About the event

Happy Pride month! The Keeping it Wild Collective will be exploring the ecosystems of Sydenham Hill woods through a queer lens. Beginning with a guided tour led by queer ecologist Jazmeen Qureshi we will then have a chance to discuss the walk’s learnings while building your very own bug hotels.

📅 Date: Sunday 22 June

⏰ Time: 12.00 – 14.30 (Leaving the meeting point promptly at 12:15)

📍 Meeting Point: Sydenham Hill Wood Station (College Road Exit)

🙋Who can come: Young people ages 16-30

What to expect on the day?

🌳 Get to know Sydenham Hill Woods a 11-hectare woodland with more than 200 species of trees and plants

🌺Explore how fresh perspectives can deepen our sense of place within ecosystems

🦋Connect with like-minded people in nature

🐛Get crafty making bug hotels which will make more space for nature

Why join us?

🍽️FREE snacks and drinks for all attendees

🧑‍🤝‍🧑Bring someone new to nature and get a free coffee voucher to use at London Wildlife Trust cafes!

About our guide…

Jazmeen Isa Qureshi is an interdisciplinary ecologist, writer, and marine biologist, currently pursuing a PhD at the Global Sustainability Institute at ARU. Her research, "Queering Ecology," explores how queer theory can reimagine and transform conservation and ecological frameworks.

What is ‘queer(ing) ecology’?

Queer(ing) is an approach rooted in dismantling dominant narratives, centring the perspectives of those who have been ‘othered’ or marginalised. In ecology, this means recognising that established norms are just one viewpoint among many. By embracing queer perspectives, we open ourselves to a richer, more diverse understanding of the natural world 🏳️‍🌈

This event is a part of the Reuniting Sydenham Hill Wood and Dulwich Wood project...

Once part of the vast Great North Wood, these two woodlands are precious remnants of ancient oak forest stretching from Croydon to Camberwell. By reuniting them, we can better protect and restore local wildlife, ensuring our communities enjoy these green gems for generations to come🌲

Did you know that Sydenham Hill Wood is home to all three species of British woodpecker - great spotted, green, and lesser spotted 🐦‍⬛

How to get there

🚇 Train station: Sydenham Hill (Just 15 minutes from London Victoria) – Exit by the ‘College Road’ exit for the meeting point

🚏 Bus: Kingswood Drive/ College Road (Route 450) – 7 minute walk

Wells Park Road (Routes 202/363) – 10 minute walk

🚗 Car: Sydenham Hill Station has some limited car parking spaces which are pay and display

The delivery of the Keeping it Wild Collective is made possible by the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.