Wild South London hosted a full-day event in Beckenham Place Park to celebrate Samhain/Halloween, which included fox and owl mask-making for children (using recycled materials), games, quizzes, colouring sheets and a trick-or-tree trail which taught families facts about birds, animals and trees. Later in the day, Wild South London trustees led a folklore walk for adults and older children, sharing spooky tales about foxes, oak trees, robins, wrens and more. One participant from the daytime event said: “We loved the mask making and also the nature trail! Given my daughter is only 3, it was lovely to see her so engaged!” and another parent said their son “pretended to be an owl the whole afternoon”. Funding allowed for the purchase of craft supplies that will also be used at future events as well as promotional material.

Later in November, thanks to LondonNPC funding, Wild South London were able to invite Leila Halid to host a forest bathing and nature connection walk in the Addington Hills, with participants traveling from across London to attend. Participants engaged in breathing exercises and were invited to connect with their surroundings in a deep and meaningful way. At the end of the event Leila held a tea ceremony, using pine needles from the woods. One participant said: “Leila has such a soothing voice and energy, it was wonderful to take part in the walk with her”.