What was once an overgrown and unused space is beginning to show signs of new life, thanks to the enthusiasm and hard work of Year 11 students from St Ursula's.
Earlier this year, students rolled up their sleeves and helped us take the first steps in restoring the garden outside Our Ladye Star of the Sea and St Ursula’s. Together, they cleared years of undergrowth, tidied the space and planted the first few additions to what we hope will become a beautiful community garden.
Their efforts marked the beginning of an exciting journey.
We are delighted that, thanks to generous funding from the Archbishop's Appeal, we can now move forward with the next stage of the project. The funding will allow us to purchase the plants, tools and materials needed to transform the garden into a welcoming and usable space for the parish and wider community.
What makes this project particularly special is that the young people have not only helped bring the garden back to life, but are also helping to shape its future. We are currently exploring their ideas for how the space could be developed, working alongside Father Thomas and drawing on the expertise of gardening professionals, including the wonderful rangers from Greenwich Park.
This project is a fantastic example of what can happen when young people, parish communities and local organisations come together with a shared vision. We are incredibly grateful to the students of St Ursula's, Father Thomas, the Greenwich Park rangers and everyone who has supported the project so far.
Watch this space. The first stage may be complete, but the real transformation is only just beginning.
Check out the before and after shots!
