Our Story
Walworth Garden is a unique charity dedicated to changing lives through horticulture. Open to everyone, our award-winning gardens provide an oasis in the heart of Southwark. It’s a place people come to relax, learn and grow.
Through gardening education, training and therapy, we also provide opportunities and support for members of the local community, including vulnerable and disabled adults, those who’ve suffered traumatic experiences, and unemployed people looking to improve their professional skills and qualifications.
Our twin aims are to enable public access, understanding and enjoyment of horticulture, and to help people develop the skills and confidence they need to find their way back to work, independence and wellbeing.
In support of these goals, learning underpins everything we do. Whether people simply want to sit and enjoy their surroundings, take part in training programmes, or find out more about themselves through therapeutic activities, we give them the space, time and help they need.
Our History
Located in the London borough of Southwark, Walworth garden was founded in 1987 when a group of local residents reclaimed a derelict street corner and created a community garden.
Over the years the garden has become a popular place for local people to visit, and a vital training hub for vulnerable, excluded and unemployed adults. The garden has also become an award-winning demonstration garden, while our Gardening Services team has developed into a reputable supplier for borough-wide gardening contracts.
The founding aim and ethos of the garden, to provide a place of tranquillity, growth and opportunity in this built-up urban area, remain firmly in place to this day. With ten fulltime employees and a team of regular volunteers, we are a registered Charity and Social Enterprise ranked in the Top 100 Social Enterprise list’. We are also a member of the Federation of City Farms and Community Gardens.
Our Mission
Our mission and strategic aims guide our work and shape our future direction. They are:
- Changing lives by delivering excellent learning and horticultural therapy in an award-winning garden that’s open to all.
- We will help people to participate in, enjoy and learn about horticulture, and to gain new knowledge, skills and qualifications.
- We will enable increased well-being, confidence and independence for people who are vulnerable, disabled and/or experiencing mild-to-moderate mental health issues.
Our Services
With 30 years experience in serving our community, the team here at Walworth Garden surpass expectation on a daily basis (5* review). From gardens of any size we take on projects large and small from clearance to construction, design, development and maintenance.
