Leaside Trust

Leaside Open Day – Life on the Lea Saturday May 30th 11.30am - 3pm

Join us for a special open day at Leaside celebrating the stories, heritage and communities of the River Lea.

In partnership with Life on the Lea, a project by Eastside Community Heritage, Loop Labs and Lea Boaters Organise, this event will explore the social history of the river through photographs, oral histories and stories gathered from people who live and work along the Lea.

Visitors will be able to enjoy canal boat trips or paddling journeys along the river, see archival images and hear first-hand accounts that capture everyday life on and around the waterway. Leaside will also be sharing stories from its own history – over 60 years of supporting young people and the wider community to canoe and kayak on the River Lea.

Come along to discover the rich heritage of this unique urban waterway, meet the people who keep its stories alive, and experience the river from the water.

This event is open to everyone and offers a welcoming opportunity to learn more about the past, present and future of the Lea. We will provide a lunch for donation and ask for a £2 contribution to take part in activities on the River Lea.

Our brand new weekly timetable is now live!

Please check website for details - some activities are externally booked

We have pay as you go options for youth club and adult paddle sessions - everyone is welcome!

The busiest employees do the most volunteering and they’re also the happiest. 🌿

Aviva’s own internal analysis found that staff who volunteer and take part in away days show higher wellbeing scores, better productivity, and lower retention risk.

Oxford University research backs this up: corporate volunteering boosts purpose, belonging, mental health, and social connection, translating directly into better job satisfaction, stronger leadership, and greater loyalty to their employer.
The data is clear. For smart companies, it’s a no-brainer. 💚

Today’s view 👌

Electric blue on the River Lea. 🔵✨
📷

This little gem doesn’t care about your weekend — but it does care about its river. Maybe we should too.

How’s your Wednesday going?

We still have spaces available for our Holiday club for tomorrow and Friday. Come along!

Looks like we might have some amazing weather for week two of the Easter Holiday club.

Still time to book ☀️

First week of the Easter holiday club done ✔️

It’s more than just paddling at Leaside we also have land-based activities like Cycling, Kite flying, Hiking and Environmental activities and outdoor skills

No two days are exactly the same. We shape the activities around conditions, confidence levels, and what will make the day feel brilliant for everyone

Spring is here and the River Lea is calling 🌿🌊

This Easter, we’re bringing together young people aged 8–18 for two weeks of real outdoor adventure — kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, cycling, kite flying, forest skills and more, all set against the stunning backdrop of the Lea Valley Marshes.

Every day is different. Every session is an adventure.

📅 Mon 30 March – Fri 10 April | 10am–3:30pm
Ages 8–18 | Leaside

🌊 Easter adventures start here…

Looking for something active, outdoorsy, and seriously fun this Easter holiday? Join us at Leaside for four days of paddling, play, and outdoor skills on the River Lea.

Young people will get the chance to try kayaking, canoeing and paddleboarding, build confidence on the water, and dive into a mix of land-based activities like cycling, team games, and outdoor challenges. 🚣‍♀️🚴‍♂️

It’s all about safe, enjoyable learning outdoors, with experienced coaches and activities designed for all abilities. 

Fresh air. New skills. Big smiles.

📍 Leaside, Hackney
🎒 Ages 8+
📅 Easter holidays

👉 Find out more and book: https://leaside.org.uk/easter-holiday-club-at-leaside-paddling-play-and-outdoor-skills-for-all-abilities/

Another busy busy exciting day! started groundworks on the Welcome Centre 🥳 and works going full pelt delivering Better Youth Spaces.

It’s an end of an era as we say goodbye to the Leaside Van…and say hello to the new Leaside Van!

Lots more adventures to come!