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A successful year for park volunteers

Celebrating its second anniversary in 2023, local volunteer group ‘Friends of Lesnes Abbey & Woods’ fundraised a community defibrillator which is now installed next to Chestnut Kiosk at Lesnes Abbey Woods.

The group also organised (with CC Events) Lesnes Abbey Woods’ first ever ‘Woodland Festival’. Held in September 2023, the festival included Morris dancing, storytelling, a costumed grand procession, woodworking, art shows, markets and more.

Photo of people attending 'Woodland Festival'

‘Friends of Lesnes Abbey & Woods’ always welcome new volunteers to help with its gardening, litter picking and conservation efforts.

Visit the Friends of Lesnes Abbey and woods website

Providing around 4,000 hours of voluntary work over the last year, ‘Friends of the Old English Garden’ (FrOEG) based at Danson Park were recognised at the Royal Horticultural Society’s London in Bloom Awards in September 2023.

In the London “It’s Your Neighbourhood 2023” Campaign FrOEG were awarded 98 out of 100 points earning them the ‘Outstanding Level 5 Certificate’, making this the third time they achieved this standard.

The volunteers also picked up the Royal Horticultural Society Gold Award in the competitive ‘Our Community 2023’ contest, achieving 87 out of 100 points.

FrOEG members and volunteers take part in a variety of proposed ecological and environmental projects, as well as helping the Council with activities at Danson Park.

Visit the Friends of the Old English Garden Facebook page

Cabinet Member for Communities & Housing, Cllr Sue Gower MBE said:

Thanks to our amazing volunteers for working tirelessly to nurture and protect our local parks and open spaces.

Your efforts cultivate not just the greenery around us, but a sense of shared pride and well-being.

We’re grateful for your green magic!"

Councillor Sue Gower MBE, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, and Chair of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership

Councillor Sue Gower MBE, Cabinet Member for Communities and Housing, and Chair of the Bexley Community Safety Partnership

Friends groups

The borough has several friends groups that help to maintain our parks and open spaces. If you’d like to find out more about becoming a ‘friend’ to one of our parks visit our friends group page.

Photo of Hall Place gardens