Spring Equinox Night Walk with David Charles

The Spring Equinox has long been honoured as a moment of renewal and balance, a threshold between the thin, fallow winter and the breeding, blossoming Spring. On this guided night walk, we will step over the threshold together and celebrate the coming of Spring – in ourselves as much as in nature.

Moving through parkland paths lined with flowering hedgerows, we’ll leave behind the noise, urgency and glare of daily life. Under a canopy of budding trees, beneath a sky resplendent with stars, we’ll practice simple, grounding invitations that help you:

• Settle your nervous system
• Reconnect with your body, breath, and senses
• Feel part of something older and steadier than the modern world

There will be periods of shared silence, moments of guided reflection, space to wander, and time to connect.

You don’t need any prior experience. You just need warm layers, curiosity, and a willingness to walk mindfully in a supportive group after dark.

• Meet at The Vicar’s Oak at 18:15 to start the walk at 18:30 (sunset is at 18:13). Please arrive at least five minutes before the walk begins to ensure you get signed in
• The walk ends at The Vicar’s Oak at 20:00
• Start/Finish Location: The Vicar's Oak, Boundaries Gate entrance, opposite Westow House pub
• https://maps.app.goo.gl/RA8EfiueoMHFckTU6
• https://w3w.co/garden.commented.press
• The Vicar's Oak is 1 minute from Crystal Palace Parade bus station and an 8 minute walk up the hill from Crystal Palace Overground Station.

• This walk will go ahead in any and all weathers, except some sort of named storm.
• In all weathers, please wear comfortable non-slip shoes or boots.
• We will be standing still for 10 minutes at a time. Please wrap up warm. Think big coats, hats, scarves, thermals.
• Bring a flask of herbal tea - it really helps keep your insides warm.
• If it's raining, bring an umbrella.
• If you have one, bring a torch. We will try not to use them unless it's necessary. There will be spares for you to borrow if you don’t have one of your own.
• The moon won’t be visible, but – clouds permitting – we should be able to spot the rising Spring constellations of Leo, Virgo and Cancer.

• This walk will last up to 90 minutes. We will stick to paths where possible but there may be times when the ground is steep, uneven, muddy or wet.
• The full route is 3-4km, depending on conditions. We'll be walking slowly and steadily, stopping 4 or 5 times to do 5-10 minute nature connection practices in the darkness. Due to the Park's regeneration works, the exact route may be subject to change.
• The public toilets will be closed in the Park
• The car parks will be closed

If you have access requirements or would like to discuss whether this event is suitable for you, please email p[email protected]

Who is it for?

This event is open to everyone but aimed at an adult audience. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.

Where will it take place?

Meeting point is at Vicar's Oak on Crystal Palace Park Parade.

How to book

Please book one ticket per person and complete the booking questions for each attendee.

Why is it free?

Crystal Palace Park Trust is pleased to offer this event as part of its community programme.

About David Charles

David Charles is an outdoor leader and nature-based facilitator with nearly a decade of experience guiding people through wild and reflective spaces. His work brings together expedition leadership, therapeutic practice, and belief in the awesome power of nature – no more so than the mystery, majesty, and magic of night walking.

David specialises in creating calm, quietly adventurous environments where people can step out of urgency of modern life and reconnect with themselves, with others, and with the natural world. His approach is steady, thoughtful and supportive, offering just enough structure to help you settle, without ever forcing an experience.

“It was just such a lovely and different experience, meeting up with a group to be together in nature at night. It felt at the same time uplifting, peaceful, calming and restorative.” - Gry

“I really enjoyed seeing the trees at night and taking time to appreciate some of the beauty in the park in a different way.” - Andrew

“It was lovely to really look at the natural wonders all around us, especially at night, which felt like a special and unique way to experience nature in London.” – Julie

“Just being somewhere quiet and calm. It was like a mental reset.” - Matt

This event is made possible thanks to a grant from , with thanks to National Lottery players.

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Host or Publisher Crystal Palace Park Trust