The Clearing, a new woodland outdoor classroom and activity space at Lesnes Abbey Woods, with free activities for families and children, will officially open this Saturday 14 September

The opening of The Clearing is the culmination of a successful application by London Borough of Bexley to the Parks for People National Lottery Heritage Fund back in December 2013 that resulted in £3.46 million funding and that has been used to transform Lesnes Abbey Woods. 

To mark the opening there are two free storytelling sessions in The Clearing at 11am and at 2pm that will last approximately one hour. No need to pre-register just come along everyone is welcome.  Let author, folklorist, tree planter and storyteller Bernadette Russell transport you to another world as she tells stories about the magic and wonder of trees and all the other earthlings that call Lesnes Abbey Woods home! 

Alternatively have a go at learning the heritage craft of willow weaving in the beautiful setting of The Clearing.  Learn about how to use pole lathes or have a go at wood whittling or spoon carving. Free drop-in have a go at woodland craft with Creative Nature HQ will be available from 10am until 4pm.

Councillor Richard Diment – Bexley’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods said,

The opening of The Clearing is the culmination of our work with partners and volunteers such as The Friends of Lesnes Abbey & Woods to transform the site into a thriving community hub for local people and to put it on the London map as a cultural destination”.

Once opened The Clearing will be used to run an Early year’s programme that the Council has developed in partnership with North West Kent Countryside Partnership. Nurseries and reception classes will be able to book the programme which focuses on encouraging younger children to explore the natural environment.  They will also be offered Wild Woods Birthday parties from The Clearing. 

There will be an amazing new volunteer programme for people to join. Look out for information on Forest Club. Artists Sophie Austin and Bernadette Russell will be setting up a new writers retreat and storytelling programmes for adults and families and we will be offering Forest School and after school clubs. 

If you have any ideas and are interested becoming a partner please email lesnesabbey@bexley.gov.uk 

You can keep up to date with all the events and activity programmes at Lesnes Abbey Woods.