Wild Birds

**Bookable via our website ➡️** https://www.thegoodlifecentre.co.uk/events/carving-a-wooden-bird-13/ ⋆⋆⋆ **Carving a Wooden Bird** **10am – 5pm** This one-day workshop is designed for those interested in learning the art of carving a small three-dimensional object. You will learn about the tools required for carving, the types of wood and techniques for carving and finishing a simple wooden bird. By following a step-by-step process of carving a 3D object, from the selection of a suitable wood to the final stages of sanding and finishing. Participants will gain knowledge of carving techniques of carving in the round. The course will be taught by experienced woodworker Jon Hall who will provide personalised guidance to everyone, and give them tips and tricks to improve their carving skills. At the end of the day, learners will have a finished wooden bird that they can be proud of and can display in their homes or give as a gift. No prior experience in carving or woodworking is required for this course. Beginners welcome. All necessary materials, including the wood block, the use of carving tools, and finishing supplies, will be provided.

**Discover Winter Walking in the Scottish Highlands** Join **Large Outdoors** for a sociable five-night winter walking holiday in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. This hotel-based trip is designed for those who want to explore the Highlands in winter – no previous winter walking experience needed. ### **What to Expect:** 🚶 **Fully Guided Winter Walks** – Led by experienced guides, our routes are tailored to conditions and group ability each day. 🏔️ **Intro to Winter Skills** – Learn simple winter skills like walking with microspikes and using walking poles, all in a supportive environment. 🛌 **Hotel Accommodation** – Enjoy ensuite rooms and a hearty breakfast buffet each morning. ☕ **Sociable Group Setting** – Designed with solo walkers in mind, with plenty of time to relax, chat, and enjoy the scenery. 🚐 **Car-Free Option** – Collection from Glasgow or Aviemore station. 📅 **Dates:** Sunday 22 – Friday 27 February 2026 📍 **Location:** Cairngorms, Scotland 🔗 **Full details & booking:** [https://www.largeoutdoors.com/guided-winter-walking-holiday-cairngorms-scotland](https://www.largeoutdoors.com/guided-winter-walking-holiday-cairngorms-scotland) A great chance to experience the Highlands in winter – safely, sociably, and with expert support.

Join Hannah, Rob and London Wildish Club for a steady winter ramble through one of London’s largest and most varied green spaces. We’ll **start at Hainault Station** and walk just over a mile to the edge of the forest before diving into the glorious green. Along the way we’ll visit Woodhenge, pop up onto Dog Kennel Hill (a small rise of around 80m), and stop by the Hainault Visitor Centre for toilets and a few nature facts. From there we’ll explore a mix of wide plains and woodier areas, before picking up Cavill’s Walk and looping back to the station together. This is a longer, steady-paced walk of around **7.8 miles / 12.5 km** — perfect for warming up for spring and the longer days ahead. Expect mud and puddles in places, crisp winter air, friendly people, and pauses for seasonal noticing along the way. We’re starting a little earlier than usual to make the most of the daylight. Any questions, just give us a shout. **What to bring** • Sturdy footwear (mud-friendly trainers or walking boots recommended) • Warm layers + waterproof jacket • Water + snacks/lunch • Your best seasonal nature facts • A dog friend, if you have one *** **Route info** • Loop route, starting and finishing at Hainault Station • Distance: 7.8 miles / 12.5 km • Terrain: mostly flat, woodland paths, open plains and one small hill • Likely muddy in places • Toilets available at the Hainault Visitor Centre • We’ll walk rain or shine — come prepared 🌦️ **More Info about Wildish Club** You can learn more and [join the club here](https://www.thewildishclub.co.uk/) (it’s free to join). The Wildish Club is place for outside people. Bringing awesome people together across the UK to do interesting stuff outdoors. It's a bit like Cubs, but for adults. When you join the club [via our website](https://www.wildishclub.co.uk/join-the-club) you will gain access to our WhatsApp community. This is where we share events and keep everyone up to date with what’s going on.

