The Forest Club is a volunteering group finding ways to collectively be in the woodland throughout the year, learning and sharing skills to support woodland management and biodiversity. Since 2019, we have been getting together at The Clearing, our woodland site, to learn rural crafts, work together for the benefit of nature and enjoy the simple pleasure of working outside together. Feel the joy of sharing a hot drink from the kettle on an open fire - simple pleasures. 

Our aim is to create a core group of volunteers to learn the foundational skills of green wood working and develop a range of ancient rural craft skills that complement and support a healthy woodland environment. We strive for this to be a mutually beneficial exchange based on the principles of reciprocity and care, as opposed to an extractive, one way relationship.

Volunteering with the Forest Club is a chance to be in nature, build meaningful relationships, skill share, and to partake in both giving and receiving in a diversity of ways. We believe that everyone has something meaningful to offer and each person’s unique skills and ways of supporting the project and community are valuable.

What to expect

If you take part, you can learn, share skills, and partake in a variety of activities and crafts. This includes becoming familiar with sawing, cutting and splitting wood; using knives and axes; mastering the use of shave horses, spoon mules and pole lathes; learning to weave, cast metal, and make furniture; and supporting the growth of the natural dye garden. 

On arrival, either Stephen, Creative Nature Director, or another regular volunteer, will welcome any new volunteers, and facilitate what needs to be done that day. It is very much a space for volunteers to share skills, support each other in the activities and encourage each other to learn new things. There are often multiple options of activities to get involved with, led by volunteers themselves. We will start a fire to have tea going, put the canopy up depending on the weather, and have seats around to just chill out and socialise! It is a very relaxed and no pressure space, welcoming people to come as they are. 

By becoming a volunteer there are further opportunities to be part of the Steering Committee, to have more of a say over decisions, as well as facilitator opportunities, to use the skills learnt at Forest Club to lead on workshops and courses. The possibilities are endless! We just need the valuable gift of your time.

When 

Every Thursday 10am - 2pm at The Clearing. 

There are also various volunteering opportunities to support our workshops and events on weekends and some evenings.

Accessibility 

For The Clearing, toilets are located at Lesnes Abbey Lodge, a few minutes walk away. There is a cafe there if you would like to buy any refreshments. 

Please get in touch if you require any other information or support to help you participate more easily.

Come and join us at Lesnes Abbey Woods Forest Club.
Support Creative Nature through a variety of volunteering opportunities. 

What to bring

Wear weather appropriate clothing and sturdy footwear.

If you have gloves please bring these too, otherwise there are some you can borrow.

Bring a packed lunch and a flask.

There are wooden benches and chairs to sit down but you are welcome to bring your own camping chair if you prefer.

How to sign up 

You can click the buttons to sign up for Thursday or weekend volunteer sessions.

You will then receive an email with the WhatsApp group link if you wish to join that, for volunteers to stay connected and get updates on volunteering opportunities. 

If you have any issues signing up on the website, you can simply show up on the day and we will share details with you directly.

You will receive a volunteer handbook to read and an agreement to sign once we meet you. 

By signing up you agree to have your information stored on our volunteer register. To opt out, please contact us. 

Who

Everyone is welcome to volunteer with the Forest Club!

There is no age limit and no experience is necessary. We are inclusive of all regardless of race, class, gender, sexuality, disability, religion, care commitments, and other forms of identity and responsibility. We stand against all forms of oppression and will not tolerate any hatred or discrimination.

Please get in touch with us if there are any ways we can better accommodate you or meet your access needs.

How to find us 

The Clearing is located in Lesnes Abbey Woods, Belvedere, SE2 0AX.
You can type in The Clearing on Google Maps to get directions.  

The nearest train station is Abbey Wood. See our video guide of how to get to The Clearing from Abbey Wood station.

For volunteering opportunities at our studio site, Creative Nature HQ, the address is
Thames-Side Studios, Unit TW-008, Harrington Way, London, SE18 5NR.

Contact us

We are always striving to do better and welcome any feedback.


You can get in touch via email at contactcreativenature@gmail.com

Follow the Forest Club on Instagram @lesnesabbeyforestclub