Discover your local wetlands in Northbrook Park, Lewisham in 2026.

Following the exciting transformation of Northbrook Park through new wetlands and stream restoration by Lewisham Council and Glendale in 2025, environmental charity Thames21 will continue into 2026 with a vibrant programme of volunteering sessions and free, family-friendly events taking place by the ponds, and sometimes indoor at The Ringway Centre.

This project supports the local community’s vision for the Grove Park area, including the creation of the Railway Children Urban National Park, a unique green space celebrating nature, heritage, and community.

Thames21 free events:

• The practical volunteering days will focus on hands on habitat maintenance to help maintain the wetlands, taking place on the third Friday on the month, between 10am-3pm.
• Family-friendly events will encourage people of all ages to spend time by the wetlands through free activities. These will take place on a Saturday and in school holidays.
• All events will be advertised on https://linktr.ee/Thames21_RavensbourneCatchment.

Read on to book your space at our practical volunteering days:

When: Every third Friday: 16th January, 20th February and 20th March

Who: Hosted by Thames21. Sessions may be co hosted by Lewisham Council and Glendale teams.

What: Every session is different and that’s what makes it exciting! From habitat maintenance and deepening ponds to litter picking and everything in between, you’ll get hands-on experience helping nature thrive. Whether you're clearing overgrown vegetation, digging to improve water flow, or simply tidying up the area, each visit brings new tasks and new ways to make a difference.

Experience: No experience needed, just enthusiasm and a love for the outdoors.

Age: These sessions are designed for 18 years and above.

Kit: Thames21 will provide all the equipment and tools for each session.

Refreshments: Thames21 will provide tea/coffee, fruit and biscuits. Volunteers are encouraged to bring their own packed lunch to enjoy together.

Come ready to get stuck in and make a real difference to this beautiful green & blue space!

Where to meet:

Northbrook Park, Baring Road, London SE12 0JS

Wetlands are next to the MUGA/Basketball area, diagonally opposite the playground.

What 3 Words ///doors.frog.patrol

What to Bring:

Dress for the weather and the task – long trousers and sleeves are advisable whatever the temperatures as there are nettles and brambles.

Please bring a packed lunch and your bottle of water. Thames21 will have drinking water for refills.

There are no toilets in the park so please bear this in mind before you leave home. The nearest community toilets are at the Ringway Centre, and local Café Lokum welcome us to use their facilities.

We will do our best to make this event as accessible as possible. If you have any questions please email Thames21 Engagement Officer and session lead Catriona at T21Ravensbourne@thames21.org.uk

Find out about Thames21 work in nearby Chinbook Meadows: www.thames21.org.uk/improving-rivers/chinbrook-community-suds-healthy-wetlands-challenge/

Learn more about wetlands with WWT: www.wwt.org.uk/our-work/why-wetlands

This is an event designed for the community to engage the local public with the river and not for corporates. If you are interested in a bespoke corporate volunteer day. Please visit our website  www.thames21.org.uk/get-involved-2/corporateteamdays/