**Backabush is heading back to the Canary Islands to visit La Gomera!** **La Gomera is known as "the magical island" or "the Canary island that time forgot" because of its incredible natural beauty.** FOR MORE INFO PLEASE VISIT: [https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306789341](https://www.meetup.com/backabush/events/306789341)

Если вы когда-нибудь мечтали увидеть тюленей, греющихся на берегу, то время пришло😍! Мы отправляемся на побережье северного Норфолка, которое славится первозданной природной красотой👍🏻. Возможно, именно поэтому его облюбовали тюлени, обитающие здесь круглый год. Грациозные в воде и немного неуклюжие на суше, с трогательными мордочками, огромные самцы, изящные самочки и крохотные детеныши — весь пляж просто усыпан животными, а воздух наполнен их криками. Вы можете наблюдать за морскими созданиями со специально оборудованных смотровых площадок или отважиться и подойти как можно ближе. Но не стоит забывать, что на суше тюлени чувствуют себя уязвимо, а потому необходимо обращать внимание на обозначения огороженных участков, созданных ради безопасности как людей, так и животных🛑. Нас ждет потрясающее зрелище, которое подарит море впечатлений, эмоций и множество замечательных фотографий! А ещё местечко Horsey Gap прославилось тем, что в 2015 году на его пляже родились первые в мире официально зарегистрированные тюлени-двойняшки! На обратном пути мы остановимся в одном из самых популярных приморских мест в Великобритании — **Great Yarmouth**, где пообедаем в рыбном ресторане [Fish & Grill](https://g.co/kgs/qRKZ6y)🍧. Находясь в графстве Норфолк получаешь удовольствие от самого факта пребывания в этом удивительном и прекрасном месте, полном природных достопримечательностей. *** 📝План поездки: 📍**08:45 Встреча** у отеля **[Ibis London City Hotel](https://goo.gl/maps/ucQmtxqwjZs)**, 5 Commercial St, E1 6BF (рядом со станцией Aldgate East Station) 📍12:20 Короткая остановка у ветряной мельницы [Horsey](https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/horsey-windpump) для фотографий 📍12:30 — 14:50 Прогулка вдоль дюн Северного моря (Horsey Gap) в поисках тюленей 📍15:00 — 16:00 Обед в [Nelson Head](http://thenelsonhead.com/) (пожалуйста, бронируйте столики заранее), по желанию можете взять еду с собой и устроить пикник на дюнах 📍16:00 Отправление 📍19:00 London, Aldgate East 👣Продолжительность путешествия зависит от погодных условий и дорожных пробок. *** 🎁Включено в бронирование: ⚜️Аудиогид на русском ⚜️Тур-менеджер, говорящий на русском и английском языках ⚜️Транспорт, организация мероприятия ⚜️Профессиональный водитель с курсами IAM/RoSPA ⚜️Администрация и помощь во время путешествия ⚜️НДС и все налоги, комиссия платежной системы (карта/банк/PayPal) *** 🙅🏼‍♀️Не включено: ❌Питание во время путешествия: индивидуальный выбор ❌Трансфер в место встречи и после завершения поездки ❌Остановки автобуса для посадки/высадки пассажиров по пути следования ❌[Страховка](https://www.coverwise.co.uk/) в случае травм, потери багажа и личных вещей, отмены тура в последнюю минуту ❌[Evebus Club](https://evebus.com/ru/evebus-club/) – привилегии для участников программы, в том числе переносы броней без потерь ❌Экскурсовод: £20 с человека при условии набора группы от 6-ти участников *** 🎒Что взять с собой: ✅Воду/еду по желанию ✅Фотокамеру и зарядку для телефона ✅Хорошее настроение 🙂 ✳️Обо всем остальном мы позаботимся. Поэтому просто явитесь в указанное время и место и наслаждайтесь поездкой😉! 📩Этот тур, как и все путешествия Evebus, может быть организован в частном порядке! Для участия в индивидуальных поездках, пожалуйста, обращайтесь на info@evebus.com с пометкой «Тур на заказ».

