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The Secret Garden 

Launched in Spring 2019, the Secret Garden has provided an inspirational space for the charity to deliver educational courses and events for groups and the local community.

 

Developed with the help of Lund Trust funding - and an army of much-appreciated volunteers - the enclosure houses a wildflower meadow, a sensory trail with willow arch/peace seat and a storytelling area, among other exciting features.

 

Planting includes a variety of flower beds, a herb border and vegetable containers, along with seasonal trees and shrubs. Many of these have been generously donated, and together they all create a haven for local wildlife.

 

The volunteer teams have also handcrafted and installed a mud kitchen for our forest school children, plus a pergola, a storytelling chair, a greenhouse and a bird table.

 

The Secret Garden has staged a number of events over the years, including visits by local dignitaries, Hastings Youth Council social evenings, and thank you barbecues for volunteers, with the space also used to deliver courses for local adults.

“And the secret garden bloomed and bloomed and every morning revealed new miracles.” 

 

Frances Hodgson Burnett, The Secret Garden

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Volunteer

  • Join our volunteer team

  • Bring your expertise

  • Take part in projects​

  • Give back to the community

  • Improve health/wellbeing

  • Increase confidence

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Plant & Grow

  • Variety of flower beds

  • Wildflower meadow

  • Herb border

  • Vegetable containers

  • Seasonal trees and shrubs

  • Sensory trail

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Play & Learn 

  • Forest fun sessions (under 5s)

  • Messy play/storytelling

  • Activities based on the natural environment

  • Fun outdoors in all weather

  • Meet other parents/carers

“Although the idea initially was to have purely British planting, the garden had other ideas! It has attracted extremely diverse plant donations over the years, and in so doing has perhaps created more of a sense of community, where all those involved are thrilled to have their donations be part of such a wonderful project. For me, it is this generosity of spirit that forms the underlying essence here, and it is so rewarding when we are then able to pass that generosity on, for example in the form of fruit and veg."

​

Heather, Secret Garden volunteer

Get in touch

If you would like to find out more about volunteering or would like to make a donation, please contact 01424 722241 or send us an email.

 

Information on our Forest School can be found on our Courses page.

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