Summer at Abington Woods - Camping, Work & Play in the Open Air!

Saturday, 29 July 2017 12:00 am - Thursday, 31 August 2017 12:00 am


Summer at Abington Woods

Abington Woods is a fantastic place to relax, unwind, learn, volunteer and meet new people. The Woods are open to all and we are keen to create opportunities for the local community to enjoy this beautiful shared space. 

Come along and be a part of history! The very special but somewhat overgrown Old Chapel and New Garden of Peace are in much need of a make-over. We would love to restore this area back to being a peaceful place for quiet contemplation or prayer, so it can be enjoyed by all who visit the Woods. This is an open invitation to the whole community to get involved in this exciting project. What we're looking for is curiosity and enthusiasm but if you have skills and ideas, they will be welcomed too! Any spare plants would be gratefully received and any unwanted garden furniture, accessories or tools will be put to good use. Our first tidy up day will take place on Saturday 29th July from 10am. We hope to see you there.

On Sunday 30th July, from 11am to 1pm, we are lucky enough to have Anna Flack the Story Teller spark our imaginations and entertain us with her unique style of storytelling mingled with crafts. Tickets are £4 and can be purchased on the day. Family Ticket £12. We will be enjoying a picnic lunch together afterwards.

The next weekend Abington Woods is looking forward to hosting 'Mossy Church' in the (newly spruced!) Old Chapel on Sunday 6th August 3.30pm to 5.30pm. All ages are welcome to attend this service.

Back by popular demand is our Summer Play Scheme. This will run Monday to Friday 14th - 18th, 21st - 25th and 28th - 31st of August, 9am - 4pm. Places must be booked in advance so we can tailor activities and book staff appropriately. Children can attend the entire programme or individual days and must bring their own packed lunch (snacks are provided). We will run two programmes for children up to 10 and another for 10 to 16 year olds.

From Saturday 2nd September, we will be holding Open Woodlands on the first Saturday of each month (any time) . This is a chance for you to enjoy the river from the woodland edge, walk your dog, have a picnic or just take a stroll under the canopy and see how the woodland is changing with the rolling seasons. Please take your doggy's poo home with you as babies and toddlers enjoy rummaging around on the woodland floor. Dogs are allowed to roam free but must be kept under your command at all times.

We continue to welcome volunteers every Wednesday from midday to 4pm. This is to help with general light woodland maintenance or to suggest woodland development projects they would like to undertake. This opportunity is ideal for adults with a spare couple of hours and teenagers needing a constructive outlet for their energy and creativity.

This term's school sessions have been a huge success and highly enjoyable. Our Evening Club for 8 to 12 year olds Thursday 6.30pm to 8.30pm has seen another successful term and our regular Thursday Little People - woodland learning group - has been happy to see a new generation of toddlers fill its ranks and enjoy tearing, wondering and pondering around the woodland every Thursday, 10am -1pm.

We are open for Camping over the summer and the yurts continue to be a popular option for those wanting a bit more comfort! Whether you have friends or family visiting, want an adventure for the kids, need to try out your new tent or have pangs for a nature 'staycation', Abington Woods is a beautiful and friendly place to stay. There is lots more going on at the Woods - drop in or get in touch with Deborah James on 07510 838 576 or online at abingtonwoods@gmail.com for more information about any of our activities and events. Keep an eye out for our posters and we look forward to seeing you over the coming Summer.


Last updated on 17 July 2017.