Environment

**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.

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** A dramatic coastal adventure with a vibrant finish. We’ll hike from Newhaven along stunning cliff-top paths with sweeping sea views, rolling downs and fresh ocean air. Expect big scenery, steady climbs and unforgettable coastal panoramas as we make our way toward Brighton. We finish in style on Brighton seafront, perfect for well-earned cocktails, food and sunset vibes. **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: NewHaven Town or **[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: 08:15 Move to the departure platform at 08:35 The train departs at 08:45 The train arrives at 10:17 NewHaven Town We will aim for the 18:10 from Brighton back to Victoria for 19:15 **Pricing Info:** * £10 per person for hike only. You'd need to by your own tickets now as I have no more discounted group train tickets available. Example tickets might be a single to NewHaven Town, and a single back from Brighton. **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

***N.B. [VEGANS AND VEGETARIANS ONLY](https://www.vegansociety.com/go-vegan/definition-veganism) please DO NOT attend if you're not vegan or vegetarian! Team event, with guests going via WhatsApp too; please join any waitlist, in case someone drops out.*** **[THE FRIZZLE QUIZZLE](https://theoldfrizzle.co.uk)** pub quiz is every Sunday from 8pm, with team '**Vegan work it out**' ([WhatsApp](https://chat.whatsapp.com/HE0ZYn0j7nm57ToF3mZR4O)\|[FB](https://facebook.com/groups/162749524100603/?multi_permalinks=2063484967360373)) and vegan grub (VG) on the [menu](https://theoldfrizzle.co.uk/menus). General knowledge questions, spot the intro, music round, mystery voices, TV themes, picture round, puzzles, and more. **£2.50** on the day to take part, first place gets **£75**, second £50, third £25, plus win drinks! Cashless pub, kitchen closes 8:30pm.

Have you ever wanted to partake in hikes where you get exposed to new areas with luscious forms of nature, some amazing views and possibly some hidden gems? If so, this may be the right event for you. Welcome to another Hiking event where all of this is possible. This is the opportunity to form friendships, discover a different perspective of London, improve your fitness, embrace nature but also feel great about yourself. With this particular Hike, we’ll be hiking from Grove Park to Crystal Palace. We’ll be traversing through many parks, forests and nature pathways but also make new discoveries too. This is also part of the capital ring which is a 78 mile pathway split into 15 hiking routes. This is section 3. If you want to be part of the journey, feel free to join us. My fellow explorers, if you enjoyed the event, I’m more than happy to accept any donations which of course are optional but will go a long way to help me unlock and deliver even more exciting and engaging events and resources: https://www.paypal.me/calvinjoy Starting point: Grove Park Station Ending point: Crystal Palace station Walking length: 12.6km Duration: 4 hours at most Required clothing: Smart casual, comfortable shoes and a jacket in case it gets cold
Departure: 20 minutes after the meeting time. WHAT - Hike WHERE - Grove Park to Crystal Palace WHEN - 2pm - 7pm MEETING POINT - Outside Grove Park Station NEAREST STATION - Grove Park station REQUIREMENTS - Just your good behaviour is all and whatever is listed above for the walk. Disclaimers: Please be on your best behaviour and respect one another. This group doesn’t tolerate any misbehaviour and misconduct. Should such a thing take place, you will be removed. If you ask a question that either already has the answer to it or doesn’t relate to the event at all, I won’t respond. Whenever an event takes place, I will cut off contact 20 minutes after the event commences. If you message even 1 minute after the cut off time, I won’t be available as I’m conducting the event. There will be photography and videography by myself so if you are photo conscious and/or do not want to be in the video, do kindly inform me and I’ll try my utmost best to not involve you in the picture. Let’s all be responsible but please be aware you come at your own risk. Do be mindful of your possessions, belongings and most importantly, your safety. The ‘London society of explorers’ accept no risk of liability at this event.