Join me for an intimate evening created to warm the vessels and uplift the spirit, bringing a Caribbean and West Indian-inspired vibration into London’s cooler season kept clean, intentional, and rooted in alkaline, plant-based cuisine. Bringing food, conversation, education and community under one roof. Jay Golding the founder of The Naturalist Way been a chef for over 13 years, beginning in traditional, meat-based kitchens before evolving into a deeper exploration of purposeful, plant-led cooking. More of his journey will be shared on the night. All dishes are prepared with whole, unprocessed ingredients, spring water, cold-pressed oils (if any), and non-toxic cookware no refined sugars, additives, or preservatives. The Naturalist Way is more than a way of life — it’s a guiding philosophy, a collective awakening, and a return to the timeless wisdom of the natural world. Grounded in alkaline nutrition, holistic wellness, and the inherited teachings of our ancestors, it’s crafted to support the restoration of our vitality and health. Our mission is to rekindle the sacred connection to nourishment and honour ancestral insight, all while unlocking our fullest physical and mental potential. **Menu** **Drinks** Orange & Chamomile refresher Sarsaparilla Root & Nettle brew **Starter** Patty-Crusted Tart with Callaloo & Curried Chickpeas, Tamarind Keylime zest Chutney, Watercress **Main** Jerked Mishkaki Oyster Mushroom Skewer, Makhani Coconut reduction, Jollof Fonio, Irie pepper sauce **Sweet** Teff “Mocklate” Bake, Irish Moss Coconut Vanilla Custard, Mulberry, Baobab Crumble **Allergens** Our menu naturally avoids many common allergens. If you have any sensitivities, please let me know after booking so that i can get them to guide you through the menu and accommodate where possible. **📍 Location & Booking** This is a private London setting. Area guidance and further details will be shared via email after booking, with the full address sent closer to the event. **Seating is Limited** Everyone is welcome, i love meat, but love food that is delicious, am always excited to try new food Reserve your place now and claim your seat at the table. The Naturalist Way **PRICE £88** **\*Please note tickets are non refundable unless cancelled\*** **What's Included** 3 course meal Refreshing Drink Meeting New People Coming Out Of Your Comfort Zone Friendly Host Host and admin fees etc See you at the dinning table for some hearty healthy natural food My number just in case is 07957320516

Come join us for this fabulous 12 mile coastal walk whereby we shall be taking in the Essex charms of exclusive Frinton on the Sea and the uniqueness of the Naze. Let's go with the flow ! We shall buy group train tickets to Walton-on-the Naze - we need change trains at Thorpe-Le- Soken - as from 9am. Train ticket : return to Walton-on-the-Naze Train departs at 9.38am and arrives at Walton-on-the-Naze 11.17am after a change of train. The walk will commence immediately and there shall be a toilet stop 15 mins after leaving the station. Or you may decide to drive. We shall first walk around the Naze itself and then eat our lunch by the Naze Tower before walking the last 30 mins around the Naze. Then we shall make our way to Clacton passing Frinton and Holland on Sea along the beaches and if the sun is out and tide is out too this part of the walk is extremely enjoyable. We shall stop a couple of times during the afternoon. This whole walk is very memorable indeed as it is somewhat different. Time permitting we shall go to a pub at the end of the walk. Meetup fee £8 payable in cash or £6 by Saturday in advance by bank transfer, details available upon request. Please bring packed lunch, water, snacks etc plus waterproof jacket and walking shoes or trainers. Train journey back from Clacton at 5.35pm. Please only post photos of others with their consent. My no 07714250849.

**Dover → Folkestone via Samphire Hoe** **The Plan:** * **Distance:** 9 miles * **Duration:** about 3.5 hrs * **Elevation:** +650 ft / –775 ft **Difficulty:** *Moderate*\- some cliff and hill\, yet rewarding\. Expect rolling paths\, dramatic cliffside views\, and just enough ups and downs to keep things interesting\. **Highlights Along the Way** 🔹 Shakespeare Cliff - A sweeping cliff face named after the Bard himself, offering a jaw-dropping first glimpse of the coastline’s grandeur. 🔹 Samphire Hoe - A stunning nature reserve born from the earth dug out of the Channel Tunnel. Here, wildflowers bloom against chalky cliffs, seabirds soar overhead, and the wind carries the salt and freedom of the open sea. 🔹 Abbot’s Cliff Sound Mirror - A fascinating relic from 1928, this huge concrete dish once listened for enemy aircraft long before radar existed. Stand here and let history surround you. 🔹 Sweeping Cliff-Edge Views - The path hugs the edge of the cliffs, where turquoise waters crash against chalky walls below — a perfect spot for epic photos and quiet moments alike. **Reward Yourself in Folkestone:** After nearly 9 miles of pure coastal magic, Folkestone greets you with open arms. Settle into a seaside restaurant, order something hearty, and watch the sun melt into the horizon. The ocean sparkles, the air buzzes with the hum of the harbour, and you’ve earned every single bite. **\[Check out our last trip on HERE\]\(Check out our last trip video HERE\)** **A few things to know before you book:** * **Tickets:** Non-refundable, but if you can’t make it, you’re welcome to pass your spot on to someone else. A full refund will be issued if the hike is cancelled by the organiser. * **Getting there:** Trains to Dover are usually around £28 return when booked in advance, or £23 Super Off-Peak with a Network Railcard. * **Meeting points:** Two options — travel together from London, or meet us directly at Dover train station if you’re coming from elsewhere. * **Weather:** The hike goes ahead rain or shine, so bring layers and be ready for all conditions. * **The route:** We’ll be walking along coastal paths near the cliffs. The scenery is incredible, but some sections are exposed — sturdy footwear is a must, and please follow the guide’s instructions throughout. **Not included:** * Food & Refreshments * Transport (network railcard is recommended or group ticket bought on the day) * Anything else not listed above **⚠️ Health & Safety ⚠️** • Participants take part at their own risk. • The guide (professional event organiser ) is not responsible for personal injury, loss, or accidents. • Please ensure you are fit enough for the hike and follow safety instructions on the trail.

