The Clearing, Lesnes Abbey Woods

Events at Lesnes Abbey Woods teach sustainable woodland management and nature conservation, with hands-on forestry demonstrations and outdoor learning designed for schools and local volunteers. Situated at the Elizabeth Line’s last stop in Bexley, the 88-hectare public park and ancient woodland now hosts an outdoor education space co-designed by WonKy and the local community. Set within a former goods yard of low ecological value, the project features an all-weather classroom made from a parachute tethered to carved wooden posts, with motifs inspired by local children. A square Corten-clad tower, referencing Hastings’ fishing net lofts, stores the parachute and monitors the environment. Traditional tools like a treadle lathe and shave horse animate The Clearing from an adjacent greenwood store. Surrounding the store, a low concrete bench provides seating. Sustainable materials were prioritised—reclaimed elements include a shipping container, a military parachute, and locally coppiced oak and chestnut—delivering a low-carbon, community-rooted learning environment.