Green wood carving
2024-10-02 08:00 - 2025-10-02 17:00 (Europe/London)
Explore and engage with nature in a new and creative way.
In this beautiful ancient woodland, we will learn, play and make at a gentle pace while immersing ourselves in nature and supporting our wellbeing. We will delve into the art of carving with green wood, utilising mallets and gouges. These sessions are suitable for beginners and improvers, the course includes all the tools and materials you will need to begin your journey into wood carving.
The session is led by Stephen Stockbridge, sculptor, maker and Forest School teacher.

We will use green wood, freshly cut with a high moisture content. This is a beautiful and easy way to carve wood.
You are supported through the whole process and encouraged to explore carving in your own way and at your own pace. This is an exercise in slowing down and settling your attention.
All tools and materials are supplied and at the end of the session you will have your first carving started.
The session goes ahead, whatever the weather, so please dress appropriately.
Please bring a flask or bottle of water.
The entrance to the part of Lesnes Abbey Woods we will be working in is off New Road SE2 0QQ, there will be signage to show you the way.

To register your interest please contact: You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

To find out more, visit the Creative Nature HQ website:
Creative Nature HQ

Spoon carving
2024-10-02 08:00 - 2025-10-02 17:00
Join us as we explore and engage with nature in a new and creative way.
In this beautiful ancient woodland, we will learn, play and make at a gentle pace while immersing ourselves in nature and supporting our wellbeing. We will be delving into the art of carving green wood into spoons using an axe, a straight knife and a crook knife. These sessions are suitable for beginners and improvers, the course includes all the tools and materials you will need to begin your journey into spoon carving.
The session is led by Stephen Stockbridge, sculptor, maker and Forest School teacher.

We will use green wood, freshly cut with a high moisture content. This is a beautiful and easy way to carve wood.
You are supported through the whole process and encouraged to explore carving in your own way and at your own pace. This is an exercise in slowing down and settling your attention.
All tools and materials are supplied and at the end of the session you will have your first carving started.
The session goes ahead, whatever the weather, so please dress appropriately.
Please bring a flask or bottle of water.
The entrance to the part of Lesnes Abbey Woods we will be working in is off New Road SE2 0QQ, there will be signage to show you the way.

To register your interest please contact: You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

To find out more, visit the Creative Nature HQ website:
Creative Nature HQ

Baby Sensory
2024-10-07 11:30 - 2025-10-07 12:15
A perfect way to meet new parents/carers and have fun with your baby
Baby Sensory provides ideas for creative play, massage, tummy time, movement, visual development, textures, scents and music in simple practical ways that can be easily repeated at home. We also use a combination of original and traditional songs and rhymes to develop early speech and language skills, and sensory signing activities to help you and your baby communicate from birth.
We want you to enjoy every second of your baby’s miraculous development. That’s why everything we do has a purpose.
They arrange the sensory area to match the distance at which your baby sees objects clearly.
They measure the decibel level of our instruments to make sure they are not too loud.
They soothe your baby at the end of every session by mimicking the sounds of the womb.
They welcome you to feed or cuddle your baby during the session.
The most miraculous advances in your baby’s brain structure occur in the first 3 months of life. During this period, an astonishing 2 million new brain cell connections are created every second. By the end of the first year, your baby’s brain will have doubled in volume as a direct result of sensory learning from birth!
They are incredibly lucky to have exceptional Class Leaders. Many were originally parents who attended Baby Sensory with their own babies. Their total belief and commitment are reasons why we’ve been able to grow this original concept and help babies reach their full potential.
If you are looking for an exciting activity which will be fun for you and will help with your baby’s sensory development contact our local booking team run by Natalie who is happy to arrange for you and your baby to visit one of our classes.
For booking information and prices please click the button below
More info and booking

Bayleaf Yoga
2024-10-09 19:30 - 2026-12-31 20:30
Friendly yoga classes for everybody – and every body.
Build your strength, find your balance and calm your busy mind. Ashley’s classes are accessible to all levels, whether you’re a beginner looking to establish the foundations or a seasoned yogi/ni seeking a challenge and a like-minded yoga community.
Ashley teaches Hatha and Vinyasa Yoga; honouring the ancient traditions with a creative twist inspired by her background in art and performance.
Classes include pranayama (breath work), meditation, asana (postures), and are layered with both yoga and modern philosophy to inspire your practice on the mat and beyond.
Whatever your background or ability, Ashley will support and empower you to explore and challenge yourself at your own pace.
Live online classes are also available during wet weather and for students who prefer to practice from the comfort of their own home.
Get your first class for £5 using the code FIRST5 Book your class here.
Ashley looks forward to welcoming you on the mat soon!

Bayleaf yoga

Walking groups
2024-10-11 08:00 - 2026-01-31 17:00
Explore Lesnes Abbey Wood’s 88 Hectares of park, woodland and heathland – see what you can discover!
Whether you would like to join a walking group or explore in your own time, Lesnes Abbey Woods is a beautiful place to walk whatever the season.
We have 3 different themed walks:
Active: (blue wayfinder) takes about a couple of hours and takes in most of the woods.
Learn: (yellow wayfinder) is a shorter walk that guides you round the key historic features in the park.
Explore: (green wayfinder) will take you into the woods and heathland.
Lesnes Abbey Woods run informal walking groups and provides the perfect opportunity to meet new people outdoors and also get fit. For more information please email You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

Pilates
2024-10-11 08:15 - 2025-12-31 09:15
Classes are every Friday 9.30am – 10.30am & Tuesday 8pm – 9pm.
Pilates is a method of exercise that consists of low-impact flexibility and muscular strength and endurance movements. Pilates emphasises proper postural alignment, core strength and muscle balance.
We aim to keep punctuality, so please show up 5-10 minutes before your class starts.
To book a class please go to our instructor’s website here:
Book a class

About Rosanna
STOTT Pilates Trained, Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor, Exercise for Older Adults Instructor, HIIT Metafit Instructor.
Rosanna comes from a dance background, graduated in 2007 from Trinity Laban, London in Contemporary Dance Theatre BA with HONS.
She initially discovered Pilates during her dance training and has been teaching Pilates (STOTT) since 2016 when she completed her teaching training achieving the Level 3 Mat Pilates Instructor Diploma with Health and Fitness Education (YMCA Awards). Continually training with Merrithew Education.
She loved the way Pilates made her body feel and wanted to share that experience with others. She feels it is the foundation to any discipline or sport anyone wants to pursue.
She brings a determined but encouraging energy to all her clients and classes with an intuitive and focused style. I am YMCA certified, which means I’ve been trained in anatomy and physiology. I understand that no two bodies are alike and will work with you to get fit and healthy at the right pace”
Here are my links to website and social media:
https://www.rosannacorefitness.com https://www.facebook.com/RosannaPilates/ https://www.instagram.com/rosannacorefitness

Luna Gong Bath
2024-10-11 19:30 - 2025-12-31 20:30
Make time to relax and meditate
Want to relax, let go and float in effortless meditation?
Then join us, every other Friday @ 7:30pm for a New and Full Moon Gong Bath.
It’s a therapeutic, melodic, experience, where you lay back on your mat and let the harmonic sound waves wash over you. The vibrations of the sound waves relaxes and releases all tension, rests weary muscles and allows the mind to drop into a more silent space, creating room for greater awareness, clarity, calmness and boosts creativity.
Working with the New and Full Moons allows you to manifest your hearts desires. Embrace the law of attraction with New Moon intentions and Full Moon forgiveness. Tune into the sensations of your body and become mindful of what is arising in the here and now.
All you need to bring is a mat, blanket, pillow, drinking water and wear comfy clothes.
1 hour session – £10pp
To book:- Please either You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address. or call Dawn on 07961 795642

Tai-chi
2024-10-14 09:30 - 2025-12-31 10:30
Classes are every Monday – 9.30am -10.30am.
A great way to start the week attending Tai Chi classes run by the Taoist Arts Organisation.
Pathway to Health and Well-being
6 classes cost £54.00 and £10 for a single class. For Booking details please contact Oonagh either by:
Telephone: 07944558396
Email: You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

Art Club
2024-10-17 10:00 - 2025-10-17 13:00
Love painting and drawing? Why not come and work alongside fellow artists in the inspirational setting of Lesnes Abbey Woods
Every third Thursday of the month thereafter.
10am to 1 pm
£10.00 per session
All Welcome. Any age, any Ability, any Medium.
Come and be inspired by the Ancient Woodland and Romantic Abbey Ruins, or work on your own project in the company of other artists. To join you can either just turn up or email You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

Lesnes Trim-trail
2024-10-31 - 2026-12-31
Why not get fit using the Lesnes Abbey Woods trim-trail equipment?
You can do a good full body workout using our free trim trail equipment that is situated near the playground area. Each station has instructions on how to use the equipment. You can combine it with your run or walk through the woods and park. We also have a parkour area and space to practise basketball.
This facility is available 365 days per year from dawn to dusk.

Mid Week Walks
2025-01-07 13:15 - 2025-12-31 14:15 | Lesnes Abbey Lodge, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
Do you work from home? Why not give yourself a break and come to our Mid Week Walks Session organised by the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and Woods. Join them for a free, lunchtime walk. Starting 22 January 2025, then every 4th Wednesday of the month. Meet at Chestnuts Kiosk at 1.15pm.
Our experienced guide will lead you on a one hour circular walk through ancient woodland. Connect with nature, experience the changing seasons and enjoy the peace and quiet – a perfect way to spend your lunchtime (remember to dress for the weather and wear sturdy footwear)
To reserve to space or to ask a question please email:- You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

Power Yoga
2025-06-12 19:00 - 2026-06-12 20:00
Friendly yoga classes for everybody – and every body.
WHY POWER YOGA?
Welcome to my invigorating Power Yoga classes, where movement meets mindfulness in a dynamic fusion of strength, flexibility, and breath. These intelligently crafted sequences seamlessly flow from one posture to another, all harmonised with the rhythm of your breath. Prepare to experience a transformative journey that not only builds physical strength but also elevates your heart rate, leaving you energised and revitalised.In these Power Yoga classes, you will discover the perfect balance between challenge and enjoyment – expect to break a sweat and perhaps share a few smiles along the way. These sessions are more than just a workout; they are an exploration of your body’s capabilities and a celebration of your progress. With opportunities to delve into inversions and engage in strength-building drills, you will unlock new dimensions of your practice and deepen your connection with both body and mind.Whether you are a regular practitioner or a newbie, these Power Yoga classes offer a space to challenge yourself, embrace the joy of movement, and embark on a journey of self-discovery. Join me for an empowering and invigorating experience – it is not just a workout, it is a celebration of your strength and resilience. Come and have a go (at your pace)!

Julia Mihaylov Yoga

Let's Just Create Holiday Programme
2025-07-28 00:00 - 2025-08-08 00:00 | Lesnes Abbey Lodge, New Road, London, London, SE2 0AX, United Kingdom
Let’s Just Create is thrilled to offer a free Fashion and Textiles programme Monday – Thursday 10.45am – 14.45pm(occasional Friday) at Lesnes Abbey Lodge during the summer holiday as part of the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) a free initiative for young people aged 11–16 in the Bexley borough (see below for eligibility) To book please email You need JavaScript enabled to see this email address.

This creative and engaging course is open to children and young people eligible for free school meals, and promises a fun-filled experience each day with a mix of fashion, design, and active play as well as Lunch!
What’s Included:
• Fashion & Textiles Workshops:
T-shirt design, bag charm making, customising clothes, denim design, tote bags, and more!
• Active Outdoor Games:
Team games, relay races, bulldog, rounders, and more energetic fun.
• Creative Showcases:
A woodland fashion show at Lesnes Abbey and photo shoots in the woods.
There’s something for everyone — come join us for a summer full of creativity, style, and fun!

What is HAF
The London Borough of Bexley is delivering the Holiday Activities and Food (HAF) programme, which is funded by the Department for Education.
The HAF programme provides a variety of fun activities, including sports, food making activities, arts and crafts and other exciting opportunities to learn and develop skills. It’s for school aged children and young people from Reception to Year 11, and runs during the Easter, summer and winter school holidays.
Places are funded for those who receive benefits-related Free School Meals (FSM) and attend a school in Bexley.
https://www.bexley.gov.uk/…/how-apply-free-school-meals