Join us on the cool shaded paths of the Serpent Trail, combining quiet woodland, wild heathland and scenic views across the Surrey countryside. We’ll climb the small mounts of Iron Hill and Combe Hill, wander through a wide variety of forests – some of which are really quite special – and cross open heathland populated with heather and gorse. Along the way, we’ll take in views across the western Weald, connect with the Greensand Ridge, and cross a series of commons on our way down to Haslemere for an optional well-earned drink. **SUMMARY (all info is approximate!)** **Distance**: 23km/14 miles linear route **Ascent**: 200 metres **Duration**: 5.5 hours walking **Grade**: Intermediate, along good undulating paths, with one shortascent in the morning. **COST AND LOGISTICS** **Cost**: £10 **Start**: 11.25am Liss Station **Finish:** 6pm Haslemere Station / White Horse pub **Recommended morning train from London** 10:00 Dep: London Waterloo 11:22 Arr: Liss **Recommended train ticket** Sunday Out Return to Liss **REVIEWS** [Trip Advisor](https://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/Attraction_Review-g186338-d19994843-Reviews-AAA_Hiking_Outdoor_Group-London_England.html) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews) \| [MeetUp](https://www.meetup.com/aaa-outdoor-hiking-adventure-travel/feedback-overview/) **PRICE INCLUDES** * Guided hike planned and led by an experienced AAA leader, trained in Outdoor First Aid. **PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE** * Travel costs * Lunch, drinks or any refreshments * PayPal fees **RECOMMENDED KIT LIST** ([complete list](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/kit-lists)[)](https://mailchi.mp/aaalondongroup.com/kitlist) * Suitable hiking shoes or boots * Packed lunch and snacks * Water - 2 litres recommended * Waterproof jacket and trousers - no jeans please * Warm windproof layer e.g. Down/Primaloft/Fleece * Wicking base layer e.g. Polyester/Tencel/Merino **CANCELLING/REFUNDS** If you can no longer join the hike, please message the Host listed on here, and update your RSVP status to 'Not going', to allow others to take your place. If the hike is full, and you have messaged us and have changed your RSVP to 'Not going', we will refund you, less than the PayPal/Meetup fees. To obtain this, please email info@aaalondongroup.com **after the event**, with the email address you use on your PayPal account and transaction reference. If the hike is not full, unfortunately we will not be able to provide any 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 London Group Terms and Conditions. © AAA London Group Ltd. Errors and Omissions Excepted [FAQs](https://www.aaahiking.co.uk/faq) \| [Terms and Conditions](www.aaahiking.co.uk/terms-and-conditions) \| [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/AAAhiking) \| [Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/AAAHikingUK/reviews)

**🎟 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 this year: 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** 🌳 **Wendover Loop (15.5km) The Chiltern Hills at Their Finest** Lace up your hiking boots and explore the ever-changing scenery of the Chilterns, passing through hamlets, green woodland, and rolling farmland. Take in the views of Chequers, the Prime Minister’s countryside retreat, and enjoy a well-earned break at a quaint pub garden at the end. 📍 Wendover Train Station ⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:30 PM Moderate effort 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_/)**

A CLASSIC WALK through north London's top green and wooded area with its impressive Kenwood House. WALK START: **Meeting at Tufnell Park Station (Northern Line - High Barnet Branch** \- Zone 2\)\. Look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge\. WALK FINISH: Finishing at Golders Green Station (Northern Line). WALK ROUTE: We will walk through the meadows and woods of Hampstead Heath. taking in Parliament Hill and passing by Kenwood House. WALK STOPOUT POINT: We cross a couple of London bus routes. More info: Get out, explore and enjoy London's abundant green spaces and surprising surrounding countryside. Give up the city streets for a day and breathe some fresh air. Improve your overall fitness levels and make some new friends at the same time. **Social Event**: Our walks are social walks, where the emphasis is on meeting new people, enjoying nature, healthy exercise, and fresh air. Our walks are not interrupted with running commentaries or historical lectures, although occasionally features of significance may be pointed out. As such our walks will be continuous with few stops and it is your responsibilty to keep walkers ahead in view and to follow the direction of the walk. We always end the walk at a pub where the socialising can continue. Take this opportunity to visit green parts of London, unknown to most people, and that you would not otherwise have an opportunity to see. FEE: There is a £5 fee for this walking event for those members and guests not holding the Ken's Events Membership card. RAIN POLICY: What about the weather? Light rain or occasional showers is not a problem and the walk will proceed. Only book a walk if you are sure you can attend! Walks will only be cancelled if there is very heavy rain! RISKS: In these walks we use; country stiles,pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, paths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and other established paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Wear good sturdy shoes/walking boots. Take care as surfaces may be uneven, there may be low branches and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists and sometimes cars (country lanes). Some tracks may be muddy and slippery. On occasion we may encounter wild and farm animals. If you require insurance for these walks you must arrange this yourself. No large dogs or small children please. Please arrive in good time to allow opportunity to use toilets at the start of the walk as there may not be any toilet breaks available during the walk. WANT TO COME ON ANOTHER WALK? For a list of future walks go to[ http://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/events/) DISCLAIMER:All Events on Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [(http://www.meetup.com/EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/Explore_London_Secrets_Disclaimer/) ](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-EVENTS-EXPLORE-LONDON-SECRETS/pages/14591782/KEN'S_EVENTS_DISCLAIMER/)to view disclaimer. Please post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Kens Events also has a facebook page. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) If weekday and evening walks are your thing, then you should join Ken's Weekday and Evenings Walking Group. Click here for more information. [(https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/)](https://www.meetup.com/KENS-WEEKDAY-EVENING-WALKS/) When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge outside the station.