PLEASE MAKE PAYMENT AT TIME OF BOOKING. PAYMENT BY BANK TRANSFER, DETAILS BELOW. NO CASH PAYMENTS. Your space is not guaranteed until payment is received. Thankyou to all those members old and new who continued to come and support and play fantastic games of badminton. We welcome you all back. **Please note moving forward the sessions will be pay before play, regardless of whether you pay online or cash in person** Join us for friendly, competition badminton with like-minded enthusiasts. We have sole use of four courts. Players do not have to attend for the entire duration however the price is the same. Please note we limit the amount of attendees to 24 so that everybody gets a fair number of games. Play is from 12.00pm to 2.30pm The cost is £13 per session, which includes feather shuttles. Please pay via bank transfer to the following account: L Samuels Sort code: 040004 Account number: 99854842 Please include your name as reference. If you do not show without notice we reserve the right to charge a full non-attendance fee and persistent offenders may be blocked from our club. So please be thoughtful and let us know in good time if you cannot attend. **Rules of attendance/Disclaimer**. Park View Badminton Club exists purely to offer an opportunity for like-minded players to exercise, play and socialise together and nothing more. All attendees should consider the club as an informal gathering of people who will train together in a loosely structured format. The club is operated and managed by a number of volunteers in their free time and these volunteers cannot accept any responsibility for any events that occur at the club. If you have any medical conditions that could affect you, it’s your responsibility to make the club aware of these. Neither the club nor Park View School will take responsibility for any injury, loss or damage that might arise as a result of participation in club activities. Effective warmup and stretches should be undertaken before play to avoid injury and appropriate clothing and footwear is to be worn whilst playing at all times. Every person attending the club must take full and complete responsibility for their own actions. Know your limits! The club does not discriminate against any attendees of ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, religion or beliefs, sex or disability except as a necessary consequence of the requirements of safely training and participating in the required sport. All attendees are expected to behave with mutual respect and in a way that does not endanger others or bring the club into disrepute. Not complying with this may result in suspension or termination of attendance. Any matters of concern should be directed to the administrators via email (parkviewbclub@gmail.com).

Today we walk through the contrasting scenery of Brockwell Park, Belair Park, Dulwich and Sydenham Woods and that of Crystal Palace Park. **WALK START: Herne Hill Railway Station** (National Rail - Travel Zone 2/3) WALK ROUTE: From Herne Hill Railway Station we walk through Brockwell Park, across Belair Park and then enter Sydenham and Dulwich Woods before entering Crystal Palace Park. Then we travel through Crystal Palace Park to Penge. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 6 miles. WALK FINISH: A large pub near Penge East, Penge West, and Kent House Stations ( National Rail - London Travel Zone 4)) STOPOUT POINT: Throughout the walk we will cross several London bus routes. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **COST of EVENT**: **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility.** **This walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** 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. RISKS:Please dress appropriately for weather conditions and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and be able to walk for four miles without a break. In these walks we use; pavements, cross busy roads, public parkland, towpaths alongside water, other public paths, and tracks through woodland and countryside. Please only wear good sturdy shoes, trousers are recommended, and take care as surfaces may be uneven, and some paths are also used by joggers and cyclists. Be wary of portruding tree roots and low overhanging branches. If you require insurance for these walks then 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/) DISCAIMER All Ken's Events are subject to a disclaimer. Please click here [https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full 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) When you arrive at the station look for Ken with Kens Events/Meetup Badge outside the station. WHAT IF THE WEATHER IS BAD? - Light rain is not a problem, only very heavy rain will lead to a postponement.

