Welcome to Railway Fields!
Our two-acre nature oasis, nestled in the vibrant urban life of Green Lanes is a fantastic getaway for locals, families and nature enthusiasts. It’s not just a nature reserve; it’s also a community hub buzzing with life!
At the centre of our woodland is our office and cosy Education Cabin. In collaboration with Haringey Council and the local community we’ve transformed this former disused railway goods yard into a thriving haven with a Green Flag Award. We are proud to be a safe green space for people to visit, volunteer, and connect with local wildlife on a daily basis.
1. Tranquil Escape: Tired of the hustle and bustle? Have a leisurely stroll around our reserve – it takes just 20 minutes to walk around and is very easy to navigate!
2. Kids’ Paradise: Railway Fields is a firm favourite with local children. It’s a safe, fun, and educational space where youngsters can connect with the natural world. TCV host regular school trips and family events on site.
3. Biodiversity Bonanza: Explore our diverse ecosystem! With over 214 plant species, 60 bird species and 21 types of butterflies, Railway Fields is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.
4. Get Involved: Be a part of the action! Explore volunteering opportunities from practical conservation to nature education, from wildlife survey to wildlife gardening. All levels welcome, scroll down to find out more.
Where to find us:
Railway Fields Nature Reserve, 381 Green Lanes, Haringey, N4 1ES.
Volunteer with us:
TCV gets people outside, active, joining in, playing a vital role in the health and wellbeing of many people’s lives.
On Mondays we run our Biodiversity Action Team sessions at a range of wild spaces in and out of the borough. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays we run our regular practical conservation sessions covering 22 different locations around Haringey. Activities include management of meadows, woodlands and ponds, pathway maintenance, litter picking, carpentry & more!
Find out more and book onto sessions here
Sign up to our TCV Haringey monthly newsletter and volunteering schedule
On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays we lead children on outdoor learning activities and are always on the lookout for more education volunteers who can inspire the next generation! Email Hannah.jones@tcv.org.uk directly to find out more.
For volunteers attending under 18 please contact us for more info.
Looking to develop your skills in conservation?
Are you interested in taking on extra responsibility, attending training or starting a career in conservation? TCV has an established Volunteer Officer programme enabling people to gain leadership skills towards developing a career in the field. From leading groups of volunteers and supporting environmental education sessions to getting stuck into wildlife ID surveys and project management in an internship-style work experience. Contact Hannah.jones@tcv.org.uk for more information.
Kids at Railway Fields:
Railway Fields is the perfect place for children to get close to local wildlife, and to experience the changing of the seasons. Our busy schools project welcomes over 1,000 Haringey school children into the woods every year, with curriculum-led sessions to help them understand their place in the world and feel connected to local ecosystems.
Our education team also run regular family events in the school holidays, alongside monthly Home Education sessions for children not in school.
Click here to find out more and book an upcoming session.
Friends of Railway Fields:
Dedicated local resident’s group ‘Friends of the Railway Fields’ stand independently from TCV and have made a significant contribution to shaping the site over the years, acting as a voice for the local community.
The Friends open the site on weekends, holding special events to encourage people to visit and learn more about local wildlife in creative ways such as drawing groups, art and photography exhibitions and writing workshops.
Members also regularly participate in citizen science surveys such as the UK Butterfly Monitoring Scheme through the summer months.
Popular community events include the Tree Fest in December with cosy crafts and lantern parades, and the Summer Open day which invites people to explore the hidden world of Railway Fields through microscopes!
‘Friends’ are TCV Heroes:
To contact the Friends and find out about upcoming events, head to the Friends of Railway Fields website.
Contact us:
Railway Fields email (general enquiries): haringey@tcv.org.uk
Clare Street: (She/Her) clare.street@tcv.org.uk / 07767 112085 – Project Officer (Conservation & volunteer enquiries)
Hannah Jones: (She/Her) hannah.jones@tcv.org.uk / 07483 050741 – Education Officer (Schools & education enquiries)
To sign up to our monthly TCV Haringey newsletter click this link: TCV Haringey Newsletter Sign Up