**Walk & explore the Chelsea in Bloom installations, socialise, meet people, recharge!** *BOOK VIA the link:* **[https://fatso.ma/fnj7q](https://fatso.ma/fnj7q) and PLEASE RSVP too!** **This is a social event, bringing like minded people together, looking to expand their social circle, create connections, make friends, find that 'special one' that perhaps can make your heart sing or simply join and enjoy a beautiful afternoon in amazing** **surroundings.** *Make the most of this glorious sunny Sunday afternoon!* *After we walking around to admire the state of the art flower installations, we are taking our time over a coffee with our new acquaintances in one of Chelsea's beautiful cafes.* **'Chelsea in Bloom' is London's largest flower celebration, kickstarting summer with breathtaking floral displays and installations.** This year's topics is OUT OF THIS WORLD! Admire six spectacular large-scale floral art installations, including a Zodiac-inspired constellation at Sloane Square; a UFO hovering over Pavilion Road, a lunar-landscape at Duke of York Square and mythical 4m dragon and Pegasus on Sloane Street. An enormous floral globe honours David Attenborough’s 100th birthday in May, on King’s Road. **What's the plan exactly & how to join :** *-With the best smile on your face! 😃* *Make a best first impression, see it reflected back to you!* ***-MEET-UP at 13:30 AT THE EXIT OF SLOANE SQUARE STATION,*** ***-ELENI IS HOSTING THIS WALK, KINDLY ARRIVE ON TIME!*** **-AT 13:40 WE ARE MAKING OUR WAY AT LEISURE TO WALK AROUND AND SEE THE STUNNING FLOWER INSTALLATIONS** MESSAGES CAN NOT BE REPLIED AFTER 13:30 **KINDLY BE ON TIME!** We are walking around King's road following the installations and try see as many as we can. We end up in one of the cafes where you can stay for as long as you like and engage further in conversations with all attendees. **Let's socialise and meet new people or catch up with familiar faces.** Do not hesitate to join for the first time or by yourself as everyone is welcome and included. We must be the friendliest group in London! By attending this event you are fully responsible for your own safety. Fees are non refundable, non transferable unless the event is cancelled

🏞️ A walk covering the modern urban city to the historical, with scenic views and a few sheep thrown into the mix! 🟡 **WALK:** 📏14km (8.7 miles) 🏔️ Elev. Gain: 101m 💓 Av. Pace 5km/h 🚥 [View Walking/Hiking Levels Here](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DPRjEOPjW8B/) *✊ **Pace & Purpose:** Active Muslims is about focusing on the actual activity. These are **paced walks and hikes (not strolls)**, so please join us with that* ***[active mindset and purpose](https://www.instagram.com/reels/DBhPWpdIMKq/)*** *in mind.* 📍 Meet: **Outside Canary Wharf Station** (Jubilee Plaza Exit). ⌚ From: 11:15pm, walk starts **11:31am** 🔄**Start/End**: **Canary Wharf Station** (Jubilee Line) 🚻 Toilets: Canary Wharf Station and Greenwich Park. 🎒 What to bring: appropriate clothing/shoes, water bottle, snacks to keep you going. 🧎 Prayer: We will take a quick break for Salat on-route for those wanting to pray. **📋 Attendance Policy:** When an event has a **waiting list**, priority is given to new joiners and those with a reliable attendance record - *previous "No-Shows" may be moved to the waitlist to ensure spots go to reliable attendees [[why it matters](https://tinyurl.com/28sh83cn)]* ⛑️ **Disclaimer**: You are solely responsible for your own safety on these events and have the fitness level required for it. That you do not require special attention, medication or additional care. You are also responsible for your belonging at all times. 🚦 **[Walk/Hike Levels:](https://www.instagram.com/share/reel/BBxV4zomeZ)** 🟢 Easy 🟡 Average 🟠 Moderate 🔴 Challenging ⚫ Very Challenging **Follow us for updates:** 🌐 **[@Active.Muslims](https://www.instagram.com/active.muslims)** ℹ️ Greenwich Park is said to be the most historic of all London’s Royal Parks. The National Maritime Museum, Royal Observatory and Queen's House are situated in its grounds. The park was originally owned by the Abbey of St. Peter at Ghent. In 1427 its ownership reverted to the crown, and Henry VI gave the park to his uncle, the Duke of Gloucester. With a stunning view of Canary Wharf and the Isle of Dogs, and a rich history within its 183 acres, there is plenty to explore within Greenwich Park.

