Adult Leisure Courses
There are many ways for you to learn about and enjoy our environment. We run a successful series of leisure courses for adults. Everyone is welcome to join in. Our courses are all about getting out and about, learning new skills or getting to understand new topics.
And the great thing is no special knowledge or skill is required.
The sort of things on offer are guided short walks linked to a place or subject like trees, how to refurbish your home to make it more sustainable, boatbuilding the traditional timber boats of the Thames, or printmaking with natural materials like leaves.
All our courses are guided by local experts in their subject.
Future Leisure events
Sun 26 Feb 2012 - The ecology of Fallow Deer in Richmond Park. John Lock will be leading a walk. Meet at 10.30 at Sheen Gate car park (20 mins walk from Mortlake Station (NR Waterloo)) or bus 33/493/337. Bring binoculars, packed lunch, hot drinks.
Sat 24 Mar 2012 - Bird walk along the River Crane with ornithologist Keith Martin. 10.00am - 12noon. Meeting place tbc
Sun 6 May 2012 - Springtime Safari
1.30 - 4.30pm in the Woodland Garden at Orleans House Gallery
A free event for the whole family. Come face to face with hedgehogs, beetles and bats and learn about local wildlife from the people and organisations that look after it.
Sun 27 May 2012 - Herb Walk with Jo Dunbar
10.00am - 11.30am. Meeting place tbc
Jo Dunbar is a medical herbalist of Botanica Medica herbal apothecary. In this walk along Ham riverside she will describe the medicinal uses, ancient folk lore, wild food recipes and personal anecdotes of local plants - which most people would call weeds.
Tue 19 June 2012 - The Flora of Ham Lands: walk with Claire Fifield
10.30am - 12 noon. Meeting place tbc.
Explore the beautiful and relatively unknown Ham Lands by the river Thames and enjoy identifying the wild flowers found there.
Healthy Walks
For adults with learning disabilities we run a programme of healthy walks exploring the borough's rich heritage and beautiful green spaces. We believe an important part of our work is to help people with particular needs enjoy their environment as much as everyone else. In this way we can foster a stronger sense of community.
For further information about our Healthy Walks programme, see our Healthy Walks leaflet.
Let us have your ideas!
We want to make sure we arrange a programme based on what you would like and to provide it in ways that suit you. Have you any views on the best length for courses? What topics would interest you and your friends? We would love to have your ideas and comments.
And if you have already been to one of the events and enjoyed it - please tell your friends.
| Environmental Education |
Trust's Schools' Project launched, 8th & 9th JuneThe Trust's school's project funded by the Ernest Cook Foundation got off to a great start on the 8th and 9th of June with children from Meadlands and St Richards with St Andrews primary schools removing the invasive Himalayan Balsam and conducting wildlife surveys in the grassland around Petersham woods.
Newts, Coots and Muddy Boots, 14th MayEveryone had a wonderful time, and the packed auditorium heard Sir David Attenborough describing the affairs of the Great Crested Newt, Nigel Reeve from Royal Parks talking about the stagbeetle, Keith Martin on identifying the song thrush and other birds, and Joe Pecorelli on the Thames, one of the greatest wildlife resources in this area.
Finally, the children from Archdeacon Cambridge's CE Primary School described their wildlife garden. With thanks to all the speakers and the volunteers, and everyone who attended, and especially to Sir David, who brought the afternoon a special magic. Jacqui Lofthouse's blog follow-up is here.
Springtime Safari, 8th May
The Trust's Education ProgrammeThe Trust is committed to life long learning for all. We offer a range of educational activities. We are grateful to the following organisations for their help in funding our education and events programme:
Schools ProgrammeFor schools we offer opportunities to link with our volunteer events and bespoke sessions related to the local environment. Please contact the office to discuss your requirements.
Healthy Walks and rowing for Adults with DisabilitiesThe Environment Trust provides environmental activities for those people for whom there may be barriers to participation. Since 2007 we have been running our programme for adults with physical or learning disabilities, which includes healthy walks, rowing and supported volunteering opportunities. Please contact us for more information.
Art PicnicsEach month we spend a Sunday drawing and painting in different beautiful and interesting places, inside or outside, and often with specially arranged access. There are experienced tutors on hand to help and advise. It’s informal and friendly – just bring a picnic lunch. All levels, from beginners upwards and including families, can take part.
Lecture events
Exploring with the Environment TrustWalks exploring Richmond’s rich environment and heritage, led by local experts run from March to November. Please see our events programme for upcoming walks.
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Each event consists of a series of short talks by specialists, celebrating distinctive aspects of local heritage and ecology. Usually they are chaired by one of our Patrons, who have national reputations as experts in their field. There will also be displays by relevant local groups and businesses.
