **✨ Why Join Us?** ✔ Fully guided hikes - book your spot, then just show up and enjoy the adventure ✔ Women-only walks, fostering connection and camaraderie ✔ Explore stunning countryside without the hassle of planning ✔ Unplug, recharge, and embrace the great outdoors Each route is easily accessible by train, so you can ditch the rat race and dive straight into nature with minimal effort. Come along and discover just how much wild beauty exists just outside London! 📅 Limited Spots Available—Reserve Yours Now! **Full Event Details: [Guided Hikes and Wildlife Walks UK](https://www.gutsygirls.co.uk/guided-hikes-and-wildlife-walks)** Ticketed Event - You must BOOK your spot on our website by paying £25 to secure your spot. **🔒 Gutsy Girls Ltd is a fully insured travel company.** **✅** If you'd like to join our adventures, you must book via our website. We don't monitor the comments on Meetup events. **➡️** Book Your Spot **[HERE](https://app.acuityscheduling.com/schedule/afb8c352/?calendarIds=5694718)** **🐻 Why Gutsy Girls?** Gutsy Girls connects women through outdoor adventures, nature, and sports. Whether you're new to adventure or a seasoned explorer, we offer fun, friendly and supportive environments where every woman feels welcome. **🙌 Solo Adventures Welcome** Designed for solo travellers—90% join alone and find lifelong friends. If solo travel sounds daunting, don't worry! Our team ensures your journey is seamless, stress-free, and unforgettable. **⭐️ Highly Recommended** Don't just take our word for it; we've been recognised by the Guardian, The Times, and Stylist and more! Check out our 5-star reviews on **[Trustpilot](https://uk.trustpilot.com/review/gutsygirls.co.uk)** **🌍** Check out more of our adventures **[here](https://gutsygirls.co/3ITdPMN)** Follow us on **[Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/gutsygirls_/)**

Forest Gayte Pride is a grassroots Pride in Newham, with stalls, entertainment, speakers, and other events from Friday to Sunday (but no parade). Its grown from 1 market stall & queer pub night in 2017, then a 2019 parade; though the primary aim is still giving a voice to LGBTQIA+ Newham residents; events and education, a platform for the community to express themselves in a safer, inclusive space, during pride and beyond; and educating the local community on queer issues. The previous organisers stepped down so a new committee will be running it for this 10th year. We don't have a stall this year, choosing to participate more in Southwark Pride on the same day instead - get in touch to help host one for next year. The regular Saturday Market continues as normal around the Pride stalls so there is food, drink, and other items available from them. ⚫ Events Overview: FG Pride are working with their favourite local venues and some of East London’s most influential Queers to bring a celebration of LGBTQIA+ Culture to Newham once more. Check the website for latest updates. There are also fundraising events in the run up, see their [Eventbrite events list](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/forest-gayte-pride-33691105349#events) for all details. (a map and list for Saturday's events at [forestgaytepride.com/virtualmap](https://forestgaytepride.com/virtualmap)) There is a Gala opening event on Friday (keynote speech, panel talk/discussion) followed by drinks at the Forest Tavern, stalls and music/speeches on Saturday at Woodgrange Market, and some quieter events/pub hanging out on Sunday at the Forest Gate Community Garden. Saturday, 10am-4pm: Community Hub (stalls) + Entertainment, crafts and Henna, origami, acts and speakers from noon (and a DJ in between speeches) — Woodgrange Market Place, on the A114 road. The Community Gardens will be open if you need a space away from the bustle for a while. \- Main Evening Event at Forest Tavern\, 7pm til 1am\. \- Sunday afternoon at ???? \- Sunday afternoon 1\-4pm at the Community Garden\, Earlham Grove\. ⚫ Help Out: We weren't able to find people to make a stall happen on the Saturday. A stall is a great way to meet a load of people, conversation ice-breakers ready to go; hang out with other bi/lgbt organisers+activists with experience, help our community. They also need volunteer help for the whole festival (setup starts from 8am on Saturday but doesn't have to be then, Fri/Sun also wanted) — and maybe make new LGBTQ+ friends in the area too: via this form [https://forestgaytepride.com/volunteer-](https://forestgaytepride.com/volunteer-) ⚫ Accessibility: • Woodgrange Market (for the Hub): recently refurbished, fully wheelchair accessible (https://www.facebook.com/woodgrangemkte7/). • [Forest Gate Station](https://tfl.gov.uk/tflrail/stop/910GFRSTGT/forest-gate-rail-station?lineId=tfl-rail): across the road from the Hub. Renovated as part of TfL/Queen Elizabeth Line updates to include a lift and fully accessible trains • No bar at the Marketplace itself (though not a designated Sober space) • Nearest Quiet Zone: 200 yards away at the Community Garden • Forest Gayte Pride pledged for **all of their events to be fully accessible**, including the Hub (ask if more questions) ⚫ More Info: Updates / Details, Website, Social media: [forestgaytepride.com](https://forestgaytepride.com/) Twitter: [@fgpride](https://twitter.com/fgpride) Instagram: [@forestgaytepride](https://instagram.com/forestgaytepride) All profits go to Forest Gayte Pride CIC non-profit to fund the Pride and work throughout the year. You can help them by [donating](https://forestgaytepride.com/donate) (anytime), or [volunteering](https://forestgaytepride.com/volunteer-) (**we also need help** to setup/run stall during the day) Events/map page link page: [forestgaytepride.com/events-1](https://forestgaytepride.com/events-1)