**Bank Holiday Beach Party at The Montague 🌴☀️** **Buy your ticket here; [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bank-holiday-beach-bar-mixer-bbq-covent-garden-age-35-55-tickets-1989538533310?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bank-holiday-beach-bar-mixer-bbq-covent-garden-age-35-55-tickets-1989538533310?aff=oddtdtcreator)** Step into a hidden slice of summer in the heart of London, as the five-star The Montague on the Gardens unveils its transformed terrace — an exclusive, glamorous beach bar complete with real sand, tropical styling, and laid-back luxury. For a limited time, this iconic hotel has created a private tropical escape, and you'll be among the very first to experience it. With just 40 guests, expect a beautifully dressed, like-minded crowd of London professionals, all coming together in a relaxed, stylish setting designed for genuine connection. Enjoy a welcome coconut rum punch on arrival, with a BBQ menu available on the day (£15pp), alongside cocktails and drinks flowing throughout the afternoon. **(all guests are expected to join the BBQ and pay directly at the venue)** Whether you're looking to meet someone special or simply enjoy an unforgettable afternoon in a unique setting, this is your chance to connect, flirt, and spark something meaningful — all in one of London's most unexpected summer hideaways. **📅 Sunday 24th May** **⏰ 2–5pm** **👗 Dress code: Smart casual (effortless, summer-ready) — we are on real sand so high heels are not ideal.** **Buy your ticket here; [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bank-holiday-beach-bar-mixer-bbq-covent-garden-age-35-55-tickets-1989538533310?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bank-holiday-beach-bar-mixer-bbq-covent-garden-age-35-55-tickets-1989538533310?aff=oddtdtcreator)**

We'll meet up at Waterloo Station under the clock at 10.30. We'll take the tube to Battersea Power Station and spend a couple oh hours exploring inside and out. There will be photo-opportunities everywhere in the giant turbine halls, balconies and surrounding areas. For those who wish a trip you can book a trip to the top of one of the chimneys with amazing views over the river Thames. Tickets are best and cheapest bought on line in advance. See [HERE](https://thechimneylift.co.uk/tickets/). South Western Railway offers a 33% reduction in the cost of a trip up the lift - see [HERE](https://rewards.southwesternrailway.com/offers/359296?utm_source=fb&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=120230926839930749&utm_content=120240483946030749&utm_id=120230926839940749_v2_s06_e7386&utm_term=120230926839940749&fbclid=IwY2xjawPYZnFleHRuA2FlbQEwAGFkaWQBqy6pjD9RrXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR4c9nQ0c-bXW6acH3XGBPi2MJZO_39NrYetdF-L0ChrkjypMsAwYK-I687CFg_aem_ebrnt49xBR6RDslIq5bFLA) . I'm planning to book my tickets for 12.30. There are plenty of eateries to choose from for lunch. After lunch we can walk along the river and enter Battersea Park with its wooded walks, ponds and fountains as well as a bandstand and the iconic London Peace Pagoda. Once again there will be lots of things to photograph. After this, depending on how we feel we could either take the tube back from Battersea Power Station, or if anyone has the energy you could walk on towards Vauxhall, past the newly built up Nine Elms, the USA Embassy and Swimming Pool in the Sky. Don't miss what should be a great day out. Cost of Meetup: £5 cash on day please for each member and each guest. Please book your chimney tickets in advance. We'll agree a time after lunch to all meet up and walk together on to Battersea Park.

