Winter Hikes

As winter approaches, it’s important to continue to get outside safely to care for our physical and mental health. That's why we've introduced two new activities this December that can bring you outside and to the Westminster Ponds Centre.

1) Winter Bingo

When you go for a hike at the Westminster Ponds ESA, stop by the gatehouse at Westminster Ponds Centre and pick up a free educational Winter Bingo sheet! Search for natural items to find while you enjoy hiking in London's beautiful forests.

Let’s stay safe this winter, but still get outside! While you're at it, if you capture some photos, tag ReForest London and use the hashtags #rflwinterbingo and #IDigTrees, you will be entered to win an awesome nature prize pack!

Click the photos below to download the Bingo sheet:

#rflwinterbingo #IDigTrees #ldnont #ldnontario #getoutside #outdoorlearning #outdoorplay #hiking

2) Self-Guided Hike in the Celebration Forest - December 2020

As an alternative to our guided hikes, this December, we invite you to take a self-guided hike in the Celebration Forest to get the same educational experience, without the group!

To recreate the educational component of our guided hikes, we have set up a series of educational signs along the trail, to teach about the natural features of the forest. Plus, some signs have QR codes so you can use your smartphone to pull up more information to learn more! It makes a great activity to do outside while maintaining a safe distance from others.

The hike:

• is about 1 km in length
• will take you through the Celebration Forest and loop back along the road to the Westminster Ponds Center where the hike began
• connects with the Westminster Ponds ESA trails if you want to keep walking

If you have any questions about the information provided, you can email Aliena at [email protected]. 

If you are taking photos in Celebration Forest this December, tag us using the hashtags #CelebrationForest and #IDigTrees to be entered to win a FREE "I dig trees" t-shirt from ReForest London!

Did You Know?

In the City of London, 21 natural areas are currently designated as “Environmentally Significant Areas” or ESAs. These areas exist within both agricultural and urban settings and include wetlands, forests and meadows as well as river corridors and valleylands and significant wildlife habitat. 

Photo Credit: Upper Thames River Conservation Authority.