Ham Lands is a mix of habitats, mainly woodland, scrub, grassland and wetlands, that contain a diversity of plants and animals, including numerous rare species that are hard to find in London. There are meadow wildflowers that attract bees and butterflies and the reserve is teeming with birdlife.
Apple walk, October 2019
Please check our event calendar for upcoming walks.
Nature is calming and inspiring
Maintaining a connection with the natural world is more important than ever to ensure we're taking good care of our health and wellbeing. Just a bit of time every day spent in nature can help relieve stress and improve mental wellbeing. We know that people who spend time in nature are happier and healthier. If you are able to go out and visit any green space there is a lot to see and do.
If you are staying home there are also some links below for enjoying nature from the safety of your home.
Take your children exploring nature
Most children are naturally curious, and nature provides many opportunities to stimulate their imagination. Trees, flowers, rocks, decaying wood, and all other plants provide homes for wildlife in an urban area. Fruits, flowers, seeds, nuts, and fungi are food is their food. Being in nature enables children to run, jump, hop, skip, climb, roll, and promotes wellbeing and confidence. A well-needed release during these times.
Many of the links below are well suited for children too.
- The Ribwort plant can make a fun-gun; click here to see how you do it.
- Diane Bridson, our own local botanist, has done a lovely flower chart. Click here to get a copy.
- Help with the wildflower hunt Now in its fourth year, and running through spring and summer, the Great British Wildflower Hunt is about seeing the wildflowers that surround us every day. Whether in town, local woodland or the countryside, get to know their names and faces…
- Learn how to identify butterflies and moths.
- To learn more about butterflies and download a chart to identify them click here.
- The wildlife trust has many great suggestions to keep ourselves entertained.
- If you are staying home maybe you like to listen to the bird radio.
- David Attenborough is always inspiring to listen to reading Life on Earth on BCC Radio 4.
- And here are some more nature-based indoor activities.
