Garden Details
Growing Space at Christ Church
The Garden
Unveiled in May 2019, Growing Space at Christ Church is a hidden gem in the Kensington area, nestled within the Southern grounds of the Church. This once-forgotten corner has been transformed into a thriving edible and woodland teaching garden, offering a flourishing green sanctuary that connects people of all ages with nature.
Complete with a stunningly restored retaining wall alongside Kynance Mews, the garden boasts eight raised beds for growing edible plants and herbs, a woodland-inspired forest school garden, a sensory border, and a charming greenhouse. More than just a pretty space, this is a hands-on classroom where children and locals rediscover the magic of growing food and nurturing the Earth.
Working in partnership with local schools, the garden provides a space for after-school and holiday clubs, giving children the chance to explore, learn, and play outdoors. These sessions are packed with fun and teach valuable skills through hands-on activities. From workshops to seasonal celebrations, Growing Space hosts family-friendly events that inspire and bring people together. Activities throughout the year include Easter egg hunts, Halloween pumpkin carving, Christmas festivities, and Family Gardening Days. The garden provides opportunities for Duke of Edinburgh participants, work experience students, and interns who want to learn practical gardening skills and gain valuable, hands-on experience. As of January 2025, Growing Space is also an accredited learning centre, offering courses like the Environmental Leader certification for young people.
Casual weekend gardening sessions welcome local residents to enjoy this beautiful outdoor space, meet new people, and relax in a friendly, social atmosphere that helps to combat loneliness, promotes light physical activity, and fosters better mental health. Growing Space also welcomes businesses and organisations for group volunteering days - a great way to engage employees in community and sustainability initiatives, providing a boost to team morale and strengthening interdepartmental connections.
The garden has earned several accolades, including:
- Montessori Global Education: Community Learning Initiative of the Year (2024)
- Premium Award Winner: Sustainability Award of the Year (2023)
- E2 Media Accolade of Achievement (2023)
- London Gardens Society: The Anne Tott Trophy for Best Community Garden (2021)
- IEMA Sustainability Impact Awards Winner (2020)
Director & Environmental Coordinator: Pascale Rochefeuille
Visitor Information
- Open
-
Saturday 11:00–16:00
Sunday 12:00–17:00 - Activities
- Picnics allowed.
- Entrance
- Small black gate with entrance from Victoria Road, across from house number 81. Alternatively, go up the small steps from Kynance Mews. Look for the dark green Growing Space noticeboard on the railing of the church.
Nearest postcode: W8 5RQ - Buses
- Map of nearby bus stops
- Station
- Gloucester Road
- Cycle hire station
- Gloucester Road (North) (Map)
- Toilets
- Toilet on site
- Access
- Garden not fully accessible to wheelchair users.
Best wheelchair entrance is via Eldon Road, coming from the north side of Christ Church Kensington. Narrow bark paths and uneven ground in the woodland area. Main path is wide enough for wheelchair access. - Dogs
- Dogs on leads welcome
