Latest garden news update 30/01/2026
Looking Back with Gratitude, Moving Forward with Hope
All in all, 2025 was a wonderful year for our community garden at St John's – thanks to the dedication of our Eco Officers, the community working party, and the many volunteers who gave their time and resources.
We’re especially grateful for the donated benches, each now bearing a memorial plaque that adds a special touch of remembrance and belonging to our space.
We welcomed a good number of people to our first Solstice event in the garden, which took place in December. A short play, a rouring firepit, mulled wine and carols - all was a splendid setting, making great use of this wonderful space.
As we begin 2026, we do so on a good note – celebrating the achievement of our Silver Eco Church Award! This milestone reflects our shared commitment to caring for creation and building a place of peace and beauty for everyone to enjoy.
Two new bird boxes are being made and signs have gone up on both entrances to welcome people to the garden and also to inform visitors with children, to be aware of the small pond of open water.
The working party have been busy planning what needs to be done over the coming weeks and months so you can all enjoy the many flowers this Spring and Summer. Keep an eye out for upcoming dates for a cream tea, a summer solstice event and Celebrating Pride. We look forward to welcoming you.
If you would like to join our fortnightly working party please just come along (the dates are on the calendar) we are glad of any help of any ability, or just come along to cheer us on. You may even get a cuppa!
If you would like to know more please check the website for details.
The Eco Officers are:
Tash Fairbanks
Jane Millat
A Glimpse of Eden
Beyond the walls of our church, a miracle has been taking place – it’s our new community wildlife garden. Inspired by the vision of our Eco team: Tash, Jane and Lisa, an abandoned overgrown patch of brambles has been transformed into a place of life, rest, and renewal. It’s all thanks to a team from St John’s and the wider community, all inspired to restore life to this forgotten corner.
Every couple of weeks, people come together to dig, plant, laugh, and learn. Together they’ve cleared tangled undergrowth, dug out a pond for frogs and dragonflies, and planted fruit trees and wildflower seeds. The garden is full of thoughtful touches: benches for quiet reflection, a woodchip path, and even a hole in the wall so that hedgehogs can come and go. With donations from church members helping to bring the vision to life, this project shows the power of a community working in hope and faith.
Many of you were at the opening celebration when everyone was given a decorated packet containing a prayer and seeds - which were scattered as a symbol of new beginnings and shared purpose. This simple yet meaningful act echoed the very first garden of all: Eden.
In Genesis, Eden was a place of harmony between humanity, nature, and God - a sanctuary where all things were in balance. Although our garden is smaller and humbler, it carries something of that same spirit. It’s a space not only for wildlife to thrive, but for people to find peace, and to reconnect with nature and one another. In a world that often feels rushed and divided, the garden reminds us of God's invitation to tend, to care, and to live gently with the earth.
It's more than just a garden - it’s a testament to what love, cooperation, and hope can grow. It’s a place where local nurseries will bring children to visit and learn. It’s a place to reflect. Weather permitting, it will be a place to have fun at our Summer Fair.
And as the trees take root and the plants grow, so too does a revitalised sense of community. Everyone is invited to enjoy the experience of this little Eden which is thriving in our midst. Whether it’s to lend a hand, rest on a bench, or simply pause and listen, all are welcome. It’s part of our mission here at St John’s; a heavenly way of sharing God’s love beyond the church walls, with our neighbours. See you there!
Rev’d Sarah