3,468,000 Reasons to Smile

The Trust, in partnership with the London Borough of Bexley and other partners has secured £3,468,000 to improve access and facilities in Lesnes Abbey Woods.

The funding from Parks for People is part of the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Big Lottery Fund and will encourage new and existing visitors to enjoy the amazing natural and human history of a site which has a 12th century abbey ruin, ancient woodland and a fossil bed! With a number of community events and education sessions, the project will also support an exciting and wide ranging volunteering programme, apprenticeship scheme and work placements. Diverse improvements also include a new small park building that will act as an activity and information hub for visitors, schools and communities.

At 88 hectares, Lesnes Abbey Woods is the second largest park in the London Borough of Bexley and a site of Metropolitan importance for nature conservation, a nature reserve and metropolitan open land. The Abbey ruins are a Schdueled Ancient Monument (SAM) and Grade II listed. The site is also a key area within South East London's Green Chain.

Find out more by contacting our Head of Business Development, Richard Fishlock,