Hosted by Licking County Soil and Water Conservation District **Stream Team Sampling Events** Are you interested in the health of local rivers and streams? You can join the Licking County Soil and Water in a Stream Team assessment. These events are a night filled will fun in the water. We look at habitat, biology, and chemical parameters in waterways that indicate how healthy our water is! We would love to see you at one of these events! Family friendly. Free to attend. June Wildwood Park, Granville Where: 785 W Broadway, Granville, OH 43023 Date: 6/11/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M. July Velvet Ice Cream, Ye Olde Mill Where:11324 Mount Vernon Rd, Utica, OH 43080 Date: 7/9/2026 Time: 5:30 - 7:30 P.M.

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed

Community Backyards Workshop .Community Backyards Workshop - Westerville Join us for the Westerville Community Backyards workshop! This is a FREE class on how you can protect our waterways and environment with small changes in your gardening habits. We will discuss rain barrels, rain gardens, composting, and native plants. This workshop is presented by Friends of Alum Creek. By attending, any participating community resident can receive a voucher for a rain barrel, compost bin, or native plants for attending. Vouchers are limited to one per household per year. Registration in advance is encouraged but not required. * Location: Westerville Community Center, 350 N Cleveland Ave, Westerville, OH 43082 * Date and time: Sat, May 30, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM * Organizer: Community Backyards Program, (614) 486-9613, communitybackyards@franklinswcd.org (Free Workshop Registration: Registration is free. Registering in advance provides your information to Franklin Soil and Water ahead of time, so when you come to the workshop, we will have your voucher ready for you when you arrive) https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/h2w5ms8 **FAQs** **Our Community Backyards workshops are FREE and a great way to participate in the rebate program. Our workshops are typically 1 to 1 and a half hours long and held in-person. Our workshops cover the same content as the online course, but they are more detailed and allow the chance to ask questions and have discussions with the presenters and other residents. We occassionally have "advanced topics" classes where you dive deeper into one topic of Community Backyards such as invasive vs. native plants or rain gardens.** **Registration is encouraged but not required.** You can register in advance to receive your voucher at the workshop. If you don't register in advance, that's okay - you can still show up (unless otherwise noted - which is very rare) and sign up for a voucher at the class, and we will send you one via email or mail within a few business days after the workshop. **"Do I have to be a resident of that community to attend that workshop?"** Nope! Our workshops are open to everyone (unless otherwise noted - which is extremely rare). You can attend a workshop that best suits your schedule even if it is in a different community than your own. **"Why is registration closed?** Can I just show up?" Yes, you can show up without registering! We close registration typically 1-2 days before the workshop to give the vouchers and materials to the presenters. However, you are always welcome to just show up and fill out a short form to request a voucher at the workshop. If eligible, we will send one to you within 1-2 business days after the workshop. **Voucher note**: Classes are free for everyone but vouchers are for residents of Franklin county or participating community (list here: https://www.communitybackyards.org/participate) 2026 Participating Vendors: City Folk's Farm Shop, Fisher's Gardens, Leaves for Wildlife, Scioto Gardens, Hoover Gardens & Gift Center, and the FSWCD/SWACO Compost Bin Sale. *when redeeming your voucher at a vendor, Please bring a physical copy of your voucher to receive an immediate discount on your purchase. Additionally, to keep up with number of vouchers that are given out, we have changed the expiration date on the vouchers to 30 days

