Local community events we like and support!

  • Waltham Forest Cycling Campaign Monthly Ride:
    Sunday 26th May 10:00 am-3:00 pm

    We meet every fourth Sunday of the month at 10am at Walthamstow Library for a 10:15am start.

    We have a few routes lined up and usually decide distance and destination on the day according to what people prefer. We ride leisurely suited to the wishes of participants. We usually stay within 30 miles and sometimes considerably shorter. We tend to be back by 3pm and always have a snack stop somewhere.

    Contact Robert Robert@wfcycling.org.uk

  • OrganicLea open day at Hawkwood:
    Sunday 26th May 12:00 pm-4:00 pm

    Open Days at Organiclea’s growing site – always the last Sunday of the month, 12-4pm with a free skill-share, sagra, work opportunity and drop-in learning.

    General Format for our open days:
    - There is always a group gardening activity to participate in – and learn more about how we grow food at our site, 12-4pm
    - Throughout the day, every month we try to celebrate a specific preparation of a different seasonal vegetable – our very own ‘sagra’ calendar. ‘Sagra’ can be a celebration of a certain dish or product, of a vegetable or fruit, a wine, a type of preparation. In this way abundance of a certain crop at our growing site is celebrated and shared!
    - A site tour takes place at a designated time in the afternoon.
    - Timetabled skill-share from 2-3pm.

    The day runs from 12-4pm – drop by at anytime or stay for the day – we break for lunch between 1.30-2pm ... bring a packed lunch and join us.

    Hawkwood Growing Site, 115 Hawkwood Crescent, Chingford, E4 7UH

  • The Conservation Volunteers: Biodiversity Action Team:
    Tuesday 28th May 9:00 am-4:30 pm

    Come and get involved with the BAT team!  Our established Biodiversity Action Team helps manage some of Waltham Forest’s most beautiful and vibrant sites for nature conservation.  Help improve your local green spaces through a wide range of activities including; woodland management, habitat creation, pond maintenance and some environmental construction.  With practical sessions running every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday there are plenty of opportunities to join in, meet new people, learn new skills and discover hidden green spaces while improving your health and stamina.
    All training and instruction is given on the day so no previous experience is required.
    Venue: 1a Connaught Close, Leyton, E10 7QS. (Opposite Lee Valley Riding Centre)
    Tom Nandi, 07917267573, t.nandi@tcv.org.uk

  • Waltham Forest Green Gym - The Conservation Volunteers:
    Tuesday 28th May 11:00 am-2:00 pm

    Want to improve your health and well-being but not too keen on running machines or lycra?
    Then why not take a look at our award-winning alternative... You could be helping the environment as well as yourself! We all know we should try to be healthier and fitter. We are increasingly aware of the importance of our natural resources and environment. Green Gym ticks all the boxes!
    The Conservation Volunteers Green Gym® is a scheme which inspires you to improve both your health and the environment at the same time. Experienced leaders guide you through a range of practical projects, giving you the opportunity to tackle physical jobs in the outdoors - improving your strength and stamina, boosting your practical skills and confidence and benefitting your local green spaces. Web address; http://www.btcv.org.uk/cgi-bin/office_opps_ind.cgi?ref=232®ion=lo
    Free event.
    Venue: This event takes place at Lloyd Park, but from time to time will be at other Parks in the borough, so please contact Gareth to confirm venue. Phone: 02085338022, email: gg-waltham-forest@tcv.org.uk

  • Course: Family Amphibians:
    Wednesday 29th May 2:00 pm-4:00 pm

    The family course will include a brief introductory talk about the type of amphibians participants might expect to see and provide a chance to see newt specimens close up in the classroom.
    Each family/group will be given guidance on how to pond dip safely and successfully, then allowed to dip at their leisure. There will be a member of staff available to help with pond dipping and identification of species and where needed another member of staff will be next to the pond to assist with the safety of all visitors.
    The course is aimed at 'families', children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
    Please bring appropriate clothing/footwear in case the ground is muddy, and plenty of enthusiasm.
    Booking required.
    Price: £6 per person.
    Venue: Epping Forest Field Centre, Paul’s Nursery Road, High Beach, Loughton, Essex IG10 4AF
    0208 502 8500 enquiries.ef@field-studies-council.org

  • Waltham Forest Green Gym - The Conservation Volunteers:
    Friday 31st May 11:00 am-2:00 pm

    Want to improve your health and well-being but not too keen on running machines or lycra?
    Then why not take a look at our award-winning alternative... You could be helping the environment as well as yourself! We all know we should try to be healthier and fitter. We are increasingly aware of the importance of our natural resources and environment. Green Gym ticks all the boxes!
    The Conservation Volunteers Green Gym® is a scheme which inspires you to improve both your health and the environment at the same time. Experienced leaders guide you through a range of practical projects, giving you the opportunity to tackle physical jobs in the outdoors - improving your strength and stamina, boosting your practical skills and confidence and benefitting your local green spaces. Web address; http://www.btcv.org.uk/cgi-bin/office_opps_ind.cgi?ref=232®ion=lo
    Free event.
    Venue: This event takes place at Lloyd Park, but from time to time will be at other Parks in the borough, so please contact Gareth to confirm venue. Phone: 02085338022, email: gg-waltham-forest@tcv.org.uk

  • Sustainable Beekeeping Course:
    Saturday 1st June 9:30 am-5:00 pm

    The course is aimed at everyone from beginners to experienced beekeepers who are interested in learning more about sustainable methods of beekeeping. It will cover basic bee biology, introduce the theory and practice of sustainable beekeeping, deal with queries and include practical observation of the bees in the apiary. The course is being taught by Sean Hearn (beekeeper and former site worker at Hawkwood) and Tim Evans (Hackney based community beekeeper).

    Fee including vegetarian lunch: £190 (if earning over 15k per annum), £125 (if earning under 15k per annum) £50 (means tested benefits).

    Saturday 1 and Sunday 2 June 2013 (9.30am-5pm both days) at Hawkwood Plant Nursery, 115 Hawkwood Crescent, Chingford E4 7UH.

    For more information call the Hawkwood site on 020 8524 4994 or email courses@organiclea.org.uk or go to
    http://www.organiclea.org.uk/what-we-do/we-help-you-grow-your-own/training/

  • Organiclea/Transition Leytonstone stall:
    Saturday 1st June 10:30 am-3:00 pm

    The Transition Leytonstone/OrganicLea stall sells organic and ultra-local sustainably grown fruit and vegetables, plus homemade bread, jams and preserves from outside Matalan, 829-837 High Road Leytonstone, E11 1HH.

  • Waltham Forest Green Drinks:
    Saturday 1st June 8:30 pm-11:00 pm

    An informal opportunity for people with green/community interests to get together, chat about projects they’re involved in or find out about those of others at the Rose & Crown pub. Ask at the bar to find out where Green Drinkers are sitting. From 8.30pm onwards on the 1st day of every month.
    Contact: suewheat@me.com
    Rose & Crown, 55 Hoe St, Walthamstow, London, E17 4SA