Black Girls Hike x London Wildlife Trust: Nature Journalling
Schedule
Sat May 09 2026 at 10:15 am to 01:00 pm
UTC+01:00Location
Cox's Walk | London, EN
About this Event
Black Girls Hike x London Wildlife Trust: Nature Journalling
Saturday 9th May 2026
Meeting time: 10.15am
Meeting point: Cox’s Walk Entrance - the entrance is at the intersection of Lordship Lane and Dulwich Common.
End Point: Cox’s Walk Entrance - the entrance is at the intersection of Lordship Lane and Dulwich Common.
Difficulty: Easy
Distance: Approx 3 km
Duration: Approx 3 hours
Join us on this opportunity to explore the woodland paths of Sydenham Woods and immerse yourself in the spring season, led by artist, Shilpa Agashe.
As you walk, you'll be guided to take notice of the textures, colours, and sounds around you - from birdsong to the movement of leaves - allowing your attention to gently settle on the present moment. You'll have the option to write, sketch, or express yourself as you like while reflecting on the nature around you.
This experience is designed as a chance to step away from daily demands, refresh your mind, and give yourself a chance to engage in reflection, creativity, and mental restoration.
This walk is being offered as part of the 'Reuniting Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood' project, an initiative that brings together two ancient woodlands known locally as Dulwich Wood and Sydenham Wood, while delivering a host of physical improvements and community activities to this much-loved local resource and green space. The project is made possible by the support of a number of funders and community partners: The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Dulwich Estate, Southwark Council, The Kusuma Trust, The John Horseman Trust, Black Girls Hike and Wanderers of Colour. This funding and these partnerships help to secure the future of the woods by bringing together the management of Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood under London Wildlife Trust, and welcoming people from all backgrounds into the Woods.
Terrain: Woodland trails with many exposed roots and logs to step over, alongside well-maintained paths. Gentle inclines and many steps at Sydenham Woods. Paths can be slippery and muddy in wet weather.
What to bring: Snacks, water, weather-appropriate clothing, a small blanket/towel to sit on, and sturdy shoes with good grip. Bring an A5 hardback notebook/sketchpad - though any size you have at home works - along with basic writing and drawing supplies like a pen, pencil, sharpener, a few coloured pencils or crayons, and a fully charged phone in case of rain for an alterntaive way to journal.
If you happen to have binoculars, bring them along, but they are purely optional.
Lunch stop: There will not be a lunch stop but the walk will include a short, outdoor snack break midway through. Please bring a blanket if you'd like to sit on the ground, or simply enjoy sitting on the grass - it’s all part of the grounding experience!
Facilities: No toilet facilities are available in the woods. There are cafes at Forest Hill station and the Horniman Museum with toilet facilities.
Transport: This is a circular walk that starts and ends at Cox’s Walk. The meeting point can be accessed via Forest Hill station and Sydenham Hill station. The walk from both stations to the meeting point is roughly 20 minutes. There are buses running in close proximity from both stations to Lordship Lane (Stop MJ).
Parking: You might find parking on local side streets or alternatively there is a paid car park at Dulwich Park Car Park, Carriage Dr, London SE21 7BH.
This event will be led by an artist. Please note that the leader does not hold a Mountain Leader qualification, and participation is therefore at your own discretion and risk.
Photo Disclaimer
Please be aware that photos will be taken during the event. These may be used by Black Girls Hike, our event partners, and our funders for promotional purposes, including on websites and social media platforms. If you prefer not to be photographed, please inform a member of the team before the hike begins.
About The Facilitator
Shilpa Agashe is an artist whose work reflects her deep connection with nature. Drawing on her outdoor walking experiences, she captures the vibrant theatre of the natural world using water-based media, pencil and collage. Influenced by East Asian brush painting, her spontaneous, sketchbook-inspired compositions celebrate seasonal change, memory and the vitality of plants.
She regularly hosts Nature Journalling workshops on Hampstead Heath.
Where is it happening?
Cox's Walk, Cox's Walk, London, United KingdomEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
GBP 0.00