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

**History** The [Franklin Park Conservatory](https://www.fpconservatory.org/)’s roots trace back to 1852 when the Franklin County Agricultural Society purchased 88 acres of land to host the Ohio State Fair. After the fair moved to its permanent home, the city of Columbus transformed the grounds into Franklin Park in 1884. This transition shifted the space from a temporary event site to a dedicated public green space for the growing community. The park became a central hub for outdoor recreation and early civic gatherings in the neighborhood. In 1895, the landmark Victorian-style Palm House opened its doors, drawing heavy inspiration from the Glass Palace of the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago. This iron and glass structure became an immediate icon, housing exotic plants that residents would otherwise never see in the Midwest. It remains the oldest part of the facility and serves as a primary link to the conservatory’s 19th-century origins. For decades, it stood as a singular testament to grand horticultural architecture in Central Ohio. A major turning point arrived in 1992 when Columbus hosted AmeriFlora '92, an international horticultural exhibition. This massive event prompted a $16 million renovation and expansion, adding significantly more greenhouse space and the Dorothy M. Davis Showhouse. The festival put the conservatory on the international map and fundamentally changed its scale and ambition. Following the event, the facility transitioned from a city-run park to a private, non-profit organization. In 2003, the conservatory’s identity was further defined through a long-term partnership with world-renowned glass artist Dale Chihuly. After a successful exhibition, the Friends of the Conservatory purchased most of the glass installations, creating the largest permanent collection of Chihuly’s work in a botanical setting. These vibrant glass sculptures are now woven throughout the biomes, blending art with nature. This addition helped cement the conservatory as a premier cultural destination rather than just a botanical garden. Recent years have seen the site expand beyond the glass walls to emphasize community engagement and outdoor education. The 2018 opening of the Scotts Miracle-Gro Foundation Children’s Garden added two acres of interactive landscape designed for hands-on learning. The Scotts Miracle-Gro Company Community Garden Campus also provides local residents with space to grow their own food and learn sustainable practices. Today, the conservatory balances its historic Victorian charm with modern commitments to local ecology and the Columbus community. **Maps of the Conservatory** Here is the [main map](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/franklin-park-zones-scaled.jpg) of the Conservatory grounds. Here's a [map of the areas](https://www.fpconservatory.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/ConstructionMap-2026.jpg) in which the Conservatory has ongoing construction (see below). **Summary** For this event, we'll explore Columbus's highly-rated and very popular Conservatory. As mentioned above, the Conservatory is doing renovations on parts of the facility. These renovations are scheduled to be ongoing until the Fall of next year. Basically, no matter when you go to the Conservatory over the next 18 months, you're going to see some metaphorical orange barrels. So let's just go now. **Tickets and pricing** On the first Sunday of every month, the Conservatory is free for residents of Franklin County and the city of Columbus. You must bring an ID to receive this discount. (Yes, they do check.) Otherwise, tickets are $25.20. Members of the Columbus Zoo (of which I am one) do get a discount on tickets, though I have never actually bought a ticket to the Conservatory (I've always gone on free days). I believe the discount is $4. Parking is always free. If you have additional questions about pricing or whether and for what you qualify, you can reach the Conservatory at 614-715-8000. **Where we'll meet** We will meet just outside the main entrance. I guarantee there's going to be a line. The Conservatory is always popular on free days, and especially in nice weather. **Your GPS is stupid!** Be careful simply typing "Franklin Park Conservatory" in your GPS and going where it tells you. The only way to access the parking lot to the Conservatory is off of Broad Street. Unfortunately, since Google Maps is unable to find its way out of a wet paper bag, it has a tendency to want to take people to a mythical, non-existent Conservatory entrance on Nelson Road. If your GPS does this, just drive to the north side of the Conservatory along Broad Street. Your GPS should then redirect you to the main Conservatory entrance. If your GPS doesn't, then throw your phone away\* and look for the big Conservatory sign on the south side of Broad Street between Nelson Road and Franklin Park West. You also should be able to use the map pin I've provided, below, and it should properly direct you to where you need to drive. \* Don't really do this. **After the event** After stopping to smell the roses, for those that are interested, we'll head to the nearby [Columbus Brewing Company Beer Hall](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/) for [drinks](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#draft-list) and [lunch](https://columbusbrewing.com/location/beer-hall/#food-menu). The Beer Hall's actual address is [200 Kelton Ave, Columbus, OH 43205](https://www.google.com/maps/place/200+Kelton+Ave,+Columbus,+OH+43205/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x883889a94ac4acad:0xadb2e60240dbc38b?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111) (it's literally just on the south side of the Conservatory). Be sure this is where your GPS is taking you when you use it, as the Brewing Company has a taproom on Harrison Avenue that is *not* what you want for this event. We should be at the Beer Hall by 1 if you can't make the Conservatory and just want to join us for drinks.

The number of ticks and tick diseases in Ohio have quickly multiplied over the last 10 years. Dean Kreager discusses tick species, tick pathogens, tick-borne diseases, tick bite prevention, and proper tick removal. Kreager is an Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with OSU Extension in Licking County * Lakewood Public Library (in Hebron)- May 26 at 7pm [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/tick-talk-29621) * Johnstown public library at 7:00 pm June 8 [https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622](https://events.lickingcountylibrary.org/event/ctick-talk-29622) Free to attend, no RSVP needed