Today we walk through the contrasting scenery of Brockwell Park, Belair Park, Dulwich and Sydenham Woods and that of Crystal Palace Park. **WALK START: Herne Hill Railway Station** (National Rail - Travel Zone 2/3) WALK ROUTE: From Herne Hill Railway Station we walk through Brockwell Park, across Belair Park and then enter Sydenham and Dulwich Woods before entering Crystal Palace Park. Then we travel through Crystal Palace Park to Penge. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 6 miles. WALK FINISH: A large pub near Penge East, Penge West, and Kent House Stations ( National Rail - London Travel Zone 4)) STOPOUT POINT: Throughout the walk we will cross several London bus routes. RAIN POLICY - If the weather is very wet, we may curtail or postpone the walk, therefore please check this page on the day. Light rain is not usually a problem. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.** ENJOY UNIQUE HEALTHY WALKS IN STUNNING GREEN SPACES OR ALONG WATERWAYS IN LONDON. STRENGTHEN NEW FRIENDSHIPS IN A PUB SOCIAL AFTER THE WALK. **COST of EVENT**: **Free to RSVP and £5 to attend.** **All of the walks on this group are only £5 each to attend. Payment is not collected before the day of the event to allow you maximum flexibility. Why pay more on other groups for overpriced walks with no flexibility for refunds and no afterwalk socialising!** **The walk is free for holders of the Ken's Events Membership Card.** FRESH AIR: Breathe some fresh air on a green walk. Improve your overall fitness levels, meet new people and make new friends. Walking is one of life's great social activities. **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. Be sure to join us in the pub for the whole friendly experience!* Post no pre-event messages unless you are posting something relevant for the whole group. Only post photos of other members with their consent. Please note that this is a joint event with Kens Events. [Click here to see who else is attending from Ken's Events.](https://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/events/) 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/) Kens Events also has a Facebook Page, Instagram and Twitter accounts. [http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events](http://www.facebook.com/Kens.events) Instagram Page [Kenswalks](https://www.instagram.com/weekendgreenwalks/) Twitter [@KenEvents](http://www.twitter.com/KenEvents) Kens Events also has a Facebook Group that you can join. [http://www.facebook.com/groups/Kensevents](http://www.facebook.com/groups/kensevents) RAIN POLICY: Light rain is not usually a problem . If torrentail rain is forecast, we may postpone. No large dogs and small children are allowed. **NOTICE of RISKS applicable for all walks:** Please dress appropriately for weather and terrain conditions. Only wear good sturdy shoes, with ankle support, and carry a bottle of water and necessary medication. You need to be moderately fit for this walk and able to walk for at least 8 miles. This walk is suitable for the average experienced hill walker. Expect some hills. Do not attend this walk if you do not fit that description or if you have a medical condition (especially heart and/or lung conditions) that may impact upon your capability of completing the walk. These walks are city walks and countryside walks where all the usual risks of injury during such walks apply resulting from interactions with road traffic, joggers, cyclists, e-scooters,other members of the public, animals (farm, domestic and wild), plants (allergic reactions), uneven surfaces, including portruding tree roots and potholes and there may be low overhanging branches. In these walks we cross busy roads, use towpaths alongside water, bridlepaths, country lanes and sometimes ill defined paths and tracks through woodland, bush and countryside. Some tracks may be muddy and slippery, and conditions may be wet and icy. The walk leader is not and does not purport to be a professional guide, or a medical professional, but is instead a like minded individual who also enjoys hill walking and who is familiar with the intended route. Do not attend this walk unless you accept and consent to the above risks. If you require insurance for these walks then you must arrange this yourself. **Please note that this is a joint event with Ken's Events.** **DISCLAIMER** All Ken's Events and events on this group are subject to the same disclaimer. Please click here [http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/](http://www.meetup.com/kens-events-explore-london-secrets/) to find out more about Kens Events/Walks and click on 'read more' to see full disclaimer applicable to both groups.Today we walk through the contrasting scenery of Brockwell Park, Belair Park, Dulwich and Sydenham Woods and that of Crystal Palace Park. **WALK START: Herne Hill Railway Station** (National Rail - Travel Zone 2/3) WALK ROUTE: From Herne Hill Railway Station we walk through Brockwell Park, across Belair Park and then enter Sydenham and Dulwich Woods before entering Crystal Palace Park. Then we travel through Crystal Palace Park to Penge. WALK DISTANCE: Approx 6 miles. WALK FINISH: A large pub near Penge East, Penge West, and Kent House Stations ( National Rail - London Travel Zone 4)) STOPOUT POINT: Throughout the walk we will cross several London bus routes. **Scroll down to see Disclaimer and Notice of Risks.**

Join Rally X for a competitive and high-intensity badminton session designed strictly for Upper Intermediate and Advanced players. This is not a beginner or casual social session. Expect: • Fast-paced, competitive games • Strong smashes and tactical rallies • Proper rotation system • Serious and respectful playing environment If you enjoy quality rallies and competitive badminton, this session is for you. Shuttle Quality We will be using IBA A+ Feather Shuttles Cost £7 per player (2 hours) ✅ Payment in advance required to confirm your spot Gaurav Madan Sort Code: 202622 Account: 40282014

**Box Hill and the North Downs** offer an exciting hike for intermediate adventurers, blending stunning landscapes with historic trails. Enjoy scenic viewpoints, ancient pathways, and a touch of local legend. Perfect for anyone seeking both a physical challenge and a cultural experience. **Distance:** 15 km (9.3 miles) **Level:** Intermediate **Difficulty Rating:** 6/10 **Elevation Gain:** 696.8 m **Hiking Time:** Approximately 3.5 to 4 hours of actual walking ### **Meeting Point** We’ll meet at **08:30 a.m. at London Waterloo Station**. Look for us near **Boots (store number 27)**, **WHSmith**, **LEON Restaurant**, and the ticket machines. If you can’t find us, feel free to call or WhatsApp us at **07535295739**. **Download Meeting Point Map (PDF)** For those joining directly at the starting station, the meeting point is **09:51 a.m. at Box Hill Station**. ### **Recommended Train** * **Departure:** London Waterloo at **09:02** * **Arrival:** Box Hill & Westhumble at **09:51** If you’d like to include train tickets, please book directly on our website: 👉 https://www.hikinginlondon.co.uk/box-hill-and-the-north-downs-sun-hiking.html **Note:** Don’t worry if the attendee list looks small — we also sell tickets on other platforms and our website! Got questions? Call or text **Maria** at **07535 295739**. \*\*\* Now, you can pay in instalments. Make your adventure affordable: **Pay in 3 interest-free payments**, thanks to **Klarna**!

Join fellow Queer birders on February 22nd for birding at Pickerington Ponds Metropark. No expertise required!

**Summary** For this event, we will do the [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at [The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/), a ten-thousand acre conservation center in Muskingum County. It is the largest such center in North America and one of the largest in the entire world. During this tour, we'll visit The Wilds' rhino herd in their state-of-the-art heated barns and learn how The Wilds' animal management team takes care of one of the largest herds of rhinos outside of Africa and Asia. **The date and time of this tour** We will be doing the 1:00 p.m. [Rhino Barn Tour](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) on Saturday, February 28. The tour is scheduled to last 90 minutes. **What you need to do to attend** Signing up here on Meetup will not get you into The Wilds for the tour. You must go out to The Wilds' [website](https://www.thewilds.org/) and [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour). Please [purchase your ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour), then sign up here on Meetup so I know how many to expect. **Attendance cap** There are only eight total slots/tickets available for this tour. As I obviously have already bought one of the tickets, that leaves seven spaces for everyone else. If you are interested in this event, I urge you to [buy a ticket](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) at The Wilds' website as soon as possible. Since their website is obviously public, nothing prevents other people having nothing to do with *GOhio!* from buying their own tickets, thereby potentially taking an available slot away from you. **Additional notes on attendance** I have now run several events at The Wilds. While the location of The Wilds and the pricing of the tickets generally leads to small turnouts, the people who have gone have all enjoyed it and were glad they went. If you've never been to The Wilds and you like zoos or animals at all, you are likely to find any tour at The Wilds to be a rewarding experience. **Tickets and pricing** [Tickets](https://www.thewilds.org/rhino-barn-tour) for this tour are $95, or $76 if you're a Wilds' member. I've posted screen shots, below, to help you be sure you're buying tickets for the correct event. Wilds' memberships pay for themselves if you go to The Wilds at least twice a year, and [Columbus Zoo members](https://www.columbuszoo.org/membership) get a discount on memberships to The Wilds. I will always run at least two events a year at The Wilds. Tickets for all Wilds' tours must be purchased at least 24 hours in advance of the actual tour. **Cancellations and refunds** Per The Wilds' [Cancellation Policy](https://www.thewilds.org/policies): *In order to be eligible for refund and accrue no rescheduling fees, cancellations must be made at least 14 days in advance of reservation. Cancellations made within 14 days of reservation will not receive a refund.* You may [contact The Wilds](https://www.thewilds.org/contact) at (740) 638-5030 between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., or you can email them at information@thewilds.org. **Waiver of liability** After you purchase your ticket, you will likely be asked to fill out a waiver of liability. This is a very short document and should take you no more than two minutes to complete. **Where we'll meet** We will meet at The Wilds, whose actual address is [14000 International Rd, Cumberland, OH 43732](https://www.google.com/maps/place/14000+International+Rd,+Cumberland,+OH+43732/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837dae07a595557:0xa1ceca93325a8bd1?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Please try to be there by 12:30 p.m. For most Wilds' tours, a shuttle bus will take you to the actual spot of the tour. So think of this as though you're going to the airport to catch a flight. It helps to be on time. The Wilds generally asks that people arrive at least thirty minutes because the scheduled start time of their tour. **GPS / Getting to The Wilds** The Wilds is in a very rural area, but I've never had a problem getting there with my GPS (I have Verizon). I've also uploaded a JPG map, below, of Muskingum County. Sometimes, though, it's hard to get a signal when you're at The Wilds and getting ready to leave. So you might want to consider downloading an offline map in Google Maps. Your cell phone should pick up a signal, however, within a few minutes after you leave. The Wilds' Visitor Center does have free Wi-Fi. **Carpooling?** If you want to carpool, I recommend discussing this in the comments, below, to this event. While I don't myself carpool, I will do what I can to help you arrange something if I can. **The weather** Dress for the weather. Just because the barn is heated doesn't mean it will be warm. And wear closed-toed shoes. Wilds' tours typically run no matter what the weather is. **After the tour** Once we're done with the rhinos, we'll head over to the very highly rated [Y-Bridge Brewing Company](https://ybridgebrewing.com/). The brewery is about thirty minutes from The Wilds, and it will be on the way back to Columbus for most, if not all, of us. The brewery's actual address is [1417 Linden Ave Ste D, Zanesville, OH 43701](https://www.google.com/maps/place/1417+Linden+Ave+d,+Zanesville,+OH+43701/data=!4m2!3m1!1s0x8837edd6cc50824f:0xe3a0af1ccb2aefbf?sa=X&ved=1t:242&ictx=111). Y-Bridge Brewing does not serve food; however, they have several [food options](https://ybridgebrewing.com/food-options). I encourage you to check these out ahead of time on their website for yourself. However, here are a few of them: *Within walking distance -- 120 feet away* * [Angry Bull Saloon](https://www.facebook.com/AngryBullSaloonZanesville/) (pizza & subs) * The Corner Pub Sports Bar and Grill (classic bar food) *Delivery options -- [Door Dash](https://www.doordash.com/)* * [4 Star Pizza](https://fourstarpizza.com/), (740) 452-9300 * [Donatos](https://www.donatos.com/), (740) 452-7900 * [Pizza Cottage](https://www.pizza-cottage.com/), (740) 455-6000 * [Dominos](https://www.dominos.com/), (740) 455-3126 * [Papa John's](https://www.papajohns.com/), (740) 450-4100 If you live in the area or can't make The Wilds but still want to meet us at the brewery, that's fine too.

November Book Club: Birding to Change the World by Trish O’Kane This is a book about finding healing, purpose, and a path to activism through birdwatching after the trauma of Hurricane Katrina. The memoir follows O'Kane, a former investigative journalist, as she transitions from a life focused on human rights to becoming a passionate birder and environmental educator, weaving together personal narrative, the science of bird life, and grassroots community organizing to save a local par