About this event
Whether you're a seasoned birder or have never looked through binoculars before, everyone is welcome - absolutely no experience is required!
We will meet at a nearby step-free train station and travel by bus to the Reserve. We'll share information with anyone who books a ticket closer to the time.
If you have a pair of binoculars, please do bring them along (and if you have a spare pair to share with another walker, even better!).
Some sections of the reserve paths can be uneven and muddy, so please wear appropriate footwear, and sun protection is advised too.
In summertime, Crossness Nature Reserve is alive with the calls of reed birds, including Reed Warblers, Sedge Warblers, Cetti's Warblers and many more. The Thames tide will be going out as we walk towards the reserve, so expect to see a variety of wading birds too!
About the facilitator
Hannah (she/her) is a casual but very keen birdwatcher based in Thamesmead, south east London.
She currently leads semi-regular bird walks in and around Crossness Nature Reserve with LGBT+ Thamesmead and is excited to share the joys and wellbeing benefits of birding more widely with London's LGBTQ+ community.
Accessibility of the walk
The total walking distance is approximately 2.5 miles over the course of 2 to 3 hours. The walking pace will be slow and gentle, stopping regularly to look for birds. We will have a dedicated sitting/rest break inside the Reserve. There is very little elevation in the Reserve, although there are a couple of short inclines on the Thames Path walk towards it.
We will end the walk at a pub near Belvedere station, where there will be access to toilets, as well as a chance to get food and drink.
We're meeting at a nearby step-free station which offers toilet facilities. We recommend using the facilities there before we catch the bus!
The atmosphere will be friendly and informal. There will be plenty of opportunity for socialising, but there is absolutely no pressure to chat if you prefer to walk quietly. We will stay together as one single group throughout the walk.
Part of the walk passes Crossness Sewage Treatment Works, which can be quite smelly! However, it will only take around 5 minutes to pass by the smelly part.
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