Bexley woodland learning space wins RIBA award

The Clearing, an outdoor education space in Lesnes Abbey Woods, has won a Royal Institute of British Architects London Award for its community role in Bexley.

The project, which opened in 2024, was recognised at a RIBA ceremony on Thursday 14 May. The award highlights how a modest woodland structure has become a working base for outdoor learning, conservation activity and family access to green space.

RIBA judges praised its community impact

RIBA London Jury Chair Susie Le Good said the jury was impressed by the effect The Clearing has had despite its modest scale, describing it as an inspiring space.

Presented annually, the RIBA Awards recognise buildings and spaces for design quality, technical achievement and their social or environmental contribution. In this case, the focus was not only architecture, but how the site is being used by local residents, volunteers and education groups.

A woodland base for families, volunteers and SEN sessions

The Clearing supports activities in Lesnes Abbey Woods ranging from environmental learning to practical conservation work. Creative Nature HQ, North West Kent Countryside Partnership, Lore of the Wild and Woodland Whisperers use the site for programmes linked to sustainable woodland management and nature conservation.

Sessions include SEN and homeschool activities, alongside traditional crafts such as spoon carving and willow weaving. Forest Club and Friends of Lesnes Abbey & Woods also use the site as a base for woodland conservation work.

For readers following similar community-led green space projects, Hiyastar has also covered the transformation of The Backies nature park in Chester, another example of local groups reshaping access to nature.

Bexley Council credits partnership behind the project

Councillor Rags Sandhu, Bexley Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Leisure, said the award reflected collaboration between partners and volunteers, and described The Clearing as a hub where heritage, sustainability and education meet.

Wai-Piu Wong from Wonky Architectural Practice thanked Gransden Construction Ltd, Stephen Stockbridge of Creative Nature HQ, and London Borough of Bexley officers Lindsey Weaver and Ian Holt for their work on the project.

Bexley Council said it will continue supporting the volunteers and organisations using The Clearing within Lesnes Abbey Woods.

Source: London Borough of Bexley