Bexley woodland classroom wins RIBA London Award

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A modest woodland space recognised for community value
Families, volunteers and woodland groups use the site
Bexley Council credits partners behind the project

The Clearing, an outdoor education space in Lesnes Abbey Woods, has won a Royal Institute of British Architects London Award after judges recognised its role in opening up woodland learning and community activity in Bexley.

The project, which opened in 2024, sits within one of the borough’s historic green spaces and is used by volunteers, children, families and local organisations for environmental learning, conservation work and outdoor recreation.

A modest woodland space recognised for community value

The RIBA London Award was announced at a ceremony on Thursday 14 May. Susie Le Good, London Jury Chair for the RIBA Awards, said the jury was impressed by the impact of The Clearing despite its modest scale, describing it as an inspiring space.

RIBA Awards are given to buildings and places that show design quality, technical care and a wider contribution to the communities they serve. In Bexley, that meant recognition for a small-scale project built around access to nature rather than a landmark building.

Bexley woodland classroom wins RIBA London Award

Families, volunteers and woodland groups use the site

The Clearing now acts as a base for local environmental and learning activity. Creative Nature HQ, North West Kent Countryside Partnership, Lore of the Wild and Woodland Whisperers run sessions linked to sustainable woodland management and nature conservation.

Its programme includes Special Educational Needs sessions, homeschool activities and heritage crafts such as spoon carving and willow weaving. Forest Club and Friends of Lesnes Abbey & Woods also use the site for woodland conservation work.

For readers following similar green-space projects, Beehiveweb has also covered how another London park is marking its community role.

Bexley Council credits partners behind the project

Councillor Rags Sandhu, Bexley Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Culture & Leisure, said the award reflected collaboration between the council, partners and volunteers.

Wai-Piu Wong from Wonky Architectural Practice thanked Gransden Construction Ltd, main contractor on the project, and Stephen Stockbridge of Creative Nature HQ for work on delivery, traditional woodworking and community involvement. Wong also credited Lindsey Weaver and Ian Holt at London Borough of Bexley for their role as clients on the scheme.

Source: London Borough of